South Atlantic League

Cookies with Claus Set for December 8

November 5, 2012

Free event starts at 10am to support Toys for Tots

Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds are once again hosting “Cookies with Claus” on December 8 from 10am-12pm in the Executive Club of Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. The event is free and open to the public. Santa Claus and Sherman Claus will be in attendance to get you ready for the holiday season.

The Shorebirds are encouraging everyone that attends to bring a new toy to the stadium, which will be donated to Toys for Tots. Through the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program the toys will be distributed as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children on the Eastern Shore.

RiverDogs volunteer with Fields to Families

October 27, 2012

Each month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete one day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. In October, the Charleston RiverDogs Front Office Staff spent their monthly Staff Volunteer Day with the nonprofit organization Fields to Families. Members of the staff gleaned vegetables from a local farm to donate to local food banks and soup kitchens.

“It was awesome to get out there and get our hands dirty,” says RiverDogs Director of Media Relations & Broadcasting Sean Houston. “It was rewarding, and fun, and I hope we get to do it again soon.”

Fields to Families is a nonprofit organization, founded in 2006, that helps the hungry in the Charleston community gain access to nutritious fruits and vegetables.

Fields to Families’ operates as a three step process. The organization depends greatly on local farms who generously offer unused fruits and vegetables to Fields to Families, which are then harvested by volunteers, like the RiverDogs staff. Those fruits and vegetables then make their way to Lowcountry organizations that feed the hungry, including food pantries, soup kitchens, Meals on Wheels, shelters and churches. It is these recipient agencies who complete the process and distribute the harvested foods to the hungry and needy.

The RiverDogs staff spends the day volunteering with Fields to Families.

Director of Media Relations, Sean Houston and Sales Representative, Annie Fuller.

Sandersville Elementary celebrates ‘Hit the Books’ win

October 12, 2012

Sandersville Elementary School students held a celebration Friday after winning the Lexington Legends/Chick-fil-A “Hit the Books” Reading Program contest for 2012.

In “Hit the Books,” a baseball diamond is used to record credit for a student’s reading. For every book a student reads, a teacher places his or her initials on a base. When the student has all three bases and home plate initialed by the teacher, the student may bring a “Hit the Books” bookmark to the Legends’ box office at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to exchange it for two tickets.

The 2012 season was the 12th for Legends baseball, and also marked the 12th year that the Legends have been associated with the “Hit the Books” program. About 125,000 central Kentucky students have participated.

During the 2012 season, Sandersville Elementary students redeemed 260 bookmarks – more than any other school. All 800 students and faculty were rewarded with a free chicken nugget party, with the Legends’ Big L and the Chick-fil-A cow serving as hosts.

“Hit the Books reading incentive program is designed to encourage kids to read books in and away from school,” said Sarah Piester, the Legends’ director of community relations. “We believe the program generates a greater enjoyment of reading while tying it to baseball. We were thrilled with the number of students who participated overall and could not be more proud of Sandersville Elementary students for their accomplishment.”

Sandersville Elementary School students celebrated their win in the Lexington Legends/Chick-fil-A Hit the Books Reading Program with a chicken nuggets party Friday at the school. The Chick-fil-A cow and the Legends “Big L” served as hosts. (Photo: Lexington Legends – Sarah Piester)

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

RiverDogs Staff Raise Funds for American Heart Association

October 8, 2012

The Lowcountry Heart Walk is the American Heart Association’s mission in action. This annual celebration promotes physical activity and heart healthy living in a fun, family and dog friendly environment. There is a Survivor Reception for Cardiovascular & Stroke survivors and their caregivers. More than 5000 walkers are anticipated to participate in this non competitive one or three mile walk event. As our signature fundraising event, the Lowcountry Heart Walk is raising critical dollars for the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission.

The Charleston RiverDogs front office staff started a Heart Walk team with a collective fundraising goal of $1,500. By the day of the Heart Walk, the RiverDogs staff were able to donate a total of $1,675 for the American Heart Association.

On September 29th, a police-estimated 5,200 people — men and women of all ages and ethnicities — gathered to celebrate survival, “miracles” and raised a projected $650,000 to help more fight the No. 1 killer of Americans, cardiovascular disease and defects. The walk also focuses on lifestyle change to improve heart health.

This year’s Heart Walk chairwoman, Anita Zucker, said the event helps highlight the Heart Association’s goal to reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease and strokes by 20 percent by 2020.

“To reach this goal, we must start in our communities across the nation,” urges Zucker. “Thank you for committing today to stand for positive change in our community. Today is the day we begin to walk more, eat better and live longer.”

Sales Representatives Annie Fuller and David Cullins and Director of Media Relations at the starting line of the 2012 Heart Walk

Miracle Field Play Begins for Fall

October 3, 2012

The Braves Miracle Field of Rome kicks off its fall season beginning Saturday October 20th. The Rome Braves and Rome Floyd Parks & Recreation Authority are in need of volunteers for the season that runs through November 17.

The younger division will play each Saturday at 12:30pm and the older division will play at 1:30pm. A pre-season practice will be held on Saturday October 13th.

For those interested in playing, the registration fee which includes your uniform and end of season reward remains $50 per player. Scholarships are available.

If you have any questions, please contact Tammy Bryant with RFPRA at 706-234-0383 or Erin Elrod with the Rome Braves at 706-368-9388.

Click here to download a registration form now.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rome Braves. Click here to view the original story.

4th Annual Braves Celebrity Shootout Golf Tournament

September 28, 2012

The Rome Braves and Floyd County Police Department announced today the date for the 4th Annual Braves Celebrity Shootout to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. The day will consist of registration and driving range at 9:30am, a shotgun start at 11am, followed by an awards reception after the tournament. Food and drinks will be provided. The golf tournament will be held on Friday November 9 at Stonebridge Golf Club in Rome. Teams or individuals can register at the Floyd County Police Station or at the ticket office located at State Mutual Stadium, home of the Rome Braves. Hole and team sponorships are available as well.

Celebrity participants include members of the Atlanta Braves coaching staff as well as minor league field staff. Past participants have included current Atlanta Braves third base coach, Brian Snitker, former Rome Braves manager and current Gulf Coast Braves manager Rocket Wheeler, current Rome Manager Randy Ingle, and former Rome Braves players.

The Wounded Warrior Project is an organization dedicated to raising awareness and enlisting the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members; to helping injured service members aid and assist each other; and providing unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.

For more information, please contact the Rome Braves at (706)369-9388 or Gary Conway at the Floyd County Police department (706)235-7766.

Click here to download a registration form now!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rome Braves. Click here to view the original story.

$33,000 Raised In Home Runs for Heroes

September 20, 2012

Nine military-based, local non-profit organizations received a total of $33,000 from OceanFirst Foundation as part of the 2012 Home Runs for Heroes program in conjunction with the BlueClaws and WOBM.

Through the program, which just concluded its fourth season, each time the BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park, $1,000 is donated from OceanFirst Foundation to one of nine organizations. Each organization is tied into one particular inning. This year’s leaders were Army Emergency Relief of Fort Dix and Fort Monmouth (first inning) and National Guard State Family Readiness Council (second inning), which each received $7,000 for seven home runs hit in their respective innings.

The four-year total for the program is now $108,000. Checks were presented to the organizations at a FirstEnergy Park ceremony on September 18th.

“Ocean First Foundation is proud to partner with the Lakewood BlueClaws and WOBM to honor and support local veterans and the servicemen and women who protect and serve our country here at home and abroad. We had another great year of home runs and OceanFirst Foundation is proud to support these great organizations,” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation.

BlueClaws 1B Chris Duffy and 3B Maikel Franco each hit seven home runs at FirstEnergy Park to account for $14,000 of the $33,000 donated this season. 1B Jim Murphy, who hit seven home runs in Lakewood in 2009 and 11 more in 2011, has accounted for $18,000 in donations and is the program’s all-time leader.

“This program has been enormously successful over the last four years,” said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. “We’re very grateful to OceanFirst Foundation for their generosity in this program and we are thrilled we can help these wonderful organizations.”

2012 Home Run / Fundraising Totals:

Organization	Inning	Home Runs	Total
Army Emergency Relief (Ft Dix/Monmouth)	First	7	$7,000
National Guard State Family Readiness Council	Second	7	$7,000
Navy/Marine Relief	Third	5	$5,000
VETGROUP	Fourth	0	$1,000
American Recreational Military Services	Fifth	1	$1,000
Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund	Sixth	3	$3,000
Catholic Charities	Seventh	3	$3,000
American National Red Cross, Jersey Coast Chapter	Eighth	4	$4,000
Chariot Riders	Ninth/Extra	2	$2,000

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Clock here to read the original story.

‘Dads team with Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center to Keep Kids Safe

September 6, 2012

L.P. Frans Stadium was the recent site of a Yello Dyno Training session where children ages 4 through 10 learned strategies to keep themselves safe. Yello Dyno teaches children about tricky situations such as child abduction, molestation, bullying, and other forms of victimization by utilizing an active, but non-fearful format of instruction.

Children attending the training learned that a “tricky person” may come in the form of someone they don’t know or, more often, someone they do know. Kids were empowered by recognizing when someone, stranger or not, is trying to trick them into doing inappropriate things. The program taught the kids how to approach the appropriate people for help if they are lost, and learned the right questions to ask when faced with difficult situations.

Crawdad’s General Manager, Mark Seaman had this to say about their decision to sponsor the training, “We appreciate the Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center of Catawba County allowing us to partner with them on this program. We feel like the ballpark is the perfect environment to educate our children on the potential dangers that unfortunately exist in our world. We feel every child should be exposed to this type of information and we challenge all groups that have involvement with kids to reach out to the Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center of Catawba County and find out how they can get involved and get their kids access to these programs”.

CAPC Executive Director, Deborah Johnson agreed with Seaman saying, “I am excited about what happened at the event and look forward to next year’s training at the stadium and believe we will have the opportunity to train even more kids. Keeping kids safe is the job of all of us and I am especially thankful for folks like Mark and all of the Crawdads staff who are committed to giving back to the community.”

Deborah adds that none of the trainings would be possible without volunteers like Dr. Stacy Briggs, Pediatrician, Yello Dyno Trainer and CAPC Board Member, who introduced “Yello Dyno” to the community several years ago. Stacy, along with Josh Page, owner of Hickory Academy of Martial Arts, and volunteer Debbie Dunn are also big believers of how empowering this training is to our kids. The Crawdads look forward to holding another training session next season.

This story originally appeared on the official website of the Hickory Crawdads. Click here to read the original story.

Blood Drive Comes to State Mutual Stadium

August 15, 2012

The Rome Braves and the America Red Cross announce that a Blood Drive will be held at the Three Rivers Club on Tuesday August 21st from noon until 5 p.m.

All presenting donors will receive a Free T-Shirt and 2 tickets to a Rome Braves game.

Call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code RBraves to schedule an appointment. Walk ins are welcome.

For more information call the Braves at 706-378-5100.

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

13th Annual “Kindness Beats Blindness” Auction

July 20, 2012

Silent Auction to be Held During Game Against Asheville

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston RiverDogs, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Yankees, will host their 13th Annual “Kindness Beats Blindness” RP Auction on July 28 at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

All the proceeds for the event will go to the Medical University of South Carolina’s Storm Eye Institute, which is dedicated to researching ways to try to prevent the loss of sight. The silent auction will begin when the gates open at 6 pm and will conclude in the sixth inning.

Legends David Barry awarded the Boy Scouts North Star Award

June 26, 2012

The award is given for distinguished service by a non-registered Boy Scouts supporter.

Lexington Legends Box Office Manager recently was presented the Boy Scouts of America North Star Award from the Blue Grass Council BSA.

LEXINGTON, KY – On Saturday, June 16 the Blue Grass Council of the Boy Scouts of America presented David Barry, the Lexington Legends Box Office Manager, with the North Star Award. The North Star Award is a high-level award presented by councils on the behalf of the National Court of Honor for non-registered volunteers who have made a significant contribution to Scouting. This is the first time the North Star Award has been presented by the Blue Grass Council to a local citizen. David has been a member of the Lexington Legends Front Office staff since 2003 working in various positions within the Legends Box Office. David has been the main contact for the Blue Grass Council of the Boy Scouts of America and has organized the highly popular Boy Scout Campouts at Whitaker Bank Ballpark since 2005. David has also helped raise funds for the Friends of Scouting campaign and coordinated various Big L appearances at camps and other events.

“David has been a valuable member of the Legends team for almost a decade now, and as evident by this award his great work extends far beyond Whitaker Bank Ballpark. All Legends staff members are encouraged to be active participants in our community and with causes that are important to them. No one exemplifies that any more than David, and we’re thrilled for him to receive the North Star Award.” Seth Poteat, General Manager of the Lexington Legends.

David is an avid outdoorsman and was with Troop 71 in Middletown, KY from 1990 to 1997, earning the Eagle Scout Award in 1997.

To learn more about the Blue Grass Council of the Boy Scouts of America, visit their website at www.bgbsa.org/.

To learn more about the North Star Award, visit the Boy Scouts of America website at http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Awards_Central/NorthStar.aspx.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends. Click here to view the original story.

BCBS to “Drive Out Colon Cancer” on Sunday

June 22, 2012

Fans can enjoy a post-game frisbee toss in the outfield at Fluor Field

The Drive will wear blue jerseys and wrist bands during the game.

Hey Drive fans – Loving your colon could save your life! Find out how at the “Drive Out Colon Cancer” game sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina on June 24 at 4:05 p.m. Hear live interviews with colon cancer experts, visit an “Ask-a-doctor” station, meet colon cancer survivors, sign a pledge card to get screened and register to win a great prize!

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in South Carolina and nationally. But it doesn’t have to be. Colon cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through regular screening. Screening allows doctors to remove polyps – precancerous growths on the inside lining of the colon – before they become cancerous. Screening should begin at age 50, or earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors.

Stop by to learn how to prevent colon cancer and hit a home run for a healthy life! For more information on our statewide efforts to wipe out colon cancer, visit www.loveyourcolon.org.

To purchase tickets to Sunday’s game, simply call the Fluor Field Box Office at (864) 240-4528 or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Greenville Drive. Click here to view the original story.

Donate Blood, Save a Life this Friday

June 7, 2012

Blood drive at Fluor Field from 11 AM to 7 PM

Receive a complimentary t-shirt and tickets to the Drive's June 24th game. — Receive a complimentary t-shirt and tickets to the Drive’s June 24th game.

The Drive and The Blood Connection are teaming up to help save lives this Friday, June 8th. Be a “Major League Donor” by donating blood from 11 AM to 7 PM at one of eight locations, including Fluor Field.

Each donor will receive a complimentary t-shirt and two tickets to the Drive’s Sunday, June 24th game versus the Charleston RiverDogs.

Those donating at Fluor Field will also receive a complimentary hot dog, bag of chips, and 12 ounce Pepsi product.

While first pitch for that game is at 4 PM, donoros will receive early admittance to the ballpark for the “Donor Appreciation Day” event from 1 PM to 3 PM.

The Donor Appreciation event will feature complimentary hot dogs, chips and drinks, clowns, balloonists, face painters, inflatable games, and activities for kids. Fans can even meet Drive players, and their lovable mascot, Reedy Rip’It from 2 PM to 3 PM.

Those wishing to donate during Friday’s Blood Drive must be at least 16 years of age.

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

Phanatic, Troop Supply Drive on June 14th

May 19, 2012

Phanatic appearance thanks to OceanFirst Bank

LakewoodBlueClaws_2012-05-19 — The Phillie Phanatic will be here for Military Appreciation Night on June 14th.

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws will host their annual Troop Supply Drive on Military Appreciation Night at their June 14th game (7:05), a night that also features an appearance by the Phillie Phanatic, thanks to OceanFirst Bank.

Boxes will be set up for the Troop Supply 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.

JERSEY AUCTION: The BlueClaws will be wearing camouflage jerseys. These will be auctioned off (silent auction) on the concourse during the game.

This supply 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, Troop Clothing Drive, and IBEW Local 400 Military Committee.

Further, fans are also encouraged to bring gently used clothes to also be shipped to the Troops by A.R.M.S & JDK Wholesale.

In addition, the BlueClaws encourage fans are also to bring items for the K9 Sgt. Denny Project, sponsored by the Dennis W. Zilinski Foundation. Sergeant Denny is a two year old German Shepherd stationed in Afghanistan and trained to detect explosives. His handler is a Monmouth County native. Suggested items include: tennis balls used as training rewards, one-ingredient treats (such as freeze dried liver), KongR toys, NylaboneR chews and toys, unscented shampoo with oatmeal added to prevent dry skin, collapsible water bowls, and leather leashes.

“Military Appreciation Night here in Lakewood has been a great event these last seven years,” said Pat O’Keefe of the IBEW Local 400 Military Committee. “It’s great to see the local community come out and support the event and our Troops overseas.”

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

There will also be a Black Hawk helicopter provided by the New Jersey Army National Guard. Fans are encouraged to go inside the helicopter and take pictures from 5 pm until the 7th inning stretch.

In addition, the Phillie Phanatic will be making his first of two visits, thanks to OceanFirst Bank. The popular Phillies mascot will be entertaining fans throughout the game like only he can. He has been the Phillies mascot since 1978 and has been at FirstEnergy Park since the BlueClaws began play in 2001.

Now the dean of all professional sports mascots, the Phanatic has entertained millions of fans all over the world. He has traveled to Japan, Australia, Mexico, Canada, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico and made numerous national television appearances appearances on shows like the “Today Show” and “Good Morning America.” He has also starred in commercials on ESPN and the Fox Network.

Finally, the night is a Thirsty Thursday, presented by 66MVP, with $1 beer and soda plus 50-cent wings from Ivy League Restaurant, in the Coors Light WRAT Trap.

To order tickets to this or any BlueClaws game, call 732-901-7000 option 2 .

– BlueClaws –

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

Offer to students: Report card good for free ticket

May 18, 2012

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends are helping students celebrate the end of the school year.

Students who bring their final report card for the spring semester to the Legends box office will receive a free reserved box seat or general admission ticket for the games of May 21 through May 23 and May 28 through May 30 (one ticket per card).

The Legends will play the West Virginia Power, an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, at Whitaker Bank Ballpark May 21, 22, and 23.

May 28-30, the Legends will take on the Augusta GreenJackets, an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.

Game time for all six games is 7:05 p.m.

For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit www.lexingtonlegends.com.

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