Shuckers and March of Dimes team up for fundraiser

BILOXI, MS – For their April 22 game against the Jackson Generals, the Biloxi Shuckers will trade in their usual uniforms for a good cause. Special coast-themed jerseys will be worn during the game, then auctioned off with the proceeds benefitting March of Dimes.

WATCH THE FACEBOOK LIVE UNVEILING 

The jerseys, designed by local tattoo artist Matt Stebly, showcase the beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The custom design features a redfish, a pelican and the iconic Biloxi lighthouse in a watercolor style. The game worn jerseys will be auctioned during the game in a silent auction with proceeds benefiting March of Dimes. After the game, winners will have the opportunity to meet the player or coach who wore the jersey after the game and get it autographed.

“The March of Dimes is thrilled to partner with the Biloxi Shuckers and Matt Stebly for this unique fundraising opportunity,” said Jennifer Parker, Executive Director of Market Development for March of Dimes, Gulfport and Biloxi. “Our mission supporters look forward to having a great time at The Shuckers game on the 22nd and sharing the important work of the March of Dimes all the while having a great time at the ball field.”

The March of Dimes funds lifesaving research and works to end premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. In addition to this jersey auction, the Shuckers organization will be sponsoring a team in the South Mississippi March for Babies on April 29.

The Saturday night game will also feature the second Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza of the season. The Shuckers will launch fireworks after every Saturday home game this season, as well as a special show on Tuesday, July 4 against Pensacola.

“This is something I never thought I would have the opportunity to do,” said Stebly on designing a jersey that players could wear on the field. “I wanted to come up with a design that would look good on a jersey and that fans would want to purchase for a great cause. One of my goals was to give baseball fans around the country a vibe of our Mississippi Gulf Coast.”

Matt, Jenna and Anderson Stebly pose with the design after the Facebook Live reveal in Matt’s shop, Twisted Anchor Tattoo in Ocean Springs.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

Opening Day for the 2017 season is Thursday, April 6 at Montgomery. The Shuckers will open their third season at MGM Park on Wednesday, April 12 at 6:35 p.m. against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Season tickets, mini plans, group tickets and single-game tickets are on sale now. To purchase a ticket package or book a group outing this season, call 228-233-3465. Single-game tickets for all regular season games at MGM Park are available at biloxishuckers.com/tickets.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:
The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

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

Shuckers launch “Hit The Books” Reading Campaign

BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers, in partnership with Walmart, unveiled Tuesday their plans for the “Hit the Books” reading program, which aims to teach local students the importance of literacy. The incentive-based drive will reward students who reach their reading goals with a ticket to a Shuckers home game this season.

Over the course of the next six weeks, beginning this Friday, Schooner the Seagull and other Shuckers representatives will lead pep rallies and classroom visits at 19 local schools with a message stressing the benefits of reading. At these visits, students will receive a special “Hit the Books” bookmark with a reading log on its reverse side. Once a student has read six books and their list is verified by a teacher, the bookmark can be redeemed at the MGM Park box office for a ticket to a pre-determined Shuckers home game this season.

Qualifying students will also be invited to participate in an on-field parade before their scheduled game. The parade, led by Schooner, will allow Shuckers fans to honor “Hit the Books” participants for their commitment to reading. This year just over 10,000 students will be receiving a bookmark.

“This program is a great way for young Shuckers fans to reap the rewards of hitting the books,” said Jenifer Truong, Community Relations Coordinator for the Shuckers. “Reading is already a fun thing for students to do, but the added incentive to see their hard work recognized by the Shuckers should only serve to enhance that experience.”

The “Hit the Books” tour schedule is as follows:

Friday, February 17                             North Bay Elementary School
Friday, February 17                             Coast Episcopal School
Friday, February 17                             Bayou View Elementary School
Wednesday, February 22                    Vancleave Upper Elementary School
Thursday, February 23                        Gaston Point Elementary School
Friday, March 3                                   Gorenflo Elementary School
Friday, March 3                                   Nativity BVM Elementary School
Thursday, March 9                              Anniston Elementary School
Wednesday, March 15                        Harrison Central Elementary School
Wednesday, March 15                        Singing River Academy
Friday, March 17                                 North Woolmarket Elementary/Middle School
Friday, March 17                                 Hancock North Central Elementary School
Friday, March 17                                 West Hancock Elementary School
Friday, March 24                                 St. Martin East Elementary School

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:
The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

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

M-Braves to assist in Hattiesburg disaster relief efforts

M-Braves to assist in Hattiesburg disaster relief efforts

Donations accepted at Trustmark Park in Pearl

By Miranda Black / Mississippi Braves

01/24/2017 3:38 PM ET

PEARL, MS — The Mississippi Braves, in conjunction with partners of The Connection, have teamed with The Salvation Army to spearhead a Central-Mississippi drive to aid in tornado relief efforts in the aftermath of devastating storms in the Hattiesburg area over the weekend.

In conjunction with The Connection, which is the area surrounding Trustmark Park including The Outlets of Mississippi, Bass Pro Shops, The Holiday Inn at Trustmark Park and Sam’s Club alongside the M-Braves, donations will be accepted near the main entrance at Trustmark Park starting Wednesday, January 25 at 9:00 AM.

“The Mississippi Braves strive to continue to be great supporters of our communities in Mississippi and feel we have the responsibility to assist wherever and whenever we can when our friends and neighbors in Mississippi are in need,” said M-Braves General Manager Steve DeSalvo. “However, our feeling of responsibility aside, most importantly, we have the sincere desire to help any way we can.”

The M-Braves will have a truck parked in front of Trustmark Park to collect relief items January 25 through February 3, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on weekdays (Monday through Friday). Items will later be transported to Hattiesburg by members of the Mississippi Braves staff.

For relief efforts in Hattiesburg, The Salvation Army is in need of the items listed below. At this time, due to storage space in the area, clothing cannot be accepted. However, if this changes, an announcement will be made.

  • Monetary Donations (cash/checks made out to The Salvation Army)
  • Non-Perishable Food (canned goods)
  • Water
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Toiletries

“The M-Braves will make a substantial donation of goods ourselves, and we challenge our season ticket holders, sponsors, fans and fellow members of the community to assist,” DeSalvo added. “If we fill up a truckload, that will be fantastic, but we’re not afraid to fill up and deliver 10 truckloads if we can.”

The Mississippi Braves baseball team is the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural 2005 season, over 115 M-Braves have gone on to play in the big leagues. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Shuckers Hit Home Run with Community Contributions and Initiatives in 2016

BILOXI, MS – During the Biloxi Shuckers second season, the team continued to give back to the community. The Shuckers have become a resource for local organizations including non-profits and schools by helping to raise funds and awareness through various methods.

The Shuckers and its concessionaire, Spectra Food Services & Hospitality raised over $178,000 for local nonprofits and donated over $30,000 of in-kind contributions. Through Shuckers initiatives including the Ticket Fundraising Program, In-Stadium Auctions and Spectra NFP Fundraising Program which benefits qualified local 501 (c) (3) nonprofit groups through concessions, the club led the ten-member Southern League for In-Stadium Fundraising.

Among the highlights of the organization’s 2016 charitable work included providing a platform for: Habitat for Humanity, Biloxi Miracle League, Mississippi Center for Autism and Related Learning Disabilities, Jackson County Animal Shelter, Memorial Hospital Foundation and Favre 4 Hope, Special Olympics, Salvation Army of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, ALS Association, American Cancer Society and Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art.

“We give back to our community because we believe we have a responsibility to do so,” stated Shuckers Community Relations and Promotions Coordinator Jenifer Truong. “Whether it’s local schools or non-profits, the Shuckers offer not only a chance to raise funds for your organization, but also awareness to a large audience.”

In addition to the organization’s charitable contributions, Shuckers’ season ticket holders donated just over 1,500 tickets to local non-profits, military personnel and their families, and first responders. The organization also made frequent mascot and player appearances in the community and members of the Shuckers front office also joined forces to record over 200 hours of community service in 2016.

Spectra’s NFP program seeks to provide qualified nonprofit groups and civic organizations a unique fundraising opportunity. Groups provide volunteers to assist with concession stand operations as cashiers, vendors, and stand workers. Those organizations work to reach fundraising goals while providing great service to fans.

“Involving area nonprofit organizations in our operation has helped us hit a home run with the community and Shuckers’ fans,” said Spectra General Manager Mike Brulatour. “Since the opening of MGM Park in June 2015, thousands of volunteers have raised over $300,000 for their respective charities. The commitment and dedication of these volunteers has enabled us to provide a consistent level of exceptional customer service to our patrons while supporting the Mississippi Gulf Coast communities which we serve. Spectra Food Services and Hospitality strives to be a strong partner with the Biloxi Shuckers and a valued member of the Gulf Coast business community.”

Organizations interested in partnering with Spectra or the Shuckers may contact Mike Brulatour at mike_brulatour@comcastspectacor.com or Jenifer Truong at jtruong@biloxishuckers.com.

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

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

Meet Ashley Thompson: Birmingham’s Rising Star Student

Student: Ashley Thompson

MiLB: Birmingham Barons

Agency: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham

College: University of Montevallo

Little Sister Ashley didn’t have an easy childhood. She was quiet and shy. She was raised by her grandparents, without her parents. She was held back in school. But she has refused to let those things define her. She was matched with her Big Sister eight years ago. Together, they visited book stores, went to the movies, and cheered on their favorite baseball teams.

Now, she is heading to the University of Montevallo with an academic scholarship. Her Big Sister could not be more proud. “I have watched Ashley develop into an intelligent, dependable, caring, and hardworking young woman,” she says. “She excelled academically in high school, joined the band, found her passion for art, and worked part-time.”

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

Shuckers, Biloxi FD Teaming Up To Collect Supplies for Flood Victims in Louisiana

BILOXI, MS. – The Biloxi Shuckers are teaming up with the Biloxi Fire Department to collect supplies that will be distributed to those in need from the severe flooding in Louisiana.

The current items in need are as follows:

  • Bottled Water
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Heavy Duty Garbage Bags
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Liquid Products – Disinfectants
  • Baby Diapers/Wipes
  • Non-Perishable Food – that doesn’t required a can opener

The Shuckers will be collecting these items through Sunday’s game at the MGM Park front office on the northeast side of the stadium and at stadium gates during games.

The Shuckers continue their final homestand of 2016 tonight at MGM Park with the third game of a five game series against the Mississippi Braves. Tonight the Shuckers will be saluting Gulf Coast Police, Fire and EMS with First Responder Night.

Thursday is another Double Play Thursday, featuring $2 ballpark specials; Fridayis Strikeout ALS Night and the first 1,500 fans will receive a Biloxi Shuckers Drawstring Backpack, presented by Beau Rivage Resort & Casino; Saturday will be the final Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza of 2016 and also meet Marshall, Chase and Skye from PAW Patrol; Sunday is McDonald’s Family Fun Day, with pregame autographs and post-game catch on the field. It’s also SuperHero Night, presented by WXXV-TV; Monday is Cancer Awareness Night with the American Cancer Society. Tuesday, Aug. 30 the Shuckers will let the good times roll with Halfway to Mardi Gras Night; Wednesday, Aug. 31 is Fan Appreciation Night featuring a post-game team autograph session. For tickets go to Ticketmaster.com or biloxishuckers.com.

About the Biloxi Shuckers:            

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and a member of the Southern League. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit biloxishuckers.com, follow the club on Twitter (@biloxishuckers), Instagram (@officialbiloxishuckers) or like the team on Facebook (facebook.com/biloxishuckers).

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

Suns join Zephyrs, raise funds for flood victims

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Suns will raise money for victims of flooding in Louisiana during their homestand at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville Monday, Aug. 22, through Thursday. Aug. 25, while their fellow Miami Marlins affiliate, the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs, also raises money for relief efforts during their coinciding homestand.

For each ticket sold on game days Monday through Thursday at the walk-up ticket windows at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, the Suns will donate $1 to the American Red Cross Louisiana Floods Relief fund. Any additional donations made at the box office will also be donated.

“We are grateful to partner with another member of our baseball family, the New Orleans Zephyrs, to make an impact for flood victims in Louisiana,” said Suns General Manager Harold Craw. “We hope our guests at the ballpark next week and the entire Suns family will show these communities how much their neighbors in Northeast Florida care and support them.”

“Thanks to the New Orleans Zephyrs and American Red Cross, people in Jacksonville have an opportunity to make immediate impact hundreds of miles from the First Coast,” said Suns Director of Community Relations Andrea Williams.

“We are thankful that the Jacksonville Suns will be helping to raise much needed financial support for the Louisiana Floods Relief fund,” said Zephyrs Senior Vice President and General Manager Cookie Rojas. “Their generosity is another example of how Minor League Baseball is a cornerstone for bringing communities together.”

The Red Cross is asking that instead of donating items, those who want to help should donate money so that their response can be activated more quickly and items needed can be bought in bulk. Preliminary estimates indicate that Red Cross response efforts could be the largest since Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and cost more than $10 million. Local officials are reporting that 10,000 homes have been damaged and more than 50 shelters have been opened to those who have been displaced by the flooding.

The Suns face the Chattanooga Lookouts for five games beginning Monday, August 22 at 7:05 p.m. Tickets start at $5. For more information, contact the Suns at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxsuns.com.

ABOUT THE SUNS: The Jacksonville Suns are beginning a new era of affordable family fun under new ownership in 2016. With a FUNdamentally Different promotional schedule and a new lineup of ticket and group options for this season, there is a reason for everyone to get part of the action by calling the Suns at (904) 358-2846 or visiting www.jaxsuns.com.

Biscuits to Host Charities Night on August 26

MONTGOMERY, Ala.- The Montgomery Biscuits will celebrate Charities Night on Friday, August 26 when they take on the Birmingham Barons at 7:05 p.m. Charities Night will recognize and honor the Biscuits Charity Partners of the 2016 season, including River Region United Way, Family Sunshine Center, Easter Seals Central Alabama, Magic Moments and the YMCA of Greater Montgomery. The evening will conclude with a MAX Fireworks Show!

“Charities Night is an important night that allows us to profile the organizations, chosen by the staff each year to support and move forward the Biscuits Charities mission to support youth. They auction is an effective fundraiser, but the celebration of awareness of all charities and their causes is a very honored privilege for us as well,” Biscuits Owner, Sherrie Myers, said.

Charities Night will also include a Jersey Auction in which the Biscuits will auction off their game-worn, home jerseys with proceeds benefitting the River Region United Way.

The auction will begin online, Monday, August 22, at noon and run through noon on Friday, August 26. Fans can bid on the game-worn jerseys by visiting http://biscuitsbaseball2016.eflea.ca/. The auction will pick back up in-park as a silent auction beginning when gates open at 5:50 p.m. and run through the end of the fourth inning. The starting bid for the jerseys online is $120; the starting bids for the in-park auction will start where the online auction concluded.

“The River Region United Way is honored to be included as one of the Montgomery Biscuits’ charity partners,” River Region United Way President and CEO, Jimmy Hill, said. “We are grateful for the Biscuits’ continued support and their commitment to benefit youth in the greater Montgomery community. Charities Night with the Jersey Auction is one of the highlights of our year.”

This year’s auction will feature player jerseys worn by nine of the Tampa Bay Rays Top-30 prospects, including the top three players, shortstop Willy Adames, pitcher Brent Honeywell and first baseman Jake Bauers. Adames, the Rays number one prospect, leads the Southern League in runs. At only 20 years old, the Dominican Republic native earned a starting spot on the Southern League All-Star roster and represented the World team at the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at the MLB All-Star Game. Honeywell, who was promoted to the Biscuits in July and is ranked as the Rays number two prospect, was drafted in the second round of the 2014 Draft. In 2015, Honeywell was named as Best Pitching Prospect by Baseball America. Bauers, the Rays number three prospect, is a versatile player, spending time in both right field and first base this season with the Biscuits. Bauers, a mid-season All-Star, leads the team in hitting.

Jersey auction winners will be announced following the game in a special on-field ceremony that includes a photo opportunity with the player whose jersey was won.

Payment for auction items is due at the Biscuits Box Office the night of the auction. All bids, online and at the game, must be held with a credit card but can be paid by credit card or cash following the auction. Jerseys will be available for pick-up at the Biscuits Administrative Office approximately one week after the last game of the regular or playoff season.

To purchase tickets to Charities Night or to learn more information visit the www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call 334-323-2255.

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Help The Blue Wahoos and Whataburger Support USO Northwest Florida

Donated items will be accepted at all home games in May.

PENSACOLA, Fla., – For Military Appreciation Month, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Whataburger are teaming up for a second year to collect donations for USO Northwest Florida. Donations will be collected during the Blue Wahoos’ home games during the month of May. The USO will deliver the items directly to the troops currently serving the United States.

Fans who donate during the drive will receive a coupon for a free Whataburger. Donations can be dropped off at the entry gates.

The Blue Wahoos, Whataburger and the USO are asking for specific items during each homestand. The dates and requested items are as follows:

May 5th-9th vs. Tennessee Smokies

Individually wrapped salty and sweet snacks such as pretzels, cookies, peanut butter crackers, etc.

May 16th-20th vs. Mississippi Braves

Single-serve microwavable snacks such as mac and cheese, ramen noodles, ravioli, etc.

May 21st-25th – vs. Jackson Generals

Center supplies such as copy paper, dish soap, batteries, paper towels, etc.

All Home Games – Bottled Water

ABOUT WHATABURGER:

Whataburger has focused on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dobson gave his restaurant a name he hoped to hear customers say every time they took a bite of his made-to-order burgers: “What a burger!” Within the first week, people lined up around the block for his 25 cent, 100 percent beef burgers served on five-inch buns. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 770 locations in 10 states with sales of more than $1 billion annually.

ABOUT USO:

The mission of the USO is to lift the spirits of troops and their families and that mission is accomplished on a daily basis thanks to the dedication and generosity of the American people. Whether it is a commitment of time from a volunteer or a contribution of dollars from a donor, the USO turns this generosity into centers, programs and services that reach troops in the most remote corners of the globe.

–www.bluewahoos.com–

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Click here to view the original story.

Blue Wahoos Renovate Bill Gregory Park

The Blue Wahoos front office renovated Bill Gregory Park’s fields on Monday.

pensacolabluewahoos_2015-04-20

PENSACOLA, Fla., – Members of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos front office renovated Bill Gregory Park’s tee-ball field on Monday as part of MLB’s RBI program. Renovations included measuring and moving the bases and mounds, mowing the grass, edging the dirt areas, picking up trash and painting the dugouts.

“We couldn’t have been happier about getting out into the community and helping with the tee-ball field at Bill Gregory, in support of MLB’s RBI program,” said Director of Guest Services and Community Relations Donna Kirby. “We have such a dedicated staff that truly cares about improving our community and making a difference in people’s lives, so it’s truly a pleasure for us to carve out time out of our calendars for this very worthwhile project each year. Bottom line, giving back to the community, it’s the #WahoosLife.”

After making the tee-ball field safer and up to code, the staff worked on the two other fields at the park.

“We were happy to help spruce up these fields today,” said Director of Sports Turf Management Ray Sayre. “Today’s young players are the future of the game of baseball. I hope to see some of these kids playing on a Big League field one day.”

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are committed to giving back to the local community and dedicated fans. The field refurbishment is part of the organization’s partnership with Major League Baseball’s RBI program – Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities. Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities focuses on youth outreach by fostering the growth of young ballplayers on and off the field.

–www.bluewahoos.com–

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Click here to view the original story.

Barons, Children’s of Alabama Host Superhero Night

Barons to wear superhero-themed jerseys

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Barons are partnering with Children’s of Alabama Friday, April 24 to bring Superhero Night to Regions Field. The Barons will wear superhero-themed jerseys to be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting ill and injured children treated at the state’s only freestanding hospital.

“This will be a fun, exciting night for such a great cause,” Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson said. “Visible just beyond the right field wall, Children’s of Alabama is such an important part of our city, and it is always very fulfilling to give back. We will have a few patients at the game, but even those who can’t make it can still enjoy the fireworks from just a couple of blocks away.”

Fans are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero, and a special fireworks show set to the theme music of superhero movies is to follow. The Barons also welcome many specials guests with representatives from Children’s to serve as honorary bat boy, throw out the first pitch and cue the start of the game by yelling “play ball!”

Artist Patrick Giles will also be on-hand to entertain fans on the concourse. Fans have the opportunity to purchase original comic sketches and have themselves drawn as superheroes by Patrick, whose resume includes work with Topps, Upper Deck and Conan O’Brien. His recent projects include creating trading cards featuring characters from Star Wars, Batman, X-Men and Guardians of the Galaxy.

The jersey auction is also set to take place on the concourse throughout the game as a silent auction. After the game, jerseys will be signed by the player and awarded to the highest bidder.

“Children’s of Alabama is thrilled to partner with the Birmingham Barons for Superhero Night,” Children’s Coordinator of Community Development Shane Autrey said. “We think this theme is ideally suited for the families we treat right down the street from Regions Field, because all of our patients are superheroes to us.”

To order tickets, visit Barons.com or call (205) 988-3200. For more information, visit us at www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.

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

Smokies To Renovate Youth Fields Saturday

tennesseesmokies_2015-03-26

Club Teaming Up With U.S. Cellular To Pitch In For Local Community

Tennessee-Smokies-2015Members of the Tennessee Smokies front office will be teaming up with U.S. Cellular and other partners to help clean up and renovate two East Tennessee baseball fields on Saturday, March 28, including the Boys & Girls Club of Halls/Powell, and the Christenberry Ballfields. Volunteers from U.S. Cellular will be pitching in at both locations, working side-by-side with Smokies front office members on all tasks. In addition, U.S. Cellular will also be donating $1,000 dollars to each location for equipment upgrades.

“This is a very important project for us, and another way to truly make a difference in the East Tennessee community,” stated Smokies Team President Doug Kirchhofer. “We’re also very grateful to U.S. Cellular and our other partners for working together with us on this venture to ensure baseball is played safely and on a good field for years to come.”

“U.S. Cellular has long enjoyed its partnership with the Tennessee Smokies and the opportunity it gives us to connect with East Tennessee residents,” said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “We are looking forward to rolling up our sleeves to help with the baseball field makeovers. Every young child should have the opportunity to play ball on a safe, well-maintained field.”

“Saturday is an important undertaking by all parties involved, and we’re very excited to be able to provide nice ballfields for kids and the community,” added Smokies General Manager Brian Cox. “Our hope is for this to become a yearly endeavor in which we continue to provide a place to play baseball and help the game flourish.”

Work to be done includes field clean-up and the creation of new dugouts, in addition to adding fencing at the Boys & Girls Club, as well as installing batting cages at Christenberry Ballfields, including new turf, placing padding behind home plate, and field clean-up among other tasks. The team will also be donating several items for use at those locations, including a home plate, bases, chalker, rakes and shovels.

This marks the second time the Smokies have teamed up with The Boys & Girls Club this month, after Smokies Stadium hosted a Pitch, Hit & Run Competition exclusively for club members on March 17 in association with the Boys & Girls Club of Tennessee Valley, and the Smoky Mountains. Additional partners assisting the Smokies with Saturday’s effort are Blalock Construction, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Jet’s Pizza.

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

Barons Searching for Community Heroes

Five to be recognized on-field July 28 – August 1

Birmingham-BaronsThe Birmingham Barons announced Thursday they are searching for five Birmingham area citizens to be recognized as the team’s inaugural “Barons Community Heroes” class in 2015.

Beginning today, fans have the opportunity to nominate individuals who they believe are deserving of recognition at a Barons baseball game. By visiting Barons.com and clicking “Barons Community Heroes” on the community tab, fans will be instructed to complete a nomination form that can be submitted during home games or emailed.

Whether the nominee is currently/formerly a teacher, firefighter, law enforcement officer, military personnel or a volunteer, the Barons are looking for those who have made a difference in the Birmingham community and want to recognize those unsung heroes.

“The Barons are a community-driven business, and we believe this is a great way to give back to a community that has shown us so much support for so many years,” Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson said. “We want to be able to give those individuals the attention and recognition they deserve for their hard work and dedication to the Birmingham area, and who better to ask for suggestions than those whose lives they have impacted most; their neighbors.”

If chosen, one person shall be recognized on-field each night July 28 – August 1 as the Barons host the Mississippi Braves at Regions Field. Nomination forms are due Sunday, May 31 at midnight.

Birmingham opens the 2015 season Thursday, April 9 as Regions Field hosts the Mobile BayBears at 7:05 p.m. To order tickets, visit Barons.com or call (205) 988-3200. For more information, visit us at www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.

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

Easter at the Ballpark

Generals to host concert, Easter service with Englewood Baptist

GeneralsFlier2

Jackson-Generals-2014The Jackson Generals are proud to partner with Englewood Baptist Church on Easter Weekend festivities at the Ballpark in Jackson. The church will a concert and fireworks show on Saturday, April 4 and a service and egg hunt on Easter Sunday. Admission to all events is free of charge.

The weekend will begin on Saturday night with a concert headlined by contemporary Christian music artist Travis Cottrell at 7 pm. Cottrell has been nominated for 16 GMA Dove Awards in his musical career, winning two times. His 2011 single “When the Stars Burn Down” debuted atop the Billboard Praise and Worship Chart. He currently serves as the Worship Pastor at Englewood Baptist Church.

Christian hip-hop and spoken word artist Propaganda will also perform at the Ballpark on Saturday night. Fireworks provided by the City of Jackson will follow the show at approximately 9 pm. Gates open on Saturday at 5:30 pm.

Englewood Baptist Church, one of the largest religious institutions in Jackson, will hold their Easter service at the Ballpark at 10 am on Easter Sunday, April 5 with gates opening at 8 am. The service will include music from the Englewood choir and a message from Senior Pastor Jordan Easley. An Easter Egg Hunt will follow the service at 11 am in the outfield.

“We are extremely excited to host Englewood Baptist Church at our ballpark Easter weekend,” Generals’ General Manager Jason Compton said. “This a fantastic opportunity for the Generals. We hope that the Ballpark at Jackson can be a venue for more events like this in the future.”

The Jackson Generals will be providing buffets for both breakfast and brunch on Easter Sunday. Tickets must be purchased from the Generals in advance for both. Breakfast will begin when gates open at 8 am for $10 per person, and brunch will follow the service at 11:30 am for $12 per person. A menu for both meals can be found on the attached flyer.

Additionally, concession stands at the stadium will be open and serving breakfast food for purchase for those who did not buy a buffet ticket in advance.

This is the first time the Generals have hosted Englewood’s Easter Services. For more information on the weekend’s events, visit englewoodeaster.com.

For more information or to buy your buffet tickets, call the Jackson Generals at (731) 988.5299 or visit the Ballpark at Jackson.

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

Barons, FOX6 WBRC & Life South Host Blood Drive Feb. 13 at Regions Field

Donate Blood Friday, February 13 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Schaeffer Eye Center Club Lounge

Birmingham-BaronsThe Birmingham Barons, along with FOX6 WBRC and Life South Community Blood Centers, are hosting a community blood drive Friday, February 13 at Regions Field.

“Being an active Birmingham community partner is extremely important to our organization, and this blood drive is another event in which we want to continue our commitment,” Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson said.  “This past December we hosted a coat drive in which the great folks in this community supported, and we hope that we receive that same support with this blood drive. It is an honor to work with FOX6 and Life South. We hope to promote the importance of blood donation, and we hope to see a lot of donors at Regions Field who want to impact the lives of those in need of a transfusion.”

Life-South-Community-Blood-CentersThe drive is located in the Schaeffer Eye Center Club Lounge, hosted on the second floor at Regions Field, and is set to run from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. All participants will receive a drawstring backpack, courtesy of Life South.

“FOX6 WBRC is excited to partner with the Barons and Life South to provide a service that is extremely important to the Birmingham community,” stated FOX6 WBRC Marketing Director Jim Heinrich.

Donors must be 17 or older, (16-year-olds may donate with written parental consent) weigh 110 pounds or more and show I.D. All donors receive a recognition item and a cholesterol screening. For more information about Life South Community Blood Centers, call (888) 795-2707 or visit lifesouth.org.

“We are in emergency need for blood,” Life South Birmingham Community Director Brian Garrett said. “We appreciate the partnership with the Barons and FOX6 WBRC in an effort to get the Birmingham community involved and giving back to local patients.”

Birmingham opens the 2015 season Thursday, April 9 as Regions Field hosts the Mobile Bay Bears at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for opening night are currently on sale and are available for purchase online, by phone or in person at the Joe Drake Ticket Office at Regions Field. For more information about the Barons Regions Field and the complete 2015 schedule, please call (205) 988-3200 or visit www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.

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