Fireflies Launch Campaign to Retire SC Veteran Medical Debt

COLUMBIA, SC – In advance of Independence Day, the Columbia Fireflies today announced a campaign to retire the medical debt of veterans across the state. More than 700 veteran families have a combined $800,000 in medical debt in South Carolina, and the team and its fans will have the opportunity to help in this community-wide effort.

“Columbia is known as the ‘Most Military Friendly Community in America’ for many reasons,” said Fireflies team president John Katz. “Every American can appreciate the sacrifices our military heroes have made, and now we have an opportunity to pay it forward.”

The kickoff for the campaign will begin on July 4th, as the Fireflies celebrate Independence Day at Spirit Communications Park. Specially-designed red, white and blue jerseys – first worn by the team on Fort Jackson Night, June 5th – will be auctioned off during the game. 100% of the proceeds from the auction will benefit our veterans in need.

RIP Medical Debt, a nationally-recognized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charity, was established in 2014 to locate, purchase and forgive unpaid and unpayable medical debt. Our campaign, which will be funded by events such as the jersey auction, will provide RIP Medical Debt the funds to buy South Carolina veteran medical debt and abolish it, with no strings attached for the beneficiaries.

This program provides debt relief for those in our military community that need it most. To qualify, veteran medical debt has been identified for people who meet the following criteria: 1) people who make less than 2x the Federal poverty level; 2) people with financial hardship – a debt that is 5% or more of their annual income; and 3) people who are insolvent.

In addition to the jersey auction on July 4th, fans will have additional opportunities to give:

July 4 – July 9: The Fireflies will be holding a “Text to Give” campaign at Spirit Communications Park during the week of Independence Day, where fans will have the opportunity to text a donation.

Additional opportunities will be announced later this season.

Tickets for the July 4th Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza are on sale now. Visit FirefliesTickets.com, the Spirit Communications Park ticket office or call (803) 726-4487 for more information.

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About the Columbia Fireflies

The Columbia Fireflies are the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Winners of Ballpark Digest’s Best New Branding and Logo Award in 2016, the Fireflies play games across the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, including against in-state rivals in Charleston and Greenville. The team partnered with the city of Columbia and Hughes Development to construct Spirit Communications Park, a multi-use outdoor sports and entertainment venue at the center of the BullStreet development. The Columbia Fireflies are owned by Hardball Capital, owners of the Fort Wayne TinCaps of the Midwest League and the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern League. For more information, visit ColumbiaFireflies.com, or follow the Fireflies on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Spirit Communications Park

Spirit Communications Park, the 2016 Ballpark Digest Ballpark of the Year, is a 365-day per year multi-use sports and entertainment venue located in the heart of downtown Columbia, SC. Spirit Communications Park is the home ballpark for the Columbia Fireflies, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Designed for baseball, concerts, football, soccer and a host of other activities, the venue seats approximately 9,000 for sporting events and up to 15,000 for major outdoor concerts. With 16 luxury suites and a 7,000 square-foot Club Level Lounge, Spirit Communications Park can also host everything from business meetings to wedding receptions, and everything in between. The venue is open 365 days a year and serves as a public park with the wrap-around concourse representing 1/3 of a mile for walkers and joggers. For more information, visit SpiritCommunicationsPark.com.

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

Shorebirds to Hold Collection for Brooke’s Toy Closet

SALISBURY, Md. — The Delmarva Shorebirds are proud to partner with Market Street Inn and MoJo’s again in 2018 to hold a toy drive to benefit Brooke’s Toy Closet at The Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

Brooke’s Toy Closet was started in 2014 by Brooke Mulford, a local girl who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer, in January of 2009, when she was four years old. Brooke, unfortunately, lost her battle with cancer in June of 2017. Brooke’s Toy Closet is a special cabinet filled with toys, coloring books and other goodies that PRMC’s Emergency Department and Pediatrics Unit can give to children who are hospitalized. The recipients of these gifts will be able to use them when they’re in the hospital, and take them home to enjoy when they are feeling better.

The toy drive will be held on Saturday, July 21st when the Shorebirds host their annual Christmas in July game at 7:05 PM against the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Gates will open at 4:00 PM so that fans can watch the Shorebirds and Grasshoppers take batting practice. The Shorebirds will be holding the collection in the Fun Zone outside the main gates of Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Those who make a donation will receive a ticket voucher to a future 2018 Shorebirds home game, a $5 gift card to Market Street or MoJo’s, an entry in a raffle to win another $50 gift card to each restaurant, and other prizes. The Shorebirds will accept new unwrapped toys, activity books, and other children’s toy items.

If you can’t make it to the Shorebirds game on July 21st, starting on July 1st, you can drop off your donated toys at Market Street Inn at 130 W Market Street in Salisbury.

That night’s game will also feature the Shorebirds wearing special Christmas-themed jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit the Shorebirds Fly Together Fund and a postgame Q105 fireworks show presented by MoJo’s and Market Street Inn.

For more information on the toy drive, contact the Shorebirds at 410-219-3112.

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

Shorebirds Summer Reading Program Begins

SALISBURY, Md. — The Delmarva Shorebirds are happy to partner with McDonald’s® Restaurants of Eastern Shore through the Shorebirds Summer Reading Program in 2018.

The Shorebirds Summer Reading Program provides incentives for over 10,000 children to participate in their local libraries’ summer reading programs. This summer, the Shorebirds and McDonald’s are partnering with over 25 public libraries by offering complimentary tickets and other offers that can be used as rewards or incentives with their existing Summer Reading Programs.

The Shorebirds will be making several trips to libraries on the Eastern Shore where Shorebirds players and/or Sherman will read to kids and talk to them about the importance of reading.

Youth that reach their reading incentives in Delaware and Virginia will be invited out to the Shorebirds game on Sunday, August 5th against the Charleston RiverDogs while participating youth in Maryland will be invited to the Shorebirds game against the Rome Braves on Sunday, August 19th.

“We know learning never stops, and providing kids an incentive to read more over the summer break will better prepare students for classes in the fall,” local McDonald’s owner/operator Tiffany Beach said. “The Shorebirds Summer Reading Program is an exciting way to encourage continuous learning and reward kids for their efforts. We are so happy to be a part of the program in 2018.”

“The Shorebirds are excited to partner with McDonald’s through our Summer Reading Program. We really believe that with the incentives that are provided by the Shorebirds and McDonald’s, along with visits from Shorebirds players and Sherman, that the children will not only realize that reading is important but also have fun in doing so,” said Chris Bitters, General Manager.

Here is the list of the appearances that have been booked so far:

June 27th-Frankford Library-2:00 PM
July 18th-Snow Hill Library-2:00 PM
July 25th-Crisfield Library-10:30 AM
August 1st-Wicomico Library-10:30 AM
August 6th-Millsboro Library-11:00 AM
August 16th-Talbot County Library-10:30 AM

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

Military Appreciation Day is Sunday, July 1st

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY

The Drive will celebrate Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, July 1st at Fluor Field. The game against the Charleston RiverDogs will begin at 4:05 PM, and the Drive are honored to recognize the brave men and women who have served, or continue to serve, our country as part of this special day.

Throughout the evening, the Drive will team up with Upstate Warrior Solutions, a nonprofit that assists warriors with future opportunities and encourages the community to embrace them as neighbors and friends.   Prior to the game, the Drive will have a special military vehicle display on Field Street for kids to take pictures with.

The military celebrations will also begin before the game with a fly-in by the U.S. Army Special Forces Parachute Team and a flyover of Warbirds Vintage Aircrafts.

Don’t miss this special celebration of the military at Fluor Field on July 1st! Tickets are available now at the Main Street Box Office, by calling (864) 240-4528 or by CLICKING HERE.

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

Military Appreciation Night, Troop Supply Drive on June 14th

Military Appreciation Night on June 14th includes a Troop Supply Drive.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws will be hosting their annual Military Appreciation Night and Troop Supply Drive, presented by OceanFirst Bank, at the game on Thursday, June 14th. First pitch is at 7:05 pm.

There will be both pre-game and in-game ceremonies honoring members of the armed forces. A Black Hawk Helicopter will be stationed on the Great Lawn in front of the ballpark for pictures with fans.

Tickets – Call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here to order online.

Additionally, the BlueClaws will once again be collecting items for their Troop Supply Drive. Boxes will be set up for the Troop Supply and Care Package Drive in the front of the ballpark and fans are encouraged to donate razors, snacks, baby wipes, shampoo, soap, non-chocolate candies and sweets, sun block with SPF 40+, lip balm, writing utensils, silly string, deodorant, tissues, q-tips, white socks, batteries, insect repellent, and flashlights.

The BlueClaws will also be collecting, as always, gently used cell phones at the New Jersey Natural Gas Information Booth to benefit Cell Phones for Soldiers.

This supply and care package drive is in conjunction with the Monmouth-Ocean Central Labor Council Military Committee, Monmouth-Ocean Building Trade Council, National Guard, Toms River Armory, A.R.M.S, and IBEW Local 400 Military Committee.

Vets Night Out – Through the BlueClaws Vets Night Out program, presented by OceanFirst Bank, fans can donate tickets that will be given directly to veterans to enjoy BlueClaws games on June 14th and August 21st this year. For more in Vets Night Out, click here or call Tyler Odle at 732-901-7000 ext 124.

In addition, former Yankee Bucky Dent will be signing autographs at the game. Dent hit one of the most famous home runs in baseball history to win a one-game playoff against the Red Sox in 1978. His signing will begin at 6 pm when the gates open.

Bucky Dent VIP Express Pass – A VIP Express Pass lets holders skip the main autograph line. A limited number of express passes are available and can be ordered online by clicking here on the phone at 732-901-7000 option 2. Please note when ordering that the VIP Line price includes a game ticket ($23 adults, $20 junior/senior).

It’s also a Thirsty Thursday, presented by 95.9 WRAT, with dollar beer and soda plus 75-cent wings in the BlueClaws Biergarten. For more on the BlueClaws Thirsty Thursday Club, which includes seven undated Thursday tickets and access to a VIP Line in the BlueClaws Biergarten, click here.

– BlueClaws –

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

Fluor Field Hosts Blood Drive on Thursday, June 7th

The Greenville Drive and The Blood Connection are teaming up again in 2018 to hold blood drives at Fluor Field. The next blood drive at Fluor Field is scheduled for Thursday, June 7th. The Blood Connection buses will be set up outside the Main Street gates between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

Fans who stop by Fluor Field and donate blood will receive a ticket voucher to a 2018 Drive game at Fluor Field, subject to availability, and a Blood Connection t-shirt. They will also be provided with a hot dog, chips and a drink after donating.

For more information on The Blood Connection and donating blood, CLICK HERE.

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

Lexington Legends to Host A+ Teacher Appreciation Night

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are excited to announce Teacher Appreciation Night on 90’s Night with a guest appearance by Saved By The Bell’s Mr. Belding on Thursday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. Teachers who show their ID at the box office will receive $3 off box seats for the night.

“We are excited to honor all the hard work that teachers do each and every school year. We invite them to kick off summer with Teacher’s Appreciation Night as well as our other promotions such as Thirsty Thursday and Bark in the Park. We are also pleased to welcome 90’s icon, and one of the most well know principals: Mr. Belding from Saved By the Bell,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea.

In order to honor some of the hardest work people in Kentucky, the Legends invite teachers to Whitaker Bank Ballpark to celebrate the school year and take in a baseball game. Teachers will also be involved in on-field promotions throughout the game, in what is sure to be an A+ night.

One of the most famous Principals will also be making an appearance at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. Mr. Belding from Saved By the Bell will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs, take pictures and find out exactly what is going on in here.

On Throwback Thursday, the Legends will be throwing it back to the 90’s with scrunchies, neon clothing and more. Be prepared for all the best hits, including the sweet tunes of the Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls and other top groups from that decade.

It is also Thirsty Thursday courtesy of Kentucky Ale and Pepsi. Enjoy $1 12 oz. beers and $3 16 oz. beers at the Bullpen Patio, First Base Pavilion Tent, and the Handlebar in the first base concourse. $1 Pepsi products will be available in the 1st base and 3rd base concession stands.

Fans can also bring their best friend, of the K9 variety, for Bark in the Park with a $2 donation to Scott County Humane Society.

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and member of the South Atlantic League, play all home games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington, Kentucky. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com

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

Girl Scout Day is Sunday at Fluor Field

The Drive’s homestand against the Augusta GreenJackets concludes with Girl Scouts Day on Sunday at 4:05 PM.

The Drive are excited to team up with the Girl Scouts of South Carolina Mountains to Midlands for another day of celebration. Girl Scouts will participate in a pregame parade around Fluor Field, and when the gates open, there will be an on-field bridging ceremony in which Girl Scouts receive a commemorative patch from this special day.

During the game, Girl Scouts will take part in the Education Adventure Challenge that teaches the importance of healthy living by combining Scout practices with the game of baseball.

Stick around after the game for Kids Run the Bases presented by BlueCross BlueShield!

Purchase tickets for Sunday’s game at Fluor Field by visiting the Main Street Box Office, by calling (864) 240-4528 or by CLICKING HERE.

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

Drive Celebrate Mauldin Miracle League on Saturday

The Drive will celebrate Mauldin Miracle League Night at Fluor Field on Saturday night. First pitch is at 7:05, and prior to the gates opening, the Mauldin Miracle League will hold two games on the field with players, coaches and staff members from the Drive and Augusta GreenJackets.

The Mauldin Miracle League gives every child the opportunity to play baseball, no matter their disability, and these games will create lifetime memories for everyone involved. The Drive’s relationship with the Mauldin Miracle League has been ongoing for 13 years, and all of the players in Saturday’s games on the field will be wearing Drive and Red Sox jerseys, provided by the Drive.

The Drive will also be recognizing players and staff members from Mauldin Miracle League and Greenville Little League throughout the night.

To purchase tickets for Saturday’s game at Fluor Field, stop by the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or CLICK HERE.

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

Crawdads’ Battle of the PTOs Raises Over $2,500

Hickory, NC- The Hickory Crawdads are proud to have hosted their annual Battle of the PTOs presented by Denise Clay: Edward Jones last Friday night. This year twelve schools participated in the fundraiser and combined to raise over $2,500 that was all donated to back to PTOs.

Local schools signed up to participate in the fundraiser to raise money for their respective PTO. Each school received vouchers to the game. For each voucher turned in at the Crawdads box office, the school’s PTO received a donation of $4. The schools competed to win an extra $250 for having the most vouchers redeemed.

Ray Childers Elementary had the most vouchers turned in on Friday night and will receive $922. Snow Creek Elementary and Dudley Schoals Elementary tied for second place and will receive $125 in addition to the money raised from their vouchers.

“The Crawdads were very excited to be a part of raising money for our local PTOs again this season,” said Crawdads Executive Director of Sales and Merchandise Douglas Locascio. “We were happy to see so many families come out to help support their schools and raise over $2,500 for the PTOs.”

The other schools participating this year were: Kings Creek School, Bonoak Elementary, Jenkins Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, George Hildebran Elementary, Clyde Campbell Elementary, Startown Elementary, Pumpkin Center Primary, and St. Stephens Elementary.

The Crawdads return to the Frans on Wednesday, May 9th and will be home through Tuesday, May 15th. On Thursday May 10th, the ‘Dads will be hosting Dunder Mifflin Night and Thirsty Thursday. On Friday Night, Crawmoms weekend will kick off and will include a post-game fireworks show. Throughout the weekend, the ‘Dads will be playing as the Crawmoms and will wear special caps and jerseys. On Saturday, the first 1,000 fans will receive a replica Crawmoms jersey thanks to Pepsi. The weekend will wrap up on Sunday with a special Mother’s Day celebration. The first 100 moms will get a rose courtesy of Whitfield’s Flowers and More. Wine and Design will also be at the stadium for a Crawmoms themed class on the picnic deck.

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

BlueClaws, CJBC Blood Drive on May 12th

The BlueClaws are hosting a Blood Drive on Saturday, May 12th.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws and Central Jersey Blood Center are teaming up for a blood drive on Saturday, May 12th from 8 am – 1 pm at FirstEnergy Park.The drive will take place in the BlueClaws Executive Conference Center and each donor will receive a pair of tickets for a 2018 BlueClaws game.

The BlueClaws encourage all fans to donate as the supply of blood needs to be replenished at this time.

While walk-ins are accepted, donors are encouraged to pre-register. To sign up, call 888-71-BLOOD or click here to register online.

Don’t Forget: Please eat before donating. All equipment used during the procedure is sterile and disposable. Donors must be healthy, be at least 16 years of age and weigh at least 120 pounds. Donors must present signature ID.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment.

2018 BlueClaws single-game tickets, ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

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

Allergy Awareness Day, With Ballpark Nut Free, on May 9th

Allergy Awareness Day, a day where FirstEnergy Park goes “Nut Free” for those with food allergies, is Wednesday, May 9th.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws will host an “Allergy Awareness Day” at FirstEnergy Park on Wednesday, May 9th at the team’s 6:35 pm game against Charleston (Yankees) which includes the ballpark being nut free for this game only.

At this game, the BlueClaws will not be selling or distributing any products that contain peanuts, and no peanut products will be used in food preparation or available for sale (peanuts, Cracker Jacks, etc.), giving those with peanut-allergies the chance to experience BlueClaws baseball!

“The BlueClaws are pleased to be able to offer this night for those around the Jersey Shore impacted by allergies,” said Jim McNamara, BlueClaws Vice President of Tickets. “We want everyone around the area to have to opportunity to enjoy BlueClaws baseball and look forward to a great night.”

This year, the BlueClaws unveiled a new Mini Golf Course down the right field line and the Toyota World Home Run Pavilion opened in centerfiled. The Home Run Pavilion includes traditional boardwalk games like Hoop Shot, Cat Rack, Balloon Darts, as well as a Sweet Shop with traditional boardwalk favorites.

Tickets are currently on sale. To order, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here to order online.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment.

– BlueClaws –

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

Take a Deep Breath, Legends To Host Yoga on the Field Presented by Bourbon on Rye

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Fans can breathe deep on May 12 at 10 a.m. when the Lexington Legends host Yoga on the Field Presented by Bourbon on Rye. This complimentary community event is open to yogis of all ages and allows fans to do yoga on the same field as the Legends.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Brooke Williams will lead a 60-minute Vinyasa Flow. Bend and zen alongside the Legends players and Big L in this practice designed for beginners to advanced yogis. Following yoga, fans can indulge in $2.00 post-yoga mimosas.

“We are excited to host Yoga on the Field again this year. This is a great opportunity to get outside and exercise with our players and Big L. You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy yoga, so we encourage fans of all yoga levels to come out to Whitaker Bank Ballpark,” said Legends President/CEO, Andy Shea.

Please use this link to RSVP for the event. Special thanks to our partner, Athleta, for helping to make this possible!

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and member of the South Atlantic League, play all home games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington, Kentucky. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com.

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

RiverDogs Host Run Charlie Run 5K

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston RiverDogs will host the 15th annual Run Charlie Run 5K presented by Fleet Feet Sports on Saturday, May 19. The event starts at 4 p.m. at Joe Riley
Park and culminates with a home plate finish.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Campaign for MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.

“We’re excited to once again welcome our hundreds of runners to our annual 5K for a memorable run and ballgame later that night,” said RiverDogs Director of Special Events Lisa Dingman. “It’s a great way to spend a Saturday with the run and a RiverDogs game while benefitting a great cause.”

Early registration for the event is $30 and includes entry to the race, a ball cap, a post-race dinner and beer, and a ticket to the night’s game against the Columbia Fireflies. Runners can register to the event by following the link HERE.

RiverDogs single-game tickets, including options to the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2018 campaign, the club’s 25th season as the RiverDogs and their “175th season in dog years.” Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com/tickets.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

Nominations Being Accepted for Most Valuable Teacher Program

Most Valuable Teacher Night is Friday, June 15th.

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The BlueClaws honor Most Improved Students every year, but this year, the BlueClaws and the NJEA are partnering to honor Most Valuable Teachers at the game on Friday, June 15th.

Teachers can be nominated by students, parents of students, fellow teachers, principals, or other administrators.

How to Nominate: Click here to fill out a nomination form. Plus, the BlueClaws encourage nominators to email videos to MVT@blueclaws.com. Video submissions, where the student talks about why their teacher is a Most Valuable Teacher, could be used on the BlueClaws video board the day of the ceremony.

“Teachers are the bedrock of our education system and we want to recognize their achievements this spring,” said BlueClaws General Manager Joe Ricciutti. “This event, honoring the top teachers at the Jersey Shore, is extra special since we are taking the nominations and videos from the students and parents themselves.”

Upon nomination, teachers will be contacted through their schools. Each teacher will receive a complimentary ticket to the BlueClaws game on June 15th and will be recognized in a pre-game ceremony.

The Friday, June 15th game also includes post-game fireworks thanks to New Jersey Natural Gas.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable family entertainment. Ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale for the 2018 season by calling 732-900-7000 option 3.

– BlueClaws –

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