Cedar Rapids Kernels 2016 Community Report

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels are proud to release their first comprehensive community report. This report highlights the organization’s 2016 off the field efforts such as charitable donations, the Al Smith League of Dreams and the popular Kernels Summer Reading Program.

In conjunction with the “Take the Lead” community relations initiative, the Kernels want to show their commitment to being the community beacon for education, social and recreational programs in Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities.

Notable achievements this year include 150 community appearances by the team mascot Mr. Shucks, contributing donations totaling $314,744 and local children reading 2,618,750 total minutes in the Kernels Summer Reading Program.

Ryne George, the Kernels Community Relations Manager, says, “As a front office staff we all love Eastern Iowa and enjoy finding ways to give back. This report is a great example of what we do as an organization. We are looking to expand our efforts in 2017 and can’t wait to do even more for this great community.”

Click here to view the Kernels 2016 Community Report.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. For more information, visit www.kernels.com and follow the Kernels on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Whitecaps named Midwest League’s John Henry Moss Community Service Award Nominee

COMSTOCK PARK, MI – The Midwest League of Professional Baseball Clubs has named the West Michigan Whitecaps as its 2016 nominee for Minor League Baseball’s post-season John Henry Moss Community Service Award.

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is presented to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

Since the Whitecaps’ inaugural season in 1994, the team has been committed to operating as a community-based organization focused on providing affordable family friendly entertainment to the West Michigan region. And since that time, the Whitecaps’ success as an organization has been closely linked to the outstanding support received from the community. Giving back to that community has always been a pillar of the Whitecaps’ operating philosophy, and in 2013 the Whitecaps Community Foundation (a 501c (3)) was founded to focus the Whitecaps’ commitment to, and leadership of, charitable support of West Michigan kids and their families.

Some of the Whitecaps’ and Whitecaps Community Foundation’s 2016 highlights and community impacts are detailed below:

Ted Rasberry Field

Thanks to the efforts of the Whitecaps Community Foundation and its community partners, a $54,000 grant was secured from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (a partnership with Major League Baseball). In just four months’ time one of Grand Rapids’ most historic inner city fields was completely revitalized. Use of the new field is primarily for the Inner City Youth Baseball and Softball program and surrounding Grand Rapids community neighborhoods.

Orchestrating the revitalization of a field named in honor of a historic Negro League owner/player and Grand Rapids native was an easy decision for the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. When all was said and done, the Ted Rasberry Field renovations included: new bleachers, improved infield and playing surface, new equipment storage facility, reseeded outfield and an enhanced irrigation system.

Inner City Youth Baseball & Softball Program

The primary recipient of the Whitecaps’ and Whitecaps Community Foundation’s charitable efforts every year is the Inner City Youth Baseball and Softball program (ICYBS). This program is perhaps the Whitecaps’ best example of stability and sustainability as this season marked its 22nd year of providing free baseball to Grand Rapids inner city kids. The program is a collaborative effort between the Whitecaps Community Foundation, the Whitecaps and other community partners. Since 1995, more than $250,000 has been pledged to the program by the Whitecaps and the Whitecaps Community Foundation, allowing more than 27,000 children the opportunity to participate in organized baseball for free within the inner city.

In 2016, the ICYBS added a focus on nutrition and fighting childhood hunger and provided 9,600 post-game meals for the program participants. In total, the 2016 season stat line reads as follows: 1,400 children participated with 68 volunteers serving as coaches, drivers, and scorekeepers who donated a total of 1,758 hours of their time. Equipment was also provided for free with the West Michigan community donating more than 300 gloves and various pieces of equipment through the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s annual equipment drive.

Reading Program & Book Donation

The Whitecaps Community Foundation Reading Program is in its 12th year of helping area school children enjoy Whitecaps baseball while promoting reading. Children from area elementary schools who read a total of 450 minutes, or 15 minutes a day, in the month of March (known nationally as Reading Month) receive two tickets to any Whitecaps game in April-June. The Foundation delivers all support materials, such as bookmarks and posters, to all participating schools at no cost. The 2016 Reading Program had involvement from 75,000 K-6 area children from 268 schools ranging from public schools to home schooled. More than 20,000 complimentary tickets were given this season to children and their families in West Michigan.

To create even more excitement during the month of March and to encourage reading after the program had finished, the Whitecaps Community Foundation donated a book to every child at Dickinson Elementary School in Grand Rapids. Dickinson Elementary is considered a high-need school within Grand Rapids and received a total of 300 books.

Pinch Hitter Program

The Pinch Hitter Program is designed to give groups in need the opportunity to experience a Whitecaps game at no cost. Non-Profit organizations are matched with program donors and receive tickets allowing those groups to attend a Whitecaps game when they otherwise would not have been able to meet the financial obligation. In 2016 the Whitecaps Community Foundation was able to match 20 groups with corporate donors and as a result donated 500 tickets to groups in need. Michigan area.

Player Community Service Award

Since 1994, community involvement has been a pillar of how the Whitecaps operate, and this does not stop at the clubhouse door. West Michigan Whitecaps players are given the opportunity to volunteer throughout the community each season and in 2016, 30 players volunteered over 500 hours during the season. Players visited schools to encourage reading, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Veteran’s home as well as other locations in the West Michigan area. This season three players won the Inaugural Whitecaps Community Service Award, given to players who had the most impact within the community: Pitcher Sandy Baez, Outfielder Rashad Brown and Infielder Will Allen. Each of these players volunteered more than 50 hours of their time from April through August.

50/50 Program

Throughout the 2016 season, The Whitecaps Community Foundation helped non-profits raise funds by using the West Michigan Whitecaps facilities. Twelve non-profits raised $29,175 over the course of the season participating in the 50/50 raffle program. Non-profits took half of the $29,175 to use at their own discretion, while the winner took the other half. The Whitecaps Community Foundation had 13 of its own 50/50 raffles and managed to raise $30,760 for its programs in 2016.

The final line for 2016: With donations and fundraising efforts, the Whitecaps Community Foundation was able to give out more than $552,716 to local children and their families in 2016. All of these programs were considered by the Midwest League in choosing the West Michigan Whitecaps as its John Henry Moss Community Service Award winner and MiLB nominee.

Winners of all five of MiLB’s post-season awards, including the Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award, the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, the Larry MacPhail Award, the John H. Johnson President’s Award, and Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year Award, will be announced at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Washington, D.C. in December.

The Whitecaps open the 2017 season at home on Thursday, April 6 at 6:35 p.m. against the South Bend Cubs. Season tickets and mini plans will go on sale October 25 and can be purchased by calling the Whitecaps at 616-784-4131. Tickets for groups of 20 or more, including private party areas, will go on sale in November.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

66ers Honored with California League’s Award for Community Service

San Bernardino, CA – On Friday the California League announced the 2016 Front Office Awards and named the Inland Empire 66ers the winner of the Excellence in Community Service Award. The award, which was voted on by the other organizations in the California League, was given to the 66ers due to their outstanding and on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within the local community.

The Sixers received high praise from the league for their efforts and commitment to the community following the tragic events on December 2nd. A day after the incident, thousands came to San Manuel Stadium to attend a candlelight and prayer vigil. Victim’s families and friends, civic leaders and the community at large started healing the healing process together. On this night “SB Strong” came into existence and an organic fundraising opportunity happened after multiple attendees asked where they could buy tee shirts with the SB Strong logo on them. The fundraiser was a great success as over 2,000 shirts were purchased with 100% of the proceeds heading to the San Bernardino United Relief Fund. Following the vigil the club would go on to host a luncheon for the first responders, a SB Strong Charity Picnic and Blood Drive and the team’s SB Strong Night Game. During this game the Sixers and the visiting San Jose Giants wore specialty SB Strong jerseys that went up for auction to raise funds for the cause. In total, $74,115.26 was raised for the victims and their families through events held at San Manuel Stadium.

The 66ers continued their excellence in community service by closely working with local schools in several ways. The team’s reading program, which provided tickets for children and their families for reading, saw an increase in participation by over 30%. In addition, the club introduced the Breakfast with a Book Program in which students were rewarded for their academic efforts by receiving breakfast and a new book courtesy of the club. The commitment to the area didn’t stop there as the 66ers worked with over 200 local partners that had an impact of over $400,000 in donations during the 2016 Season.

About the Inland Empire 66ers

The Inland Empire 66ers are the California League Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and play their home games at San Manuel Stadium. The club is one of eight Elmore Sports Group owned franchises and one the six Minor League Baseball clubs in the group. Other Elmore Sports Group baseball franchises include the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Pacific Coast League), The San Antonio Missions (Texas League), Lynchburg Hillcats (Carolina League), Eugene Emeralds (Northwest League), and the Idaho Fall Chukars (Pioneer League). The 66ers franchise will play their 30th season in San Bernardino during the 2017 season which starts on Thursday, April 6th.

Follow the 66ers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @66ersbaseball

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

B-Mets Issue Reading Challenge To Binghamton Schools

BINGHAMTON, NY – On Wednesday, September 21, 2016 the Binghamton Mets issued a reading challenge to all of the elementary schools within the Binghamton Central School District. The grand prize – the winning school will assist the Double-A Mets Affiliate with the announcement of their new team name in November.

It was important for the organization to partner with the local Binghamton Central School District elementary schools as a way of furthering our ties to the local Binghamton community. At the end of the day, the Double-A Mets Affiliate will proudly say “Binghamton” right across the chest of the jerseys. Therefore, we are proud to partner with Calvin Coolidge, Benjamin Elementary, Horace Mann, MacArthur, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, Woodrow Wilson, and St. John’s for this friendly challenge amongst the Binghamton schools.

From September 21st through October 21st the Binghamton Mets are looking to see which of the eight schools can read the most combined minutes per student. Each student within the district has been provided with an Independent Reading log to track his or her progress. For the entire month (as well as the entire school year) students will keep track of all their time spent reading within the classroom and outside the classroom. On October 24th all schools will submit their final data for the Binghamton Mets staff to review. After all of the data is reviewed the Binghamton Mets will announce the winners of the reading challenge that same week.

The winning school will then be bused and provided lunch at NYSEG Stadium in November for the unveiling of the new team.

For more information please call 607.723.METS or email eddie@bmets.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Register for Fang’s Reading Club

GRAND CHUTE, WI – The 2017 edition of Fang’s Reading Club is open for enrollment now! The club is presented by Learning Rx and is an incentive-based rewards program that encourages reading development in children from grades K through 5. Teachers and reading coordinators have until Friday, November 18 to get involved in this popular Timber Rattlers program.

Personnel at participating schools have the flexibility to design the program to meet the needs of their students. The Timber Rattlers and various sponsors will provide students with incentive prizes as they reach goals within the program. Students who meet all of 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 2017.

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.
  • Incentive prizes for students as they reach each goal set by the coordinator.
  • A FREE ticket to a 2017 Timber Rattlers game with a hot dog & soda voucher for students who complete the program.
  • Information to aid schools in setting up their Family Night at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

Please head to Fang’s Reading Club page at the Timber Rattlers website for full details, including a sample timeline, dates for Reading Club games, and how your school can schedule a visit from Fang.

The sponsors of Fang’s Reading Club in 2017 are Learning Rx, Badger Sports Park, and Feeding America.

Contact Dayna Baitinger at dbaitinger@timberrattlers.com, (800) WI-TIMBER, or (920) 733-4152 if you have any questions or would like to register your class or school for this year’s club.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

WTTW Readers are Leaders Event Travels to Cougars, August 14

GENEVA, Ill. – The WTTW Kids Readers are Leaders event is coming to Fifth Third Bank Ballpark on Sunday, August 14 before the Cougars take on the Cedar Rapids Kernels for Back to School Night at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.kccougars.com.

Gates for the event will open at 11 a.m. with festivities beginning in the Music Garden, presented by the Acres Group, at 11:15 a.m. Each person with a ticket for that day’s game will be allowed entry into the ballpark for the free, family-friendly event. Featuring sing-along songs and interactive stories with Miss Lori’s CAMPUS, the event is geared towards young children and their families to help support literacy development throughout the summer.

Click here for more information about Readers are Leaders.

In addition, WTTW and the Cougars will be holding a book exchange. Fans are encouraged to bring a gently used book to the ballpark where they can exchange it for a new book to take home and enjoy.

Illinois Senator McConnaughay will be on hand to provide fun activities for kids and their families in the Cougars KidZone area, presented by Rainbow Play Systems, as well as raffling off backpacks full of school supplies to help kids as they head back to the classroom this fall.

The game is also a Sunday Funday, presented by Dave & Buster’s, which includes free entertainment and discounts for kids in the KidZone area. Activities include pre-game Catch on the Field and an autograph session with Cougars players. The deals don’t stop there as Sunday is Kids Eat Free at the Cougars with all children between the ages of 3 and 10 receiving a voucher at the gate for a free hot dog and small soda.

Following the game, fans of all ages will be able to run the bases.

To purchase tickets for Back to School Night, and participate in the WTTW Kids Readers are Leaders event, contact the Cougars box office at 630-232-8811 or visit www.kccougars.com.

For updates throughout the season on ticket and promotions follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 144 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Join Rays Kids Club, Summer Reading Program

Princeton, WV- The Princeton Rays are proud to unveil the 2016 Rays Kids Club and the 2016 Princeton Rays Summer Reading Program.

Rays Kids Club:

The Rays Kids Club has been a staple of summer fun for young Rays fans for many years and will continue to provide members with club-exclusive incentives and experiences in 2016.

Sponsored by MedExpress Urgent Care of Princeton, the Kids Club privileges for members include:

  • Invitation to five pre-game club meetings with meals provided including a picnic with several Rays players.
  • Official Kid’s Club T-Shirt, Membership Card and Certificate
  • Free admission to all regular season Rays games when wearing Kids Club T-Shirt
  • A custom birthday card autographed by Roscoe the Rooster
  • All members registered by June 3, 2016 will have their name listed in the Rays 2016 Game Program

The Kids Club is open to children ages 12 and under with a cost of membership is set at just $22 per child.

Membership registration forms are available on the Rays’ official website princetonrays.net, from the Rays’ front office or via email by request sent to princetonrays@frontier.com.

Rays Summer Reading Program:

The Rays and the Princeton Public Library aim to show that that baseball is a mental as well as physical game. With that in mind, the Rays official announce their partnership with the Princeton Public Library and the formation of the Rays 2016 Summer Reading Program.

The program will extend from the time Princeton-area schools release students for Summer Break until the end of the Princeton Rays regular season. Children ages 6 to 14 are welcome to register and win Rays’ prizes for reading throughout the summer.

The only requirement of Summer Reading Program members is to read one book about baseball and have their parent or guardian sign-off on the amount of hours they have read.

Prizes for members include:

  • One exclusive player autograph opportunity for five hours of reading
  • One game ticket for ten hours of reading
  • A 15% off coupon to the Rays’ Team store for 15 hours of reading
  • A Rays’ Reader T-Shirt for 25 hours of reading

Also, the Reading Program member who reads the most hours as of August 26 will earn the opportunity to throw the ceremonial first pitch at one of the Rays’ final regular season home games against the Bluefield Blue Jays.

Registration for the Rays Summer Reading Program is free for all interested members of age.

Membership registration forms are available at the Princeton Public Library, on the Rays’ official website princetonrays.net, from the Rays’ front office or via email by request sent to princetonrays@frontier.com.

The Princeton Rays, for the 20th season, are the proud Appalachian League Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and will begin their 2016 home schedule on Sun., June 26 against the Danville Braves.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Muckdogs Announce Hit the Books Reading Program

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced the start of their reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of New York’s 529 College Savings Program, 2016 will mark the fourth year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across local counties with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book. When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday Batavia Muckdogs’ game! In addition to the free ticket, the child will also receive a prize courtesy of New York’s 529 College Savings Program. If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win a backpack with school supplies, provided by New York’s 529 College Savings Program; along with the opportunity to throw out a first pitch at a Muckdogs game.

In addition to the many participating schools, bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

  • Richmond Library (Batavia)
  • Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
  • Byron-Bergen Public Library
  • Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Woodward Memorial Library (LeRoy)
  • Holley Community Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Josh Swan, at 585-343-5454 x 1005.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

TinCaps Reading Program Reaches Record Numbers

Partnerships with Longe Optical and PBS39 Help Promote Literacy

Jeff Ostermann, President of Longe Optical, at Parkview Field.
Jeff Ostermann, President of Longe Optical, at Parkview Field.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Thanks to Longe Optical and PBS39 (WFWA), the TinCaps Reading Program has reached new heights in 2015. The influence of local partners will be on full display at Wednesday’s 11:05 a.m. TinCaps game when Parkview Field is set to host approximately 4,000 school children – a record number at one game.

Longe Optical, the exclusive eye care provider of the TinCaps, became the presenting sponsor of the TinCaps Reading Program in 2014. As a result of the commitment of Longe Optical’s four Fort Wayne locations, the program now has 64,789 students participating throughout Northeast Indiana, Northwest Ohio, and southern Michigan. That’s an increase of nearly 10,000 students from a year ago.

“The TinCaps Reading Program presented by Longe Optical is one of the top literacy programs in the country,” TinCaps President Mike Nutter said. “As the son of a teacher, I’ve seen the impact that reading and literacy can have on a child. The teachers in our region are as good as anywhere in the country and we love having them partner with us on this tremendous program. It’s completely free for the schools thanks to our partners at Longe Optical.”

The TinCaps Reading Program is a community initiative which encourages students to read by setting individual goals for number of books, number of pages, hours spent reading, etc. Each student “rounds the bases,” hitting benchmarks until the final goal is reached, and with that milestone comes a free ticket to a TinCaps game, a hot dog, and a bottle of water. Participating schools also can receive a visit from the TinCaps’ mascot, Johnny.

“We are thrilled to see the growth in the TinCaps Reading Program,” said Jeff Ostermann, President, Longe Optical. “For more than 65 years, Longe Optical has had a deep commitment to helping children see better with innovations such as our HD digital lenses and $99 kids eyeglass packages. With the growth in the program we know that thousands more children are seeing and reading better than ever before and we are excited to see even more participation in the years to come.”

For more information on the TinCaps Reading Program presented by Longe Optical, visit TinCaps.com.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Click here to view the original story.

Spikes announce 2015 school programs

Outreach programs provide lessons to over 15,000 Central PA students

statecollegespikes_2014-04-30

The State College Spikes are pleased to announce the team’s roster of 2015 school programs. Each program has a unique theme and focus, with the common goal of using the Spikes brand to supplement classroom curriculum in the areas of reading, writing, exercising, eating healthy and conserving water. These programs are always offered free of charge to area schools.

Most programs are implemented through school assemblies and involve mascots, players and front office staff. All programs offer K-8 students the opportunity to earn free tickets to a Spikes’ home game upon completion of one of the fun and educational school programs. The Spikes annually reach over 15,000 Central Pennsylvania school children in Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Huntingdon, Mifflin and Juniata Counties through community outreach programs.

New for the 2015 season is the “Head Above Water” program presented by the State College Borough Water Authority. The program teaches water conservation and its positive effects, with a free Spikes ticket offered upon completion of the program.

Below are capsules of the Spikes 2015 school programs:

Healthy Home Runs presented by Mount Nittany Health
The Spikes and Mount Nittany Health are offering this school program, which is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle by creating awareness of the importance of proper nutrition and physical activity. Ike the Spike and representatives from Mount Nittany Health will visit schools to hold a kick-off assembly, which can be held outside or inside. During the assembly, K-6 students will be educated on the importance of exercise and nutrition before having the opportunity to take “Ike’s Fun Fit Challenge.” Students who complete the simple and fun physical fitness challenge will be rewarded with one complimentary Bullpen Box ticket and an on-field recognition ceremony during the Spikes’ Healthy Home Runs Day at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Sunday, August 2.

Books and Baseball Program presented by National Penn Bank
The Spikes and National Penn Bank have partnered for the Books and Baseball Reading Program for the 2015 season. This program encourages students to complete a reading program by rewarding them with free Spikes tickets upon completion. Participating students will receive a special bookmark to keep track of the books they read. Any participating student that reads four books under the supervision of their teacher or parent will earn one free ticket for a designated Books and Baseball game during the 2015 season. At those games, participants will be honored from the field for their participation and completion of the programs. The program includes a free assembly and reading presentation with the National Penn Bank Nook Monster at any of the participating schools. Books and Baseball is designed for students in grades K-8.

Spikes Essay Contest presented by the Centre Daily Times
The Spikes Essay Contest is for K-8 students to creatively share their experiences and thoughts about the State College Spikes through pictures or essays. The contest is divided into three different grade levels: K-1, 2-4 and 5-8. Students in kindergarten through first grade are encouraged to include drawings along with one sentence for the theme “If I were Ike the Spike.” The second to fourth grade group will be asked to write a short essay entitled “If I coached the Spikes.” Fifth to eighth graders will be encouraged to write a 300 word or fewer essay entitled “If I could create a new food item for the Spikes, it would be (blank).” A winning essay will be chosen in each of the three age groups and those winners will earn tickets to a 2015 Spikes home game for their entire grade. The submission deadline for the Spikes Essay Contest is June 1.

“Head Above Water” presented by the State College Borough Water Authority
All new for 2015 – the State College Borough Water Authority and the Spikes have partnered to implement a youth water conservation awareness program, “Head Above Water.” Ike the Spike, along with a representative from the State College Borough Water Authority, will be educating students on the importance of water conservation and the effects it can have. The program is an initiative that will encourage students to practice good water conservation habits by rewarding them with a free Spikes ticket upon completion of the program. Participating students will receive a special baseball card to help remind them how to conserve water. Any participating student that completes the water conservation program under the supervision of his or her teacher and/or parent will earn one free ticket to a 2015 Spikes baseball game. The program includes a free assembly and water conservation presentation with Ike the Spike and the State College Borough Water Authority at any of the participating schools.

There is no cost for schools to participate in any of the Spikes school programs. Teachers or administrators interested in participating in any of the State College Spikes School Programs can contact Bobbi Jo Davidson, Spikes Community Relations Assistant at (814) 272-1711 or bdavidson@statecollegespikes.com.

The Spikes, defending New York-Penn League champions, begin their 38-game home schedule with Opening Night on Friday, June 19 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, and the slate continues through September 6.

Single-game tickets for each game in the 2015 season will be available starting at TicketFest 2015 on Saturday, May 2 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Season tickets, McDonald’s Flex Books and an array of group and hospitality options for the 2015 season are currently on sale by calling the Spikes at (814) 272-1711. Additional information on all club ticketing options can be viewed here.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

RailRiders Roll Out READing Railroad Program

August 12 Designated “Library Night” at PNC Field

Moosic, Pa. – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are encouraging children to curl up with a good book this summer as part of their READing Railroad program. The initiative is a library-based reading program that encourages kids to attend their local library, read and then rewards them with a free ticket to a RailRiders game to be themed “Library Night” on Aug. 12.

The launch of the program coincides with the beginning of “Library Appreciation Week,” which runs April 12-18. Registration forms for READing Railroad have already been sent to libraries in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Wyoming and Wayne counties.

Children ages 4-12 are eligible to participate. Children participating in the program will receive a bookmark from their participating library. As each child checks out and reads a book, the librarian will check off one of the boxes located on the back of the bookmark. Once the child has completed five books, they can turn in their bookmark at the PNC Field Box Office for their free ticket for the Aug. 12 “Library Night” game. Bookmarks can be redeemed at the box office on or before the Aug. 12 game date.

Kids 12 and under attending the game that night can also eat for free as part of “Kids Eat Free Wednesday,” presented by Minooka Subaru.

The RailRiders begin a three-game series with the Rochester Red Wings (Triple-A/Minnesota Twins) on Monday night at 6:35 p.m. For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

– SWB RailRiders – All Aboard! –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

Spokane Indians Kick Off Reading Challenge

Molina Healthcare proud to sponsor learning program

The Spokane Indians Front Office Staff inform children and OTTO the Mascot about the Reading Challenge presented by Molina Healthcare. (James Snook)
The Spokane Indians Front Office Staff inform children and OTTO the Mascot about the Reading Challenge presented by Molina Healthcare. (James Snook)

SPOKANE, Wash – The Spokane Indians are excited to announce the Spokane Indians Reading Challenge, presented by Molina Healthcare. The reading challenge will encourage and empower local children to learn through reading. The challenge started today at Sheridan Elementary!

Click here to see a photo gallery!

“The Spokane Indians are always working on new ways to give back to the community,” said Otto Klein, the Indians Senior Vice President. “With the help of Molina Healthcare, we were able to bring the Reading Challenge to life.”

Each child at Sheridan Elementary will be given a reading log to keep track of their progress. For every 150 minutes read, each child can earn a new prize as they make their way around the bases:

  • 150 Minutes (1st Base): An autographed OTTO or Doris baseball card
  • 300 Minutes (2nd Base): A free book courtesy of Molina Healthcare
  • 450 Minutes (3rd Base): Special edition Spokane Indians bookmark
  • 600 Minutes (Home Run): Two tickets to a Spokane Indians game

The challenge will run for six weeks, ending on Friday, May 29th. If each child reads just 20 minutes five days a week, they will hit a home run! The classroom with the most minutes logged will win a pizza party with OTTO the Mascot!

“It’s important for kids to begin living a healthy lifestyle at a young age,” said Erica Newton, Community Engagement Coordinator for Molina Healthcare. “Molina Healthcare promotes the exercise of both the body and mind that will ultimately lead to a healthy lifestyle.”

About the Indians

The Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. Ticket Packages and Group Areas for the 2015 Spokane Indians season are now available! Click here to view the 2015 schedule. For more information, please visit www.spokaneindians.com or call (509) 343-6886 (OTTO). Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Spokane Indians. Click here to view the original story.

Drive Celebrate Reading All-Stars on April 13th

Accomplishments to be celebrated with entertainment and pregame parade

greenvilledrive_2015-04-03

Fluor Field will host its first Reading All-Stars Night of the 2015 season on Monday, April 13th at 7:05! Monday’s game marks the first of the Drive’s three-game series against the Lexington Legends, affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.

Along with Michelin, N.A., the Drive are excited to welcome students from Greenville County Elementary Schools and Pickens County Schools to Fluor Field for a fun evening of celebration! The Drive’s eighth annual Reading All-Stars program is designed to encourage learning and education success through reading.

A pregame parade of champions around Fluor Field that celebrates their success in the program begins at 6:30 PM, and each student will be provided with a Drive-Michelin Reading All-Star t-shirt.

During the game, schools with continued success in the program will be inducted into the Reading All-Star Hall of Fame, and top performers for the school year will be recognized. In addition, students will participate in the in-game entertainment, including a tug-of-war, shoe scramble, sack race and more!

Come out and support the Reading All-Stars on all their hard work in school this year! To purchase tickets, stop by the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or click here.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Greenville Drive. Click here to view the original story.

Muckdogs Announce “Hit the Books” Reading Program

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced the start of their reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of NYs 529 College Savings Program, 2015 will mark the third year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across local counties with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book. When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday Batavia Muckdogs’ game! In addition to the free ticket, the child will also receive a prize courtesy of NYs 529 College Savings Program. If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win a backpack with school supplies, provided by NYs 529 College Savings Program; along with the opportunity to throw out a first pitch at a Muckdogs game.

In addition to the many participating schools, bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

  • Richmond Library (Batavia)
  • Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
  • Byron-Bergen Public Library
  • Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Corfu Free Library
  • Woodward Memorial Library (LeRoy)
  • Holley Community Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Mike Ewing, at 585-343-5454 x 1005.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hit the Books Underway in Area Elementary Schools

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Annual reading program assists children in setting & achieving goals

Missoula-OspreyThe Missoula Osprey with help of their partners, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana and Sylvan Learning, kicked off the club’s biggest and most successful community program, Hit the Books, in nearly 30 area elementary schools.

The Osprey started the Hit the Books Reading Program in their inaugural season in 1999 and have seen participation grow over time. 4,777 students spanning 241 classrooms are participating in the 2015 edition of Hit the Books, where annually nearly 50,000 books are read.

“Hit the Books is one of the best reading programs in all of professional baseball,” Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin said. “The program is incentive based designed for Missoula-area students to set goals and follow through with achieving them over a seven week period.”

Hit the Books is set up like a baseball game, meaning there are nine innings (three books equals one inning), where students receive a different prize for each inning completed. Every student that participates gets a letter of achievement and is entered to win a Kindle Reader. Other prizes include Osprey themed school supplies, an exclusive dessert party with team mascot Ollie, and ticket vouchers to an Osprey game. Over $100,000 in prizes was awarded to area students in 2014.

The program culminates with a celebration at one of eleven Osprey home games designated as Hit the Books Nights, where students are honored for their achievements.

“The program wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of our partners,” Griffin said. “We are also very proud of all of time the students and teachers put in to make it a success. Educators tell us the program helps motivate students as summer vacation approaches.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Missoula Osprey. Click here to view the original story.