Enrollment Open for 2023 Fang’s Reading Club

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GRAND CHUTE, WI – It is never too early to start thinking about reading and baseball! Registration is open for the 2023 edition of Fang’s Reading Club. Teachers may begin enrolling their schools in the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers program that encourages reading development in children from Kindergarten through fifth grade! This year’s program is presented by Fox Communities Credit Union, Myndology, and Luv 2 Play Appleton. Teachers and reading coordinators have until December 31 to get involved in this program.

Registration can be done through this link on the Timber Rattlers website. You may also check out other details on the program at that link.

Personnel at participating schools have the flexibility to design the program to meet the needs of their students.

Fang’s Reading Club provides the following:

An introductory letter to be sent to parents at the start of the program

Baseball related verification aids to help parents and teachers track the progress of participants

Information to aid schools in setting up their Family Night at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium

An easy, online ticket ordering option

A Timber Rattlers game ticket with a hot dog and soda voucher as part of their school’s Family Night in 2023 are free to students who meet all their goals for the program. Sponsors and the Timber Rattlers will have a special prize waiting for those who complete the program at the ballpark when they attend their game!

You may also download this year’s Reading Club brochure here.

There were 135 schools and over 35,000 students to participate in the program last year. This year’s club can be even bigger with your help!

Contact Dayna Baitinger at [email protected] or (920) 733-4152 if you have any questions or would like to register your school for Fang’s Reading Club.

Bluefield Ridge Runners announced as recipient of Lee Landers Community Service Award

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that the Bluefield Ridge Runners have been named the recipient of the 2022 Lee Landers Community Service Award. The Lee Landers Community Service Award is presented to the club that demonstrates an outstanding, ongoing commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

The staff of the Bluefield Ridge Runners has contributed $259,307 in cash and in-kind services through July 31, along with 866 hours to various community organizations. The Ridge Runners participated in Project Graduation, charity car shows, concerts, food drives and flood relief efforts. The Ridge Runners have also contributed to community organizations such as Rotary International, the Chamber of the Two Virginia’s, Sacred Heart Catholic Church Food Bank, Bluefield Area Little League, the Union Mission, the annual Mountain Festival, the Bluefield Restoration Committee and the Bluefield Beautification Committee.

“The Bluefield Ridge Runners are honored to be presented the Lee Landers Community Service Award for 2022,” said Ridge Runners general manager Rocky Malamisura. “The receipt of this award affirms the efforts of the club to be an integral part of the surrounding community.”

This season, Ridge Runners players volunteered a recorded 370 hours in the community at places like food pantries to reading programs and autograph sessions. Two baseball camps were provided by the Ridge Runners at no cost to the participants, which allowed more than 70 children to benefit from these camps. The Bluefield Club also participated in the Play Ball initiative with area Little Leagues and Vet Tix.

ThAdditionally, Ridge Runners catcher Parker Redden (Delaware) was named the Appalachian League Humanitarian of the Year. When the Ridge Runners were in town, Redden drove approximately 35 miles each way to volunteer at Freedom Farms, a nonprofit, faith-based organization for at-risk youth in West Virginia.

“It is especially satisfying to uphold the values of the award’s namesake Mr. Lee Landers,” Malamisura added. “Service before self is a trademark of what we value here with the Ridge Runners. Our staff, coaches, players and patrons strive to give back to the community that has itself given so much to us.”

Lee Landers served as the Appalachian League president from 1996-2018 and passed away May 17, 2021. Lee always placed others first and encouraged all clubs and staff to become involved and give back to their communities. Lee’s involvement over the years included: Roman Cultural Society, Jaycees, Police Benevolent Association, D.A.R.E, Senior Olympics Board, Baseball Chapel, American Heart Association and Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio Coming to Day Air Ballpark

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Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons are excited to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio to Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Home games from Friday, July 22 to Sunday, August 14 will be dedicated to supporting this program.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio is a program that is of no cost to the families. When a child is enrolled in the program, they receive a book in the mail each month until their fifth birthday. This program is made possible with financial support from the Ohio General Assembly and affiliates across the state as well as Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine. Montgomery County currently has an enrollment rate of over 46% of children of five years and younger.

From Friday, July 22, through Sunday, August 14, the Dragons will include books with first-game certificates for first time Dragons fans under the age of five while supplies last, as well as bookmarks that allow parents or guardians to directly sign their children up for the program. On Sunday, August 14, the Dragons will host Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio Day with a sign-up booth, first pitch, graduation ceremony and more to highlight the program.

For more information on this program, visit https://ohioimaginationlibrary.org/

Single-game tickets for these games and all Dragons 2022 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

More Information:_ The Dayton Dragons are the Class-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 66-game home schedule at beautiful Day Air Ballpark_ in the heart of the Water Street District. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at [email protected]_, or on the web at daytondragons.com._

GRAND SLAM Home Run Readers Amass Nearly 3 Million Minutes

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Reading Program Reaches Record Heights

Rockland County, NY (June 20, 2022) – With nearly 3 million minutes of reading in the books for this season, the New York Boulders’ “Home Run Readers” program continues to build its successful reputation – one book at a time.

In conjunction with NY529, the partnership with the Boulders has helped promote literacy in elementary and middle schools throughout the Lower Hudson Valley, the Bronx and Northern New Jersey. First started in 2013, this year’s program saw a record 38 schools participate with more than 3,500 students opening the books.

The challenge ran from April 25 and ended on May 15.

The rules were simple: only out of school reading counted.

Each school designated a coordinator to record each student’s reading times, as well as a total for their school.

When all was said and done, each reader fell into one of five prize categories:

  • Under 400 minutes earned you a single and a participation certificate
  • At least 400 minutes had you on second base with a double, a participation certificate and two tickets to a specified Boulders’ game this season.
  • Up to 800 minutes and you legged out a triple to go along with a participation certificate and four tickets to a specified 2022 Boulders’ game
  • 1300 minutes or more had you circling the bases with a home run, a participation certificate, four tickets to a specified game where you also had the privilege of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

The top reader for the year, Yankilvio Molina of the Highland Falls Intermediate School in Highland Falls, NY, will be rewarded with on-field recognition at a Boulders’ game, as well as an autographed baseball and a photo taken with manager T.J. Stanton and Boulder Bird.

Teachers who had their classes participate, along with their designated program coordinator and school principal were awarded five tickets to a future Boulders’ game, as well as a 10% discount at the team store located inside Clover Stadium.

This year’s top five reading schools were:

  1. Little Tor Elementary School in New City, NY
  2. Highland Falls Intermediate School in Highland Falls, NY
  3. Edgemont Elementary School in Montclair, NJ
  4. Greenwood Lake Middle School in Monroe, NY
  5. A. MacArthur Barr Middle School in Nanuet, NY

Each of the top five schools were awarded a suite to a 2022 Boulders’ home game for 14 staff members.

Information regarding season tickets and packages for the Boulders’ 2022 season are available by calling 845-364-0009 or sliding to www.NYBoulders.com.

All Aboard: READing RailRoad Returns

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MOOSIC, PA (May 2, 2022) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to announce the return of their READing RailRoad program this spring and summer courtesy of Red Robin. READing RailRoad allows children aged 4-13 the chance to read five books and be rewarded for their work with a free ticket to an upcoming home game at PNC Field and a coupon from Red Robin.

“The READing RailRoad is a simple way to keep your child reading outside of their school,” stated Jordan Steiner, the RailRiders Director of Community Relations. “We all know how rewarding sitting down with a book already is and this is a great way to add some fun and incentive plus a sense of accomplishment doing just that!”

Printable bookmarks are available on the Community tab of swbrailriders.com or at any of the participating libraries in the area. Those libraries include:

Abington Community Library

Clymer Library

Hazleton Area Public Library

Hoyt Library

North Pocono Public Library

Osterhout Free Library

Pike County Public Library

Pittston Memorial Library

Taylor Community Library

Tunkhannock Public Library

Print your bookmark now!

Parents/Guardians must register their child or children by sending their name, their child’s name, phone number, and mailing address to [email protected]. As each book is finished, the reading log on the bookmark must be completed and the parent/guardian must initial each numbered box. When all five books are read, parents must send a completed copy or photo of the bookmark to [email protected].

The ticket link to redeem one free Field Reserved ticket per participant will be emailed to the parent/guardian once the child has completed the five books and submitted proof. Additional tickets for friends and family will be available for purchase through the link.

All tickets are digital and there is a limit of one (1) Field Reserved ticket per child who participated. There is also a limit of one (1) bookmark per child this season.

The ticket voucher is redeemable for any 2022 regular season home game – tickets and seating are subject to availability. The coupon for Red Robin is good for a free kid’s meal with the purchase of any adult item.

For more information or to print the bookmark, visit our Community tab.

Bookmark Contest Winners Announced

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March 20, 2022 – The Everett AquaSox is excited to announce our 2022 Reading Program Bookmark Contest winners! We received hundreds of entries into the contest and thank everyone who entered. Our winners are all participants of the Everett AquaSox “Hit A Home Run in Reading” program.

The winners are: Annelise (Age 7) – Cedar Wood Elementary, Olivia (Age 5) – Columbia Elementary, Brady (Age 7) – Cedar Wood Elementary, Serena (Age 10) – Totem Falls Elementary.

For over a decade, the AquaSox have been facilitating a free, local, incentive-based program encouraging kids to read daily. This past year, we dad over 10,000 kids participate from various elementary schools in the area. Teachers, Librarians, and PTA coordinators from each school partnered with the AquaSox and assisted with implementing the program to encourage independent reading as a foundation for life-long learning.

If you would like more information about the reading program and how to get your school connected, please reach out to our Director of Community Relations, Nellie Kemp at [email protected]

Opening Day is April 8. 2022 season tickets, ticket plans, group outings and picnics outings can be purchased by calling (425) 258-3673 or visiting the AquaSox Front Office at 3802 Broadway in Everett.

For updates on the 2022 season, community initiatives and Webbly appearances, follow the Frogs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit our website, AquaSox.com.

Wind Surge Re-launches Reading Program in Partnership with Credit Union of America

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The Wind Surge are excited to finally relaunch the Wichita Wind Surge Reading Program, in partnership with Credit Union of America.

The mission of the four-week reading program is to improve literacy while rewarding students for making time outside of the classroom to read. Sports promote health through physical activities, the brain is a muscle that needs exercise. Reading stimulates language skills and helps them to engage better with peers and educators.

We love to see children who participate gaining rewards while goals are met. After a student meets a goal, they get a “HIT.” Each “HIT” collects new prizes from sponsors – Whole Foods, Red Robin and Chick-Fil-A. Children must complete each base goal before moving forward.

Participating schools will have the option to host a kick-off assembly. A member from the office and Windy the mascot will come and explain the program’s process while getting children excited about receiving a free ticket.

All classrooms will be given a poster to track each student’s progress throughout the program and teachers will determine each week’s reading goal to fit their own lesson plans.

There are no additional requirements, only prizes for students. Prizes will be delivered to the school by Wind Surge staff members.

“We’re just really excited to help the teachers,” Director of Fan Experience Bob Moullette said. “It’s been a long two-and-a-half years for educators. Anyway, we can incentivize the reading goals already set in the classrooms to help them out and reward all the kids to come out to the ballpark, is a win win for everyone. We’re excited to get those schools out here representing.”

Visit windsurge.com to learn more! If you have any questions or are interested in signing your school or class up. Please contact Neleigh Higgins at [email protected] or 316-221-800.

RiverDogs Partner with CCSD for Sixth Year of “Reading Around the Bases”

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The Charleston RiverDogs and the Charleston County School District have announced plans to commence the sixth year of their literacy initiative, “Reading Around the Bases.” The program began during the 2016-2017 school year to promote having fun while reading with second graders throughout the county.

Starting on Tuesday, January 25, second graders from over 20 elementary schools in CCSD will begin a 10-week baseball-themed incentive program. Every student will receive a Reading Challenge packet that includes a scorecard and tracking sheet. To move around the bases on the scorecard, a student must read a certain number of pages: 100 pages for a single, 200 pages for a double, 300 pages for a triple, and 500 pages for a home run.

This year’s kickoff event for “Reading Around the Bases” will be at Murray-LaSaine Montessori School on James Island on January 25 at 9:00 a.m. RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols, other members of the front office staff and Charlie T. RiverDog will participate in the event. Media outlets are welcome to attend.

“The RiverDogs are proud to continue the outstanding relationship with the Charleston County School District that has existed since I have been a part of the organization,” added RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “Literacy and education are vital for the development of young members of the Charleston community, and we are excited to continue impacting students in the sixth year of this tremendous program.”

Special guests from the RiverDogs will visit schools in CCSD over the course of the next few months to provide encouragement and engage the students as volunteer readers.

“We continue to be impressed with and grateful for the effort the RiverDogs put into in this initiative, and for their continued support of our district,” said CCSD’s Chief Academic Officer, Karolyn Belcher. “Credit goes to Christy James and our teacher-librarians as well. They do so much work behind the scenes to make this a memorable and enjoyable program for our students.”

The top-25 second graders from each participating school will be honored at a select RiverDogs game during the upcoming season.

The RiverDogs will open the 2022 season at home against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Friday, April 8. Season tickets, flexible ticket plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are available at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The Segra Club is also open for events year-round. Visit segraclub.com for more information.

Read With Ballplayers January 15 At The Bodacious Bookstore!

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In conjunction with Fish Fest at Blue Wahoos Stadium, Miami Marlins prospects Jordan McCants and Jeff Lindgren will visit the Bodacious Bookstore and Café on Saturday, January 15 for a morning of family-friendly fun at Books With Ballplayers! From 11:00 AM until noon, McCants, Lindgren, and Blue Wahoos mascot Kazoo will read with children in attendance and participate in a question and answer session. The event is free to the public. Interested participants are encouraged to arrive early as space is limited.

In accordance with Major League Baseball health and safety protocols, face masks are required for all guests at Books With Ballplayers.

The Bodacious Bookstore and Café opened in August 2019 at 110 E. Intendencia Street in downtown Pensacola offering a wide selection of books for both children and adults, a children’s area highlighted by a replica lighthouse, and a full menu of coffee, tea, smoothies, and café-style food.

Following the Books With Ballplayers event, McCants and Lindgren will head to Blue Wahoos Stadium for the first annual Fish Fest event at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Held from 2:00 – 4:00 PM, the event will feature autographs, question and answer sessions, a yard sale, behind-the-scenes tours, and more. Free tickets to Fish Fest and more information on the event can be found AT THIS LINK.

Swoop & Stu’s Reading Club Returns for 2022

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SOUTH BEND, IN – With winter break over and many schools resuming class, the South Bend Cubs are proud to announce the return of Swoop & Stu’s Reading Club, presented by Indiana 811 and NIPSCO. Teachers and administrators have until February 7 to register.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR CLASS OR SCHOOL

Swoop and Stu’s Reading Club is an incentive-based reading program where teachers set goals for their students to match the reading levels in their classroom. Each goal corresponds with a base on a baseball diamond and intended to last four weeks. The program begins March 2 to coincide with National Read Across America Day established by the National Education Association (NEA).

Students will be rewarded with prizes from the South Bend Cubs and local businesses for each goal completed. After students complete all four bases, they will receive a complimentary ticket to a South Bend Cubs home game, valid for the school’s designated Reading Club Night.

Registration is open until February 7 with packets scheduled to be delivered to participating schools the week of February 21. South Bend Cubs mascots Stu and Swoop will make appearances to selected schools who participate in the program. Due to the number of requests, appearances are limited.

Teachers and administrators can contact South Bend Cubs Account Executive Kyle Vincent at [email protected] with questions or to sign up. Additional information can be found here.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the High-A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 34 years, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

Timber Rattlers Give Back Announces End-of-Year Funds Raised

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GRAND CHUTE, WI – Timber Rattlers Give Back, the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, raised more than $185,000 through the Foundation’s events, programs, donations, and fundraising initiatives in 2021.

“The Timber Rattlers are fortunate to live in a supportive community and the team works hard to develop and implement programs and events to give back to the community,” said Dayna Baitinger, Director of Community Relations for the team.

Nine jersey auctions held during the season were the main fundraisers for the Timber Rattlers this year. The auctions included team-worn jerseys based on promotions for the Udder Tuggers, Los Cascabeles, Military Appreciation, Milwaukee Brewers, and Video Game.

The team is finalizing their jersey designs for the 2022 season and will unveil those designs early next year.

The annual Charity Golf Outing which was held on Tuesday, September 21 was another significant fundraiser. Nearly 100 area golfers and front office personnel collected $15,000 through the golf and raffles that were held after the outing.

An almost daily driver of donations to Give Back was the 50/50 Raffle that was held during every home game during the 2021 season. Fifty percent of all money raised during each night’s raffle went to the person with the winning ticket and the other fifty percent went to the foundation. There was over $65,000 raised for charity through the raffle during the year. The largest fund-raising night of the 50/50 raffle during the 2021 season was on Saturday, August 14 with the winner collecting $2,304 and the same amount going to Give Back.

Whiffer’s Fitness Program and Fang’s Reading Club were popular program run by the team for area youth through the mascots. The reading club is an incentive-based program that allows schools in Northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula to get children from Kindergarten through fifth grade involved in reading. The fitness program helped to get kids in the Fox Cities to get and stay active.

Wisconsin front office members tended to their on-site vegetable garden to grow and harvest over 400 pounds of food in the Greenstone Farm Credit Services Ballpark Garden at Neuroscience Group Field. The harvest was taken to St. Joe’s Food Pantry. Fang celebrated his birthday in August with his annual Cans for Cake food drive and over 500 pounds of non-perishable food items were collected and donated to St. Joe’s.

Some of the charities helped by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in 2021 included Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Fox Valley Veterans Council, Children’s Cancer Family Foundation of Northeast Wisconsin, St. Joe’s Food Pantry, Harvest of Hope Fund, Hunger Task Force, Community Christmas, Fond du Lac Salvation Army, The Salvation Army-Fox Cities, Treffert Center, and Miracle League of the Fox Valley.

Additionally, 2,000 hats were presented to area Little League programs. Numerous other charities received over 10,000 ticket vouchers to be used in their own fundraisers by the Rattlers.

Timber Rattlers Give Back was established in 2019 and is dedicated to making a positive difference in our community. We aim to provide financial support and help raise awareness of charitable causes in the Fox Valley community in the areas of education, youth sports, and basic needs by using the platform made possible by Minor League Baseball and stadium ownership.

Thank you to everyone who assisted in our charitable works in 2021. We could not have accomplished this without the support of the players, coaches, and community. We look forward to growing Give Back even more in 2022.

TinCaps Reading Program Ready for 2022

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FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Enrollment is now open for the 2022 Fort Wayne TinCaps Reading Program.

Educators can sign up at TinCapsReading.com.

The deadline to enroll in the program is Tuesday, December 7.

With the TinCaps Reading Program, educators work with students to set requirements and goals, such as a number of books to read, a number of pages to read, hours spent reading, etc. The TinCaps Reading Program, which comes at absolutely no cost for schools and students, can be used to supplement an existing curriculum.

Students who achieve their goals, rounding the bases to reach “home plate,” are rewarded with a complimentary ticket to a TinCaps game at Parkview Field on a select date, plus receive a voucher for a hot dog, a drink, and a special prize.

See below for a list of Reading Program game dates during the 2022 TinCaps season.

The TinCaps supply educators with the necessary materials to implement the program and distribute ticket order forms to students.

Teachers also receive a free game ticket, and can schedule an appearance at their school by the TinCaps’ mascot, Johnny.

For more than a decade, the TinCaps Reading Program has proven to be a fun way to encourage reading development across hundreds of schools around the region, benefitting thousands of students.

“As the son of a long-time educator myself, I’m very proud of the fact that we have one of the top literacy programs in the entire country among professional sports teams,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. “This is completely free for schools. Especially given the challenges of the last couple years, now more than ever, it’s important for us to support our local teachers.”

Any questions about the TinCaps Reading Program can be directed to Blaine Jerome at 260-407-2837 or [email protected].

The TinCaps, who are the High-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres in Minor League Baseball, are scheduled to have their 2022 home opener on Tuesday, April 12 against the South Bend Cubs. Click here for the team’s full 66-game home schedule that features 25 fireworks nights.

In 2021, Parkview Field was rated the No. 1 game-day experience at the High-A level of Minor League Baseball and tied for No. 1 throughout all levels up through Triple-A.

2022 Spring Reading Program Dates

– Tuesday, April 12 (6:35 p.m.)

– Wednesday, April 13 (6:35 p.m.)

– Thursday, April 14 (7:05 p.m.)

– Friday, April 15 (7:05 p.m.)

– Saturday, April 16 (1:05 p.m.)

– Sunday, April 17 (1:05 p.m.)

– Tuesday, April 26 (6:35 p.m.)

– Wednesday, April 27 (6:35 p.m.)

– Thursday, April 28 (7:05 p.m.)

– Friday, April 29 (7:05 p.m.)

– Saturday, April 30 (1:05 p.m.)

– Sunday, May 1 (1:05 p.m.)

– Tuesday, May 17 (6:35 p.m.)

– Wednesday, May 18 (6:35 p.m.)

– Thursday, May 19 (7:05 p.m.)

– Friday, May 20 (7:05 p.m.)*

– Saturday, May 21 (6:35 p.m.)*

– Sunday, May 22 (1:05 p.m.)

– Tuesday, May 24 (6:35 p.m.)

– Wednesday, May 25 (6:35 p.m.)

– Thursday, May 26 (7:05 p.m.)

– Friday, May 27 (7:05 p.m.)*

– Saturday, May 28 (6:35 p.m.)*

– Sunday, May 29 (1:05 p.m.)

*FIREWORKS NIGHT

NOTE: Unlike years past, there are NO midweek day games for the 2022 TinCaps Reading Program.

Sherman Johnson Awarded With Twins Harmon Killebrew Award For Community Service

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ST. PAUL, MN (October 1, 2021) – The Minnesota Twins today announced the 2021 Harmon Killebrew Award winners for outstanding minor league community service. Following the Hall of Famer’s death in 2011, the Twins have annually recognized a player from each of the organization’s full-season affiliates. Each player is nominated by their respective general manager for their service within the affiliate’s community. A plaque is awarded, in addition to an on-field presentation during spring training. Though opportunities for community involvement were limited in 2021 due to COVID restrictions, this year’s winners made the best of the circumstances to make an impact in their respective cities.

Infielder Sherman Johnson has been named the winner of the award representing Triple-A St. Paul. Johnson is passionate about reading and promoting literacy, and was active in the Saints’ Reading Tree program this past season. The program took place on the outfield grass prior to Sunday home games and featured a Saints player and a local author/illustrator reading books to kids. Johnson, 31, signed a minor league contract with the Twins on May 12 and began the season at Double-A Wichita, before being transferred to St. Paul on June 1. He batted a combined .202 (45-for-223) with 10 doubles, two triples, five home runs, 33 RBI, 36 runs scored and 46 walks in 75 games for the Saints and Wind Surge.

Right-handed pitcher Hector Lujan has been named the winner of the award representing Double-A Wichita, his third time earning the honor (2014 – Cedar Rapids and 2019 – Pensacola). The 27-year-old was recognized by the Wind Surge front office as the first player to reach out about community engagement opportunities, despite the limits imposed by the pandemic. Lujan was also quick to engage and interact with fans by signing autographs, and was always willing to assist the front office whenever needed. He went 3-2 with a 3.62 ERA (32.1 IP, 13 ER), nine walks and 33 strikeouts in 18 games for the Wind Surge, missing time due to injury.

Catcher Alex Isola has been named the winner of the award representing Single-A Cedar Rapids. Isola volunteered with the local Meals on Wheels chapter during the 2021 season, delivering meals to those in need in his free time and encouraging his teammates to do the same. The 23-year-old also spent significant time signing autographs for fans whenever possible, using the bullpen area as his base. Isola spent the entire 2021 season with the Kernels, his first full professional campaign, hitting .243 (88-for-362) with 15 doubles, 17 home runs, 52 RBI, 47 runs scored and 53 walks in 98 games.

Catcher Jeferson Morales has been named the winner of the award representing Single-A Fort Myers. Morales was recognized by the Mighty Mussels front office as a player who went above and beyond regarding fan interaction during the season, noting his constant willingness to interact with fans and sign autographs whenever he could. The 22-year-old split the 2021 minor league season between Fort Myers and Cedar Rapids, batting a combined .255 (84-for-329) with 24 doubles, 12 home runs, 53 RBI, 12 stolen bases and 54 runs scored in 96 games.

Read & Hit a Home Run Reading Program Returns For 2022

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Bowie, Md: The Bowie Baysox are excited to announce the return of their “Read & Hit a Home Run” Reading Program in partnership with Educational Systems Federal Credit Union for the 2021-2022 school year. This year marks the program’s 25th year working with schools to encourage literacy education around the region.

The program, which began in 1996 (the 4th season of Baysox Baseball), works with over 200 schools across the DMV region, impacting over 35,000 elementary and middle school students a year. Those numbers include public schools, private schools and area homeschools/co-ops, helping encourage and foster an excitement for literacy in students.

Registration for the free program is now open for the 2021-22 school year. Public, Private and Home Schools can register for the program HERE. Registered schools can participate in the program by having their students read four (4) books during the given time frame. Every student that completes the reading goal will receive two free tickets to their school’s Read & Hit a Home Run Reading Program Rewards game during the Baysox 2022 season. Students that completed the program will be recognized for their accomplishments during the game.

All reading teachers & media specialists and homeschool teachers/directors are encouraged to register their school. Once registered, all students can participate in a jersey design contest, with the winning design being unveiled at a school assembly. Actual jerseys will be made out of the winning design, and those jerseys will be worn by the Baysox players during a game. The game worn jerseys will be auctioned off with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the school of the winning designer.

To register your school and for more information on the program, CLICK HERE or contact Dani Fox, Reading Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or by calling 301.464.4873.

Fang’s Reading Club Returns

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GRAND CHUTE, WI – School is back in session and so is Fang’s Reading Club! Teachers may begin enrolling their schools in the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers program that encourages reading development in children from grades K through 5! This year’s program is presented by Fox Communities Credit Union, Badger Sports Park, Myndology, and EatStreet. Teachers and reading coordinators have until December 31 to get involved in this program.

Registration can be done through the website set up at FangsReadingClub.com. You may also check out other details on the program at that link.

Personnel at participating schools have the flexibility to design the program to meet the needs of their students. Students who meet all their goals for the program are rewarded with a FREE ticket as part of their school’s Family Night at a Timber Rattlers game in 2022. Sponsors and the Timber Rattlers will have a special prize waiting for those who complete the program at the ballpark when they attend their game!

The Timber Rattlers and the sponsors of Fang’s Reading Club will provide:

  • An introductory letter to be sent to parents at the start of the program.
  • Baseball related verification aids to help parents and teachers track the progress of participants.
  • A FREE ticket to a 2022 Timber Rattlers home game with a hot dog & soda voucher for students who complete the program.
  • Home Run Prize to be redeemed by students on their School’s Family Night at the Ballpark.
  • An easy, online ticket ordering option.
  • Information to aid schools in setting up their Family Night at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

You may also download this year’s Reading Club brochure here.

The club had 125 schools and over 25,000 students participate in the program last year. Fang wants to make this year’s club even bigger and he needs you!

Contact Dayna Baitinger at [email protected] or (920) 733-4152 if you have any questions or would like to register your school for Fang’s Reading Club.