Armed Forces Day is Saturday, May 19th

Retired and active military personnel will be recognized.
Retired and active military personnel will be recognized.

The Drive’s Let’s Hit 350 campaign shows its patriotic commitment Saturday as the team joins the City of Greenville to celebrate all of our Armed Forces and what they mean for our Country and our Community.

Fluor Field will host the evening portion of Greenville’s Armed Forces Day celebration in conjunction with the Drive’s 7 o’clock game.

The Greenville Armed Forces Day Parade will begin in Downtown Greenville at 5:15 p.m. and will conclude at Fluor Field just before 6 o’clock. Following the parade, visit Field Street to check out many of the vehicles participating in the parade.

During Saturday’s game, visit the military tables on the concourse to learn about the history of the American forces stationed here in South Carolina.

On the field, help us honor all of the troops in many fun and interesting ways as we’ll see which military branch takes the cake in tug-o-war, frisbee tic-tac-toe, and other competitions!

Plenty of great seats still remain for Saturday’s game, and can be purchased by calling the Fluor Field Box Office at (864) 240-4528, or logging onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

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

Bark in the Park with Paws for Claws

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Humans and Hounds alike, join us at State Mutual Stadium for the Bark in the Park game on Sunday May 27. This season the Rome Braves are partnering with Claws for Paws to help the homeless pets of Rome and Floyd County. All of the money raised by Claws for Paws goes directly back to animal rescue efforts in the local community.

The festivities begin at 2pm but you can register today. There will be a 1.3 mile Dog Walk around State Mutual Stadium followed by pet contests, a Frisbee Dog Demo and stop by the Flealess Market throughout the day. Then bring your dog into the ballpark and cheer on the Rome Braves for the 5pm game.

The Bark in the Park event along with the festivities and t-shirt is only $20! To sign up today just click here. If you are just interested in joining us for the game with your dog you can purchase tickets at Gate 6 the day of the game for $10. For more information please call 706-378-5100.

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

TOURISTS TO HOST YOUTH CLINIC SATURDAY, MAY 5

TOURISTS TO HOST YOUTH CLINIC SATURDAY, MAY 5

The Asheville Tourists will host their first youth clinic of the season at McCormick Field on Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. until noon. The free clinic will be conducted by the Tourists’ coaching staff and players and will offer instruction on the fundamentals of baseball for kids age 5 and up.

Parents of all clinic participants must sign a waiver. Waivers are available online at www.theashevilletourists.com and will also be provided on the day of the clinic.

“Our clinics are one of the most popular events we host every year,” said Tourists assistant general manager Chris Smith. “It’s just one way we try to give back to the community while giving the kids an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of baseball with the players they watch on the field.”

The Tourists’ second clinic will be held on Saturday, May 19, which will be followed by the team’s annual Meet the Tourists Luncheon at McCormick Field. Tickets to the luncheon are $5 each, with all of the proceeds supporting the Asheville Tourists Children’s Fund. A non-profit organization, the Asheville Tourists Children’s Fund was established in November 1999 with the mission of brightening the lives of children by meeting their specific individual needs. Through their “If the Shoe Fits” program, the ATCF’s primary goal is for each child in Asheville and Buncombe County to have good, solid shoes on their feet.

The Tourists open a four-game series against the West Virginia Power, beginning with a 5:35 p.m. doubleheader on Wednesday night at McCormick Field. For more information, contact the Tourists’ front office at (828) 258-0428.

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

Rutgers Against Hunger Food Drive – April 25th

Hosted by BlueClaws Charities and benefits Lunch Break of Red Bank

Fans who donate will receive two tickets to an April or May BlueClaws game.
Fans who donate will receive two tickets to an April or May BlueClaws game.

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws are partnering with the Rutgers Against Hunger program and hosting a joint food drive on Wednesday, April 25th. Fans are asked to kindly donate non-perishable food items at this game and all donors will receive two complimentary tickets to a BlueClaws game in April or May.

All food collected will be donated to Lunch Break of Red Bank, a BlueClaws Charities Community Partner.

“There has been an increase among those who need food assistance in the last year and the BlueClaws are pleased to be able to continue to help fight hunger in New Jersey,” said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. “We are grateful to Rutgers Against Hunger for their support as we raise food donations for a worthy cause, Lunch Break of Red Bank.”

The April 25th game begins at 6:35 pm and serves as Community Partner Night at FirstEnergy Park. There will be a large representation at the game among the 45 BlueClaws Charities Community Partners who will have tables on the concourse. Many volunteers from these organizations will be present as well.

In addition, the first 2,000 fans will receive a BlueClaws magnetic schedule courtesy of Investors Bank.

Rutgers Against Hunger works to increase awareness of hunger, encourage activism and service to tackle hunger, stimulate research to assist those in need, and provide immediate relief through food drives and other events to raise money and collect food.

Rutgers Against Hunger partners with the New Jersey Federation of Food Banks which includes The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, the Food Bank of South Jersey, the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, and NORWESCAP Food Bank as well as several other community food banks and pantries throughout the state. Visit RAH.Rutgers.edu for more information.

BlueClaws Charities, the official non-profit foundation of the Lakewood BlueClaws, rasies money throughout the year and returns the money to the community in the form of grants to the 45 Community Partners and donations to other non-profit organizations.

While the program is sold out for 2012, with any questions about the program, to be added to a waiting list for 2013, or for other ways your organization can raise money with the BlueClaws, please call Jim McNamara at 732-901-7000 ext 176.

– BlueClaws –

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

Scout Patch Design Contest Returns

Submissions being accepted from local boy and girl scouts until March 23rd

Emily Miceli of Girl Scout Troop 170 was last year's winner.
Emily Miceli of Girl Scout Troop 170 was last year’s winner.

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws are once again looking for area boy and girl scouts to design the patch given out by the BlueClaws to scouts at BlueClaws scout nights this year.

Submissions will be accepted until March 23rd. The BlueClaws will choose the finalists and voting will occur on the BlueClaws official Facebook page or via email at scouts@blueclaws.com until March 30th at noon.

The winning scout will receive a ceremonial first pitch at their scout night in 2012, a meet and greet with a BlueClaws player, and, of course, have their patch be given out to the approximately 5,000 scouts that come out to the park this summer.

Interested scouts can download this form (click here) and fill in the circle, using 10 colors or less. The BlueClaws will adjust the patches with the proper logos.

All forms must be returned to:

Pete Walsifer
Scout Patch Contest
2 Stadium Way
Lakewood, NJ 08701

Forms must include the name of their scout pack or troop as well as the name of the scout.

Scouts that enter must be a member of a pack or troop that has booked their 2012 BlueClaws outing. The BlueClaws will host five Scout Nights in 2012, two of which (July 28th and August 11th) are Scout Night Sleepovers, where scouts camp out on the field after the game.

Last year’s winner, shown above, was Emily Miceli of Girl Scout Troop 170.

For information on bringing a scout group to FirstEnergy Park, call Pete Walsifer at 732-901-7000 ext 171 or visit BlueClaws.com/scouts.

The BlueClaws have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 11 years of existence and this year will become the fastest team in New Jersey and SAL history to reach 5-million fans.

Ticket packages and group outings for the upcoming season are available by calling 732-901-7000 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

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

Eastern Elementary student wins ‘Hit the Books’ contest

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) A student at Eastern Elementary School in Scott County has won a bookmark design contest as part of the Lexington Legends/Chick-fil-A “Hit the Books” reading incentive program. A second Eastern Elementary student received honorable mention.

Fifth grade student Kim Macanang, age 10, designed the winning entry. She will receive a Legends prize pack, including Legends merchandise, a framed “Hit the Books ” poster featuring her artwork and a free membership in the 2012 Little Legends Kids Club. She also will be invited to throw a ceremonial first pitch at a designated Legends game for her school. Bookmarks featuring her artwork will be distributed to students at every school that participates in the “Hit the Books” program. More than 18,000 students from central Kentucky are expected to take part in the program, which runs through April 1.

Makayla Davis, age 11, a fifth grade student at Eastern Elementary; Jackson Gonzales, 8, a third grade student at Liberty Elementary in Lexington; and Abbi Davis, 10, a fourth grade student at Peaks Mill Elementary in Frankfort all received honorable mention for their designs. They will receive framed posters and Legends merchandise.

“The Hit the Books program has been a staple of the Legends community outreach since day one of our existence,” said Legends General Manager Seth Poteat. “I personally love every chance I get to go to all the participating schools in our community and meet the kids. The importance of childhood literacy cannot be underscored enough and this program allows us to hopefully develop readers and Legends fans for life.”

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 to one of four Legends home games – April 13, 14, 27 or 28.

The school with the most bookmarks redeemed on its designated night will win a luncheon assembly provided by the Lexington Legends and Chick-fil-A.

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

The Legends, a class A affiliate of the Houston Astros, open the home season Thursday, April 12 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Kannapolis Intimidators, an affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. For more information, visit www.lexingtonlegends.com.

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The Legends were voted number one in family entertainment in 2011 by readers of the Lexington Herald-Leader.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends. Click here to view the original story.

RiverDogs Staff volunteers in Charleston Parks Beautification

The Charleston RiverDogs Front Office Staff participated in their monthly Staff Volunteer Day for January on Tuesday the 17th. Members of the staff volunteered with the Nonprofit organization Charleston Parks Conservancy to assist with the beautification of Brittlebank Park in Downtown Charleston.

“We are really excited we were able to assist the great folks at Charleston Parks Conservatory help keep Brittlebank Park beautiful,” says RiverDogs Director of Media Relations & Broadcasting Sean Houston. “It was a fun day all around, and we are very happy we could help.”

RiverDogs Front Office Staff helped prune and trim bushes throughout the park, rake and clear flower beds, and plant new plants throughout Brittlebank Park. This is the second time in the past year the RiverDogs have volunteered with Charleston Parks Conservancy.

Members of the RiverDogs Front Office Staff dedicate one day each month to community service efforts throughout the Charleston area. Other Nonprofit Organizations the RiverDogs have assisted with in the past include Lowcountry Food Bank, Pet Helpers Inc., and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Sales Manager, Jake Terrell, planting bulbs
Staff planting new bulbs at Brittlebank Park

From left to right: Charleston Parks Conservancy Horticulturist Kellen Goodell, Director of Media Relations – Sean Houston, Director of Merchandise – Mike DeAntonio, Sales Manager – Jake Terrell, Director of Promotions – Noel Blaha, Director of Special Events – Melissa McCants Azevedo, Box Office Manager – David Cullins, Sales Rep – Annie Fuller, Director of Community Relations – Lauren Allio and Charleston Parks Conservancy Volunteer Director – Neves Richards

Non-profits invited to participate in the Community Organization of the Night program with the Legends!

LexingtonLegends_2012-01-09

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) The Lexington Legends are inviting non-profit organizations to participate in their Community Organization of the Night program during the 2012 season.

The Community Organization of the Night program, sponsored by Waffle House, offers non-profits a variety of opportunities to publicize their work at Whitaker Bank Ballpark and on Legends radio broadcasts during each of the Legends’ 70 home games. Hundreds of organizations throughout central and eastern Kentucky have participated.

“The Legends place a huge emphasis on being a strong community partner,” said Legends General Manager Seth Poteat. “With that in mind, it’s really the least we can do to open up our facility each and every game and allow 70 unique non-profit organizations the opportunity to spread their message and raise awareness among the thousands of Legends fans that come through our gates each year. We’re so pleased to continue this program, and we thank Waffle House for their continued support as the title sponsor of our Community Organization of the Night program.”

Organizations may set up a display on the concourse, where they can greet fans and distribute information. Before the game, a representative of each Community Organization of the Night throws a ceremonial first pitch and is interviewed on the public address system. The representative also is a guest on the radio broadcast for a half-inning during the game. Each organization receives four complimentary tickets to their game. Solicitation is not permitted.

Game dates will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please download and fill out the 2012 CON Registration Form and send the completed form to Sarah Piester, the Legends Director of Community Relations and Special Events. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah at 859 422-7855, or email her at spiester@lexingtonlegends.com.

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Houston Astros, will open their home season April 12 against the Kannapolis Intimidators at 7:05pm with a Legends Poster Giveaway to the first 1,000 fans through the gates, along with $1 Beers & Pepsi and a postgame Ford Firework Show.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends. Click here to view the original story.

RiverDogs Front Office Staff Volunteer Days

Each month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete a day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. Since October, the RiverDogs have worked with Susan G. Komen For the Cure and Lowcountry Food Bank. On December 20, the RiverDogs staff spent the day volunteering at the Pet Helpers Adoption Center.

The team met with Erica Marcus, Volunteer and Off-Site Adoption Coordinator, to tour the facility and learn more about the work of Pet Helpers, before getting started. Throughout the morning, the RiverDogs staff assisted the Pet Helpers staff by unloading and washing the event van, raking leaves off the walking trails, preparing dog treats, and playing and walking the adoptable dogs. “I really enjoy our Staff Volunteer Days. It’s a very rewarding experience and a great way to really make a difference in our community,” commented Sean Houston, RiverDogs Director of Media Relations.

Pet Helpers is a private, non-profit 501c 3 Adoption Center and Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic that serves communities across the Lowcountry. Their mission is to end the euthanasia of all adoptable cats and dogs by keeping all animals until adopted; providing low cost spay/neuter surgeries; offering humane education programs; pursuing animal cruelty prosecution; and initiating animal welfare legislation. For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or adopt a pet, please visit www.pethelpers.org

Top Row (from left to right): Director of Food and Beverage, Josh Gilkey; Director of Community Relations, Lauren Allio; Sales Representative, Annie Fuller; Director of Media Relations, Sean Houston; and Box Office Manager, David Cullins.
Bottom Row (from left to right): Assistant General Manager, Harold Craw; Director of Promotions, Noel Blaha; and Assistant General Manager, Andy Lange.

RiverDogs Wrap Up 2nd “Inning” of Reading Initiative

The Charleston RiverDogs and the Charleston County School District have completed the second inning of their “Reading and Running With the RiverDogs” program, which emphasizes the fun and benefits in daily reading and exercise activities.

In the program’s second year, the number of participating schools has increased from nine to twelve local elementary schools. Participating schools for the 2011-2012 school year are Burns, Chicora, Goodwin, Mary Ford, Mitchell, Dunston, Hursey, Sanders-Clyde, North Charleston, Pinehurst, Memminger and James Simons elementary schools.

“The program is an excellent way for children to learn about the importance of reading and exercising, while associating the two with Charlie T. RiverDog” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “The RiverDogs are pleased to have this direct association with the Charleston County School District, and we hope to continue to increase participation each year.”

Two third-grade classes from each school participate in the program, which consists of four six-week “innings” with first, second and third place ribbons awarded in each individual class after the completion of each inning and at the conclusion of the program. After an inning is finished, the class with the most points in each school holds the school’s trophy and bragging rights until the next winner is determined after the following inning.

Children receive points each time they reach a designated reading or fitness goal. One point is awarded for every 20 minutes a child spends reading and for every 20 minutes exercising, while two points are awarded if the exercise is done for the good of another (washing a car, raking leaves, walking a neighbor’s dog, and the like).

Each child’s points log must be accumulated outside of class and class assignments. Parents must sign off on the kids’ reading/exercising log. In order to further help the effort, Charlie will visit the kids each inning to pump them up about exercising and reading, and RiverDogs’ staff members will read to the classes during each inning. At the end of each inning and the entire program, Charlie will hand out prizes for the children’s hard work.

Charlie visits M.C. Hursey Elementary School in North Charleston, SC. (photo courtesy of the Charleston RiverDogs)

Suns Collecting Toys For Tots

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HAGERSTOWN, Md. – The Hagerstown Suns will once again partner with the Marine Corps Reserve to be an official drop-off location for Toys For Tots this holiday season.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be made in the Suns front office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays before December 22. These gifts will be distributed to local social welfare agencies and churches to distribute to needy children on Christmas Day.

The Toys For Tots program only accepts new, unwrapped toys.

Toys for Tots is the Marine Corps’ premier community action program. Annually, an average of 15,000,000 toys is distributed to needy children over the holidays. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

The Hagerstown Suns play at Municipal Stadium and are a Class “A” affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Opening Day will be in Hagerstown April 5, 2012 against the West Virginia Power. Season tickets, mini-plans, and group packages with the Suns are now on sale. For more information, call 301-791-6266, or visit www.hagerstownsuns.com. The Hagerstown Suns are owned by Hagerstown Baseball, LLC.

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

‘Dogs Present Over $1,200 Donation to Winwood Farm Home for Children

Offering generated from three separate Party at the Joe events over course of season

Charleston-RiverDogsThanks to the Charleston RiverDogs and Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, fans were able to enjoy the great atmosphere of The Joe with the club on the road. Through three separate Party at the Joe events, Lowcountry residents savored great drink specials and heard from some of the best local musicians in the area.

While relishing in those good times, those in attendance also lent a hand to the Winwood Farm Home for Children, an Awendaw based center which provides therapeutic residential services to hundreds of abused and neglected children.

During Monday night’s game with the Asheville Tourists, RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols and Director of Special Events Melissa Azevedo presented a donation worth $1,272 to representatives from Winwood Farm.

WIndwood-Family-Services-logo“All three of our Party at the Joe events were well-received by our fans, and we are thrilled to help Winwood Farm in their mission to provide a safe haven for children in need,” said Echols.

Winwood Farm Home for Children has been restoring hope to children for more than 25 years, since 1985. In that time, staff at Winwood has afforded hurting children a reason to smile, stand tall, and laugh while simply being a kid.

CSC Winwood Farm Presentation 2011

‘Dogs Donate $1,000 to Teacher’s Supply Closet

Money raised from public address announcements goes to Tri-county school supplies provider

Charleston-RiverDogsSchool supplies are vital toward providing a great education for all children, but they can be expensive. In the Lowcountry, that’s where the Teacher’s Supply Closet steps in to provide pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks, and the like to Tri-County schools.

During Sunday’s game with the Asheville Tourists, the Charleston RiverDogs presented a $1,000 contribution to the organization as the culmination of a year-long effort to boost their ability to outfit children with everything they need to succeed in school. The funds come from the money fans have paid to have their messages read over the public address system.

“Involvement in local schools is a point of pride for the Charleston RiverDogs, and we are pleased to know that we and our fans helped better the grade school experience of Lowcountry youth.”

CSC teacher supply closet 2011

Raising Cane’s Teams with ‘Dogs to Donate $3,000 to Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy

Proceeds from Launch-a-Ball Promotion Presented to Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy

Charleston-RiverDogsEveryone needs someone to lean on in a time of need. For Lowcountry residents, the chaplains and volunteers of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy have answered that call by fulfilling their mission to serve, comfort, and minister since 1991.

On Saturday, September 3, the Charleston RiverDogs and Raising Cane’s restaurant were happy to announce that they have assisted the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy through the club’s nightly launch-a-ball promotion.

By purchasing tennis balls to lob onto the Riley Park diamond during the postgame, fans have contributed $1,500 to the organization. Thanks to a matching offering from Raising Cane’s, representatives from the restaurant and RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols were able to present a $3,000 donation to help fund the generosity of The Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy.

Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy logo“The selfless members of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy serve as yet another example of the tight-knit and caring nature of the Charleston community,” said Echols. “We were happy to lend a helping hand to the service through a fun program, and are equally excited that Raising Cane’s stepped up to further the cause.”

 The 2007 Sofa Super Store fire which claimed the lives of nine of the Holy City’s bravest firemen was just one of the many times the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy has emerged to provide moral support in a time of crisis. The 24-7 pastoral care and counseling service tends to the families of law enforcement and emergency service agencies, as well as the general public, on an almost daily basis.

CSC Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy Donation 2011

‘Dogs and Piggly Wiggly Donate over 3,000 meals to Lowcountry Food Bank

Supermarket chain matches season-long contributions of RiverDogs fans

Charleston-RiverDogsThe final Friday Night Fireworks display of 2011 was not the only home run the RiverDogs hit with Piggly Wiggly last night. During a special in-game ceremony, the two announced that they teamed to donate more than 3,600 pounds of food to the Lowcountry Food Bank this season.

Representing more than 3,000 meals, the contribution is the culmination of a year-long effort to aid the poor and hungry of the Lowcountry.

All season long, RiverDogs fans have received a $1 off the price of admission by bringing three canned food items to the box office. The 1,500+ meals given by fans were then matched by Piggly Wiggly, doubling the total and lending support to the LCFB’s nearly 30-year long mission to feed the hungry.

Lowcountry Food Bank“Community outreach is not possible without fan support, and our fans have once again displayed their eagerness to better the community while enjoying RiverDogs baseball,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “We are also grateful to Piggly Wiggly for matching the donation, and are satisfied to know that we share the same values.”