Black History Month: A Look at the Top Five Players in Chiefs History

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went onto long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Peoria Chiefs.

JOSH HARRISON

A do-it-all, versatile player, Josh Harrison has carved out quite the niche in his professional career. The now 34-year-old played in 110 contests with the Chiefs over the course of two seasons. His 2009 campaign served as a breakout year for the Cincinnati, Ohio native. In 79 games, he hit .337 with four homers, while striking out in just 7% of his at-bats. Harrison was traded from the Cubs to the Pirates in July of 2009 and later made his Major League debut with Pittsburgh in 2011. Harrison’s best season came in 2014, when he made his first career All-Star Game. He finished ninth in MVP voting, posting a .315 batting average with 13 home runs and 18 stolen bases. He tacked on a second ASG appearance in 2017, thanks in large part to his 16 home runs, a career-high. Harrison spent 2021 with the Nationals and the A’s. He is currently a free agent.

ALEX REYES

After battling injuries, Alex Reyes burst onto the scene in 2021. Reyes made 69 appearances for the Cardinals last season and recorded an impressive 10 wins out of the bullpen. The right-hander collected 29 saves and set a Major League record by converting the first 24 saves of his career. Reyes has always been a highly-touted hurler and served as Baseball Prospectus’ top-ranked prospect in their 2017 preseason rankings. Reyes, who was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, spent the 2014 season with the Chiefs as a 19-year-old. In 21 starts, Reyes went 7-7 with a 3.62 ERA, while striking out 137 batters in 109.1 innings.

COCO CRISP

Coco Crisp, a widely-respected veteran, spent 15 seasons with four Major League teams and suited up for more than 1,500 career games. Crisp collected 1,572 career hits and mashed 130 career home runs, including 22 with the Oakland A’s in 2013. He posted three seasons with 30+ stolen bases and swiped 49 bags in 2011, tied for the American League lead. Crisp’s stay in Peoria was a brief one. The Los Angeles native played just 27 games for the Chiefs in 2000, but posted a .377 on-base percentage in that timeframe. After being named the Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year in 2001, Crisp was traded to Cleveland in 2002. He parlayed the trade into stints with Cleveland, Boston, Kansas City and Oakland.

JACK FLAHERTY

Flaherty, the now ace of the Cardinals pitching staff, played his first full season of professional baseball with the Chiefs in 2015. Flaherty dominated Midwest League hitters, posting a 9-3 record with a 2.84 ERA. After moving through the ranks, Flaherty made his MLB debut in 2017. After a fine 2018 season with St, Louis, the Burbank, California native put the rest of the league on notice in 2019. Flaherty went 11-8 and sported a sparkling 2.75 ERA. He finished fourth in the race for the National League Cy Young award after whiffing 231 batters in 196.1 innings pitched. Flaherty overcame two IL stints in 2021 to post a solid 9-2 record last season. The 26-year-old will look to build on his early success in 2022.

DEVON WHITE

Few players in Chiefs history can boast a more impressive resume than Devon White. Born in Jamaica, White moved to the United States as a kid and was drafted by the California Angels in the sixth round of the 1981 draft. As a 20-year-old, he flashed some serious potential with the Chiefs in 1983. The speedy outfielder stole 32 bases and hit 13 home runs in the process. After making his MLB debut in 1985, White quickly became known for his unique mix of speed, power and defense. Over the span of a 17-year Major League career, White swiped 346 bases, with five seasons of 30 or more stolen bases.He hit 208 homers, and racked up seven Gold Gloves, including a stretch of five in a row from 1991-1995. In addition to his individual success, White won three World Series titles in his distinguished career, including back-to-back trophies with the Blue Jays in 1992 and 1993.

National Platform Adds To MiLB’s Inclusion Efforts Through America’s Pastime

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NEW YORK, NY, Feb. 1, 2022 —Minor League Baseball® (MiLB™) today announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, The Nine will connect MiLB teams’ existing, Black-community focused development efforts with new national programming and future special events in a coordinated and centralized campaign. The new inclusion initiative follows MiLB’s Copa de la Diversión Latino fan engagement platform introduced in 2017 that included 76 MiLB teams in 2021.

The Nine will recognize and honor numerous Black pioneers and trailblazing civil rights leaders in all 120 MiLB communities, ensuring the heroes of the past and their contributions continue to be celebrated through ceremonies and events at MiLB ballparks and in the community. Recent tributes and celebrations have included Negro Leagues commemorative games honoring the Austin Black Senators in Round Rock (TX), the Bradenton (FL) Nine Devils, and Page Fence Giants near Lansing (MI). Additional tribute games are being planned for the 2022 season and beyond.

“The Nine will shine bright spotlights on these successful initiatives and transform them into national campaigns reaching more fans and communities, further showcasing our teams’ commitment to representing, honoring, and welcoming all fans to MiLB’s unique brand of fun,” said Kurt Hunzeker, MLB’s Vice President of Minor League Business Operations. “The Nine is just the latest example of MiLB teams being true community champions.”

In addition to player- and team-related content, The Nine will focus heavily on creating new opportunities for youth participation among young Black boys and girls, particularly in communities where youth baseball and softball programming is either nonexistent or difficult to access.

Central to this youth-focused push is a planned expansion of Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program throughout MiLB’s national footprint. New competitions in MLB’s Pitch, Hit & Run and Junior Home Run Derby event series will also debut in MiLB markets beginning in 2022.

MiLB teams will continue to build relationships with local Black-owned and operated businesses, local artists and entertainers in an effort to embrace Black culture and make MiLB ballparks a hub for culturally relevant concerts, shows, and community events.

With several MiLB teams having a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in their community, opportunities will be provided for those schools to start internship and mentorship programs with their local team, creating opportunities for on-the-job experience for students prior to entering the job market. Additionally, MiLB recently partnered with TeamWork Online to create a more inclusive virtual job fair and ongoing talent pipeline that aims to recruit and position qualified and ready-for-hire candidates from across the country for potential management- and executive-level roles within MiLB team front offices.

MiLB, Palm Beach Cardinals Launch “The Nine” and Recognize Outstanding Black Players

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

Minor League Baseball announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport. The initiative aims to provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, while further diversifying the business of baseball that embraces millions of passionate fans.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Palm Beach Cardinals.

Tommy Pham

Palm Beach Cardinals outfielder Tommy Pham lays down a bunt at Roger Dean Stadium in 2009. The then 21-year-old hit eight home runs that year on his way to a .691 OPS that season.

Tommy Pham was a Cardinal, both for the big league club in St. Louis and as a coveted prospect in the minor league system. Selected by the Redbirds in the 16th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball draft, the outfielder reached Palm Beach in 2008.

The Las Vegas native spent parts of three seasons with the Beach Birds, including all of 2009. He slashed .232/.313/.378 that year, following that up with a .262/.377/.392 line in 68 games in 2010. Pham also hit 12 homers across his 209 total games with Palm Beach before earning a promotion to Double-A Springfield midway through ‘10.

Pham would reach the majors with a callup to St. Louis in 2014, the same season he was named a St. Louis Cardinals Minor League All-Star. The right-handed slugger would remain in St. Louis until midway through 2018.

Xavier Scruggs

Xavier Scruggs of the Palm Beach Cardinals in action during a 2011 game against the Tampa Yankees at the George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

After the Cardinals took Xavier Scruggs in the 19th round of the 2008 draft, the first baseman spent 2010 and 2011 with Palm Beach and stood out for his power. Scruggs hit 34 homers in 204 total games with the club. After compiling an OPS of .834 in ‘11, the California native was promoted to Double-A Springfield.

Scruggs earned a call to the majors in 2014 while also spending 2015 in St. Louis. The then 28-year-old did not return to MLB after 2016, instead finishing his career with stints in the Korean and Mexican leagues. In 2021, he returned to the Cardinals as the organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant while also taking an analyst position at ESPN.

Adron Chambers

Adron Chambers slugs a line drive against the Tampa Yankees in 2009. The outfielder batted .284 in his lone season with Palm Beach.

Hailing from Pensacola, Fla., Adron Chambers was selected in the 38th round of the 2007 MLB Draft by St. Louis out of Pensacola State College. The lefty reached Class-A Advanced in 2009, spending the entire season with Palm Beach. He sported a .284/.370/.400 slash line in the Florida State League before earning a promotion to Double-A Springfield ahead of 2010.

Chambers is perhaps best known for his role in the 2011 World Series championship run for the Cardinals. The outfielder only saw action in 18 regular season games for the club, but accumulated a .375 batting average during that stretch. Chambers scored the game-winning run as a pinch runner against the Chicago Cubs on September 24, helping the team clinch a playoff berth by a single game. The Cardinals would beat the Texas Rangers in a thrilling seven-game World Series one month later, bringing the franchise its 11th world title.

Sam Freeman

Sam Freeman pitches for Palm Beach during the 2009 season. The southpaw threw 33.0 innings on the year.

Sam Freeman was another major leaguer who went through Palm Beach on his way to ‘The Show.’ Selected by the Cardinals in the 32nd round of the 2008 draft out of the University of Kansas, he only appeared in a single game for Palm Beach after spending most of the season in the Rookie Leagues.

Freeman stood out as a member of the Florida State League club in 2009, where in 26 appearances, the relief pitcher boasted a 1.64 ERA and a 0.939 WHIP.

The native of Houston recovered from Tommy John surgery in 2010 before earning a callup to St. Louis in 2012. He spent parts of three seasons with the Cardinals and would remain a major leaguer through 2020.

Maikel Cleto

Maikel Cleto delivers a pitch for the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds in 2013. The right-handed arm would pitch in the big leagues in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Maikel Cleto was signed as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic. The right-handed pitcher was part of a trade to the Cardinals organization in 2011 after spending time as a prospect for both the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners. In five starts for Palm Beach, Cleto accumulated a 2.48 ERA and a WHIP of 1.034 in 2011. The impressive numbers helped earn him a promotion to Double-A Springfield, before being called up directly to the majors in June.

Cleto would spend time with both the Cardinals and Chicago White Sox from 2011-14, where he saw action in 41 big league matchups as a relief pitcher.

Dozer Park to Host Concert for the City on July 2

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Peoria, IL— The Peoria Chiefs, in conjunction with the Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service, First Baptist Church of Peoria, and Connect Church of Washington, are teaming up to present a Concert for the City on Saturday, July 2.

Peoria native Victor Solomon will be joined by Jordan Feliz, a top-selling Christian pop artist, whose 2015 song “The River,” reached the top spot on Billboard Magazine’s Christian Airplay chart. A fireworks show will follow the concert. Gates open at 6:00 p.m., with Solomon taking the stage at 6:30 p.m. Feliz will perform at approximately 7:30 p.m.

A 2017 graduate of Peoria High School, Solomon burst onto the national scene last year, when he finished fifth on NBC’s “The Voice.” This will mark his second performance at Dozer Park, after he performed the national anthem at a Chiefs game last season.

Feliz plays a folk rock/soul style of Christian pop. He was named the New Artist of the Year at the 2016 GMA Dove Awards. Feliz has released four studio albums, including “Future,” which served as Billboard’s top Christian album the week of April 7, 2018.

General admission tickets start at $25. For larger groups, the concourse party areas will be available. Tickets for the concourse areas are $30 per person, with a capacity limit of 40 people. The first base party deck, which can accommodate up to 75 guests, and the third base party deck, which can welcome 100 patrons, will also be available for purchase. Tickets for both party decks start at $35 per person. Additionally, Dozer Park’s 18 luxury suites are available for rental.

Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service, a local not-for-profit dedicated to empowering families by giving them hope and a path for prosperity.

“Peoria Friendship House is honored to carry out our mission by hosting The Concert for the City, a Christian concert held later this summer,” said Marcellus Sommerville, CEO of the Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service. “Music connects families, cultivates communities and strengthens spiritual connections by bringing people together and promoting unity within.”

Jason Mott, General Manager of the Peoria Chiefs, is excited to team up with the local organization.

“I served on the Friendship House board for the last six years, and I’ve seen their work up close,” Mott said. “They truly provide a ‘hand up’ to the Peoria community. We’re very pleased to host this concert at Dozer Park.”

Tickets for the event will go live Thursday, January 27 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting https://www.milb.com/peoria/events/concerts

Cardinals to host job fair January 27 at Hammons Field

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The Springfield Cardinals will host a job fair on Thursday, Jan. 27 to fill seasonal part-time gameday positions for the 2022 season. The fair will take place from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and from 5-7:00 p.m. in the Hammons Field Indoor Training Facility.

To help protect attendees and staff, face coverings worn properly over the nose and mouth will be required for everyone at the job fair. Interviews will not be conducted with anyone failing to wear a face covering. Social distancing measures will also be in effect.

Interviews will be held during the event for seasonal gameday part-time positions available in customer service/game entertainment, sales, ticket operations, press box operations, event staff and field crew. Anyone interested in applying for any position must bring a resume for each position they’d like to apply for. Interviews will be conducted as time permits. A full list of open positions is available here: https://www.milb.com/springfield/team/jobs

Delaware North–the stadium’s Food and Beverage company–will also be conducting interviews on January 27 in the same location, aiming to fill a number of positions, including cooks, concessions stand employees, bartender, suite attendants, dishwasher and porter.

Brokate Janitorial will also be conducting interviews to fill its stadium janitorial staff.

Applicants should be energetic, friendly and dependable, and look forward to contributing to the welcoming and fun atmosphere of Hammons Field. Those interested in a position with the Cardinals, Delaware North or Brokate Janitorial can see a listing of all jobs by clicking here to view the Cardinals job boards.

Track-or-Treat at Hammons Field event, ticket, timing information

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — TRACK-OR-TREAT, presented by Xtream, is back! On Saturday, October 30, Hammons Field opens up to any and all ghosts, goblins, ghouls and their spooky costumed counterparts for a free night of trick-or-treating around our award-winning field.

To participate, families must sign up for a specific time slot between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and come dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes! Please note each group must include at least one child aged 12 or under and each group member (adults and children) must have their own ticket. Time slots will be organized in 15-minute increments.

Springfield Cardinals RED Access Members will be granted an early registration window from Monday, October 18 to Tuesday, October 19.

Sign-ups open to all fans on Wednesday, October 20.

Space per time slot and for the entire event is limited and expected to sell out quickly, so be prepared to sign up online or call 417-863-0395. Sign-up links will be shared with fans through e-mail, Cardinals social media and online on the above dates.

Once inside, Track-or-Treaters will walk around the Hammons Field warning track where they’ll get to collect candy from different tents and tables decorated and assembled by Cardinals partners and other Springfield companies. The Cardinals will have Halloween-themed fun and music playing on the video board and will have a photo station set up in center field. Before exiting, kids can pick out a pumpkin from the Price Cutter Pumpkin Patch (while pumpkin supplies last)!

Companies/organizations that would like to register for a booth can contact the Cardinals at 417-863-0395.

Click here for more information.

Redbirds Give Back To Community As Part of “Homers That Help” 

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MEMPHIS, Tennessee— In conjunction with Minor League Baseball, the Memphis Redbirds are honored to be giving back to their local community during their final 10 games in the 2021 Minor League Baseball season. The Redbirds will be donating to Memphis Little League as they participate in the “Homers That Help” program, which assists local charities in all 30 Triple-A cities.

For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (home and road games) during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local charity selected by the team. The team hitting the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

Memphis has brought out the power bats recently, smacking seven home runs in their last five games. For the season, the Redbirds have hit 126 home runs. Juan Yepez leads the team with 21 homers so far this season.

“On behalf of all the players, parents and volunteers at Memphis Little League, we are honored that our organization has been selected as a recipient of the Homers that Help program,” said Kerry Cobb, President of Memphis Little League. “At Memphis Little League, we look to inspires inner city youth to use baseball as an instrument to achieve their goals, on and off the field through leadership, teamwork, accountability, and sportsmanship. The support and advocacy from this charitable program will help us meet our obligation in offering youth baseball to the children in the Greater Memphis area. We are truly grateful to the Memphis Redbirds for recognizing our program for this special moment.”

“It is our honor to take part in the ‘Homers That Help’ program and help Memphis Little League during the ‘Final Stretch’ of the 2021 Minor League Baseball season,” said Craig Unger, President and General Manager of the Memphis Redbirds. “Being part of the greater Memphis community is something we never take for granted. We are thrilled to help our neighbors in any way we can and continue to promote baseball throughout the region.”

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

Tickets for the five remaining Redbirds home games this season can be purchased at MemphisRedbirds.com/tickets, or by calling 901-721-6000. Tickets for all premium and group areas also remain on sale. All tickets will remain digital; paper tickets will not be issued. AutoZone Park will continue to enforce a clear bag policy and operate as a cashless venue. For the latest protocols and procedures visit memphisredbirds.com.

About Memphis Redbirds

The Memphis Redbirds are the proud Triple-A Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Memphis has claimed four League Championships and one Triple-A National Championship since their affiliation with St. Louis began in 1998. For the latest team news, follow the Redbirds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Springfield Cardinals specialty ‘City Jersey’ announced for August 20-21 at Hammons Field

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Springfield Cardinals are excited to announce the team’s first City Jersey, featuring the Springfield Identity Project/Springfield Flag Movement flag design. These brand new specialty uniforms will be worn by the Cardinals at Hammons Field on Friday, August 20 and Saturday, August 21, and will bring the Cardinals closer to the city we love than ever before.

While the specialty jersey and jersey auction have been scheduled for several months, it happens to coincide with the City of Springfield gathering public input on a potential new flag. Citizens can visit https://flag.questionpro.com/ to comment and/or submit flag designs through August 18.

Combining the unmistakable Cardinals identity on the chest and sleeves with the design of the proposed new flag itself, the white stripe on the uniform represents both the Ozark Plateau on which Springfield rests as well as the world-famous Route 66, which was born here in Springfield. The three stars represented Innovative Spirit, Connection with Nature and Ozarks Culture. The “Compass Crown” combines two core elements of our city’s identity, with the compass representing our role as a crossroads to the nation and the crown paying homage to our over century-old moniker as the “Queen City of the Ozarks.” On either side of the crown and perched on the white stripe are a pair of inward facing Cardinals. The jersey’s left sleeve features a single Bird-on-the-Bat with the Springfield script. The right sleeve features the interlocking “SGF,” first introduced in 2019 on a limited-release off-field cap. This will be the debut of the interlocking “SGF” logo on a uniform.

The jerseys will be auctioned off on the LiveSource App and Livesourceapp.com beginning when gates open on Friday, August 20 and ending at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 21. Proceeds will benefit the Sertoma Club of Springfield—a non-profit organization chartered in 1941 whose primary focus is to raise money for children charities in our local area.

Friday, August 20 is the Mercy Crossbody Purse Giveaway for 2,000 fans and Girl Power Friday Fireworks. Gates open at 6:05 p.m. with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. when the Cardinals face the Wichita Wind Surge (AA, Twins).

Saturday, August 21 is the Price Cutter & Bar-S Foods Dylan Carlson Mystery Switch-Hitter Bobblehead Giveaway for 2,000 fans. Gates open at 5:05 p.m. with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. when the Cardinals face the Wind Surge.

Partnership Encourages Student Vaccinations August 3 & 5

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Hammons Field will be the host of the “Knock COVID Out of the Park” Vaccination Drives, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, during the Tuesday, August 3 and Thursday, August 5 games. This is a partnership between Springfield Public Schools (SPS), Springfield Cardinals, Springfield-Greene County Health Department, Mercy and Foundation for Springfield Public Schools.

The events are available for area students, ages 12 and up, and each student vaccinated at these drives will receive two free tickets to that night’s game, courtesy of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. All students receiving the vaccine must have a parent or legal guardian with them.

Any fan who would like more information about the COVID-19 vaccines will be able to learn more during the events from representatives with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Mercy and Springfield Greene-County Health Department.

Check-in for the vaccinations will be located on the Main Plaza, right outside of Gate 3 at Hammons Field, with vaccines available for two hours starting when gates open each night. In addition to the two free tickets, eligible students who get the vaccine during these drives will receive a free backpack or duffel bag while supplies last, courtesy of Foundation for Springfield Public Schools.

Tuesday, August 3 Vaccine Drive details:

· Tuesday’s vaccine drive will go from 5:35 p.m. – 7:35 p.m.

· This game is also a Great Southern Bank $1 Dog Day, with hot dogs available all night for just a buck.

· First Pitch is 6:35 p.m. vs. the Tulsa Drillers.

Thursday, August 5 Vaccine Drive details:

· Thursday’s vaccine drive will go from 6:05 p.m. – 8:05 p.m.

· This game is also a Klement’s $1 Bratwurst Night, with Klement’s brats available all night for just a buck.

· First Pitch is 7:05 p.m. vs. the Tulsa Drillers.

“We appreciate these outstanding community partners for making this opportunity available for our students,” said Dr. Grenita Lathan, superintendent of SPS. “The vaccines are safe and they work remarkably well by preventing serious illness and hospitalization. We encourage everyone over the age of 12 to be vaccinated now. This will help us turn the page and reclaim a sense of normalcy, which is what we all want.”

“As we look ahead, vaccinations are an important tool in helping students who participate in sports or other extracurricular activities have an uninterrupted experience,” said Josh Scott, director of athletics for SPS. “If vaccinated and asymptomatic, students will not have to quarantine if a fellow team member tests positive. If enough of our students are vaccinated, that can make the difference between a team remaining viable or being sidelined by COVID-19.”

To learn more about the upcoming vaccination events, please watch this Public Service Announcement: https://youtu.be/4QVHGqX-8jI.

For additional vaccine information, please visit www.vaccine417.com today.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri

In Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area) Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of RightCHOICE® Managed Care, Inc. (RIT), Healthy Alliance® Life Insurance Company (HALIC), and HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates administer non-HMO benefits underwritten by HALIC and HMO benefits underwritten by HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates only provide administrative services for self-funded plans and do not underwrite benefits. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/anthemBCBS and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield.

*About Springfield Public Schools
*Springfield Public Schools (SPS) is Missouri’s largest school district, representing 23,500 students and nearly 3,500 employees. SPS has built a reputation of academic excellence rooted in a belief that the learning experience should be engaging, relevant and personal – for every learner, every day. In addition to traditional learning environments across 35 elementary schools, an intermediate school, nine middle schools, five high schools, a center for gifted education and three early childhood centers, SPS collaborates with community partners to offer more than a dozen choice programs that meet the unique needs of each student. For more information, visit www.sps.org.

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Cardinals offering free tickets in Match Program for Healthcare Workers

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From the desk of Dan Reiter, VP/GM Springfield Cardinals:

I LOVE the Springfield area. It’s home to my family, my parents, my in-laws and my friends. It’s where I graduated high school, where I’ve worked for the Cardinals for 16 years and where my wife and I choose to raise our two awesome sons. So I want to do everything I can to help our community increase their vaccination numbers for three reasons: For the health of our citizens. To support our healthcare heroes. And, because the Ozarks are only the Ozarks because of the people who live here.

For those reasons, the Springfield Cardinals will be pledging 1,000 pairs of tickets to a COVID-19 vaccination program run through the Springfield-Greene County Health Department to encourage people to vaccinate, where each vaccinated individual will leave with two tickets in hand to a 2021 Cardinals game at Hammons Field. Starting Monday, the next 1,000 people to be vaccinated at a Springfield-Greene County Health Department clinic are eligible. Visit vaccine417.com and look for “SGCHD” events or call 417-874-1211 for a list of eligible sites. And on top of that, we’ll provide a match. For every person vaccinated through the program, the Cardinals will also donate a pair of tickets to a local healthcare worker, because they deserve the downtime to relax at a ballgame.

If any of you are like the Springfield Cardinals staff and me, sometimes you feel overwhelmed with the saddening and worsening reports of sickness and over-strained health care workers, and you just don’t know what you can do to help. I appreciate everything that Mercy, the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, the City of Springfield and CoxHealth have done to help us so far. But now seems like the time to try something new, and I don’t know about you all, but I LOVE being incentivized! So that’s what the Springfield Cardinals will try to do, starting with a total of 4,000 possible tickets to donate for our friends, family and neighbors throughout Southwest Missouri to get vaccinated.

If any businesses want to help, we’d love to have you on board, however big or small. If you want to help as an individual, then consider vaccination, tell others about this opportunity, and/or stay tuned for ways to help our Match Program for Healthcare Workers. We are also going to auction Cardinals memorabilia with all proceeds allowing even more healthcare heroes to attend ballgames.

So Springfield, let’s do this! Let’s love thy neighbor, let’s find new ways to help and, of course, let’s Finish Strong!

Cardinals, Mercy, S-GC Health Department, KY3 offering free COVID-19 vaccines May 18-23 at Hammons Field

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Cardinals, Springfield-Greene County Health Department, Mercy Hospital Springfield and KY3 are teaming up to offer free COVID-19 vaccines during Cardinals home games from May 18-23 against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Hammons Field.

Those who pre-register for a vaccine date at Hammons Field will receive a FREE General Admission ticket to that game. Fans already in the stadium who do not pre-register will receive a free General Admission ticket to a future game of their choice. 100 free tickets are available per game. Additional information can be found at www.ky3.com or health.springfieldmo.gov/cardinals.

Cardinals Teacher of the Month: Morgan Hooker, Cedar Ridge Primary

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce Morgan Hooker of Cedar Ridge Primary school in Branson as our final Teacher of the Month winner.

As a preschool teacher, Morgan has faced and met the countless challenges that have come from coupling the importance of early childhood education with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mrs. Hooker is one of those teachers who was born for her job of imparting life skills and early education to form a solid foundation of knowledge to her students so they can go on and add to their knowledge in later grades,” Morgan’s Teacher of the Month nominator wrote. “She is continuously and tirelessly and energetically prepared for her lesson plans and she always focuses her attention on the care and teaching of her little precious students.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has created new sets of rules and expectations to keep students healthy across the country, but those rules can be especially difficult for a younger child to understand–but Morgan hasn’t let that stop her.

“She teaches a classroom full of young students to be independent and to learn to draw shapes, numbers, letters, sounds and so many other important life skills,” her nominator wrote. “Her students are 3-4 years old and need extreme attention every minute of every school day. She tirelessly does her duties because she truly enjoys her career and teaching the next generation.”

Morgan Hooker with her students at Cedar Ridge Primary in Branson, Mo.

A College of the Ozarks alumni, Morgan has executed numerous safety guidelines while still following through with the lessons that are necessary for young students to grow, placing sanitizer stations around her classroom, having students wash their hands with soap and water upon arrival to school, encouraging masks during recess, nap times and meal times, sanitizing surfaces between uses, encouraging students to only use their own materials, and more.

“She spends extra time preparing for virtual learning by making alternate lesson plans if the school or classroom should ever be shut down due to COVID exposure,” her nominator wrote. “Mrs. Hooker practices Google Meets for when she does virtual learning. Her children and their parents respect and adore her tremendously. We all have a purpose and I truly believe her purpose is to instill knowledge to the next generation. Mrs. Morgan Hooker does a fabulous job.”

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, Morgan and all of our Teacher of the Month winners will receive one Cardinals luxury suite rental, one ceremonial first pitch, recognition on the Cardinals video board and Cardinals caps for their group, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is an opportunity for the Southwest Missouri community to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since the Lottery began 35 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

Delaware North, Hammons Field job fair Saturday, April 24

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Delaware North — Hammons Field’s food-and-beverage company — will host a job fair on Saturday, April 24 to fill seasonal part-time gameday positions for the 2021 Springfield Cardinals season. The fair will take place from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. inside the Cardinals Team Store. Complimentary ballpark food, snacks and beverages will be provided.

Interviews will be held for a number of positions including Suites Sous Chef, Line Cooks, Concession Attendants, Warehouse Porters and Retail Associates.

Applicants should be energetic, friendly and dependable, and look forward to contributing to the welcoming atmosphere of Hammons Field. If those interested would prefer to apply online, they may do so at www.hammonsfieldjobs.com.

Positions with Delaware North pay above minimum wage and include weekly attendance bonuses of $50. Receive a free meal during your shift and 35% off items in the Springfield Cardinals Teamstore. Delaware North offers an exciting work environment, rewards and recognition, plus a flexible schedule and opportunities to advance your skills.

Cardinals Teacher of the Month: Dave Davis, Hillcrest High School

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce Dave Davis of Hillcrest High School as our March Teacher of the Month.

Dave, who has been teaching at Hillcrest since 1983, started a Broadcast Journalism class at the school in 1989. Since then, the school’s student-produced show, HTV Magazine, has gone on to become one of the country’s most-honored high school broadcasts and is the longest-running student newscast in the nation.

The 2009 Springfield Public Schools Teacher of the Year award winner also led Hillcrest’s baseball program to two state titles early in his teaching career.

“His students have blossomed under his guidance,” one Teacher of the Month nominator wrote about Davis. “They have won numerous national awards and many of them now have careers in journalism and broadcasting. With the lives he’s touched…I can’t think of a more deserving teacher.”

Davis pictured with Hillcrest High School broadcast journalism students.

In 2019, five Hillcrest students from HTV Magazine received the Robert F. Kennedy Book & Journalism award in Washington, D.C. for their “Wildfire” episode of the program’s Bay 11 Podcast. That award marked the ninth time that students from HTV Magazine earned the award.

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, Dave and each future Teacher of the Month will receive one Cardinals luxury suite rental, one ceremonial first pitch, recognition on the Cardinals video board and Cardinals caps for their group, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is an opportunity for the Southwest Missouri community to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since the Lottery began 35 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

Chiefs to Hold 2021 Job Fair on March 29 & April 9

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

PEORIA, Ill. – As the 2021 baseball season approaches, the Peoria Chiefs will be hosting a job fair at Dozer Park (730 SW Jefferson St., Peoria, IL, 61605) on Monday, March 29 and Friday, April 9 from 5-7 p.m. The Chiefs are looking to fill a number of different game day positions for the upcoming season.

Open positions include concessions (cashiers, expeditors, cooks, servers), box office, cleaning crew, grounds crew, ushers, mascot and promotions team. Candidates will be expected to work all 60 Peoria Chiefs home games throughout the duration of the season including nights, weekends, and holidays.

All interested applicants are encouraged to bring their current resume with them to the job fair. Applicants should also be dressed in professional attire and come prepared to answer a number of different questions from the Chiefs staff.

For the safety of all applicants and Chiefs staff, masks are required throughout the duration of the event.

If you have any questions regarding the job fair, please contact Jason Mott at [email protected].

The Peoria Chiefs are locally owned and operated and play their games at Dozer Park. The Chiefs are a committed community asset and premier entertainment venue for families and individuals in Central Illinois.