Pirates and Marauders Dish Out Pizza to Hospital Staff

Bradenton, Fla. – On Friday, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders teamed up with Fastfire by Oak & Stone and Demetrios’ Pizza House to provide pizzas to healthcare workers on the frontlines during the COVID-19 Pandemic at Blake Medical Center and Manatee Memorial Hospital.

“We are thrilled with the kindness the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders leadership, staff and players are showing our day and night teams, during this healthcare crisis. Their generosity to not only help hospital’s staff but local business’ is much appreciated.” said Kevin DiLallo, CEO, Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Blake Medical Center President and CEO Randy Currin echoed the sentiment saying, “Blake Medical Center is very grateful for the generous show of support and appreciation from the Pittsburgh Pirates. This thoughtful delivery will touch the hearts of our caregivers as we continue with our work providing the very best care for our patients and community during this trying time.”
Following the lead of Pirates players who purchased more than 400 pizzas from local shops in Pittsburgh for to the staff at Allegheny General Hospital, the Pirates and Marauders set out to do what they could to help during these tough times for both small businesses and hospitals.

“During this time we’ve got to come together as a community. There’s comfort in great tastes and flavors – so providing our Fastfire pizzas to the real heroes, the hospital staffs, is the least we can do. We’re thankful to the Pirates for being our partners and including us in this gesture of thanks,” notes Brett Decklever, Co-Owner of Oak & Stone.

Following that line of thought, owner of Demetrios’ Pizza House Gus Sokos said, “The restaurant and hospitality industry has been devastated over the last two and a half weeks. We recently had to make decisions with staff members whose lives may be impacted forever. Our spirits, along with those in the healthcare profession, are getting drained from the uncertainty that this virus has brought. The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders are a first class organization and it was an honor to partner with them to help lift the morale of these individuals who have dedicated their lives to caring for others. We wish to thank Jeff Podobnik and his team for their wonderful generosity towards our business and staff today.”

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders staffs went out and delivered the pizzas personally, taking the chance to inject positivity into the community and provide a beacon of hope in dark times.

“The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Bradenton Marauders take pride in being woven into the fabric of this community. During this COVID-19 crisis, we know we all need to join together to help our neighbors in any way we can,” said Jeff Podobnik, Pittsburgh Pirates Vice President of Florida and Dominican Operations. “We are proud to help support local businesses and work to lift the spirits of healthcare workers in Manatee County.”

 

Renegades Implement #GadesGivingBack Initiative to Help Local Non-Profits

 

Renegades focus on community-based sales, to assist the Hudson Valley during COVID-19 pandemic.

WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY – The Hudson Valley Renegades, Short Season Class-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, announce in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and it’s rippling effects on the local community an initiative to give back to local non-profits.

The Hudson Valley Renegades are here for you, whether it’s safe at home, or at The Dutch, we want to make sure we are doing our part in helping our community during this time. We have implemented our #GadesGivingBack initiative to donate a portion of profits from ticket sales, gift cards and food and beverage back to the community.

“As a small business ourselves, our organization and employees feel the hardships being felt by many in the Hudson Valley area and throughout our country,” said Renegades President/General Manager Steve Gliner. “The Renegades have always worked hard to put our fans and community first and this is more important now than ever! Through our #GadesGivingBack initiative, we hope to rally our fans and community and give back to local organizations that directly assist those in need. This season is dedicated to YOU, and we hope that you will help us support those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Our first #GadesGivingBack initiative can be supported through purchasing gift cards that you can use now, or save for later. These gift cards can be purchased for either $25, $50 or $100, with fans receiving an additional 20% value to spend on anything at Dutchess Stadium during Renegades games this summer, and 20% of each sale will be donated to Dutchess Responds. These gift cards are available for purchase now through the entire 2020 season and can be used into the 2021 season.

The breakdown of purchasing gift cards is as follows:

Purchase (You Pay): $20 Gift Card Value: $30 Donated to Charity: $5

Purchase (You Pay): $50 Gift Card Value: $60 Donated to Charity: $10

Purchase (You Pay): $100 Gift Card Value: $120 Donated to Charity: $20

Purchase a gift card HERE!

The purpose of Dutchess Responds is to provide critical needs such as food, medications and household essentials to individuals experiencing hardships or quarantine restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 virus emergency. Community leaders, in conjunction with Dutchess County government have established the Dutchess Responds fund at Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley.

The next #GadesGivingBack initiative will be when single game tickets go on-sale, which will go live on Saturday, April 11 for online purchases only at hvrenegades.com. The first week, Saturday, April 11 through Saturday, April 18, $2 from each ticket purchased will be donated to a charity.

In 2019 the Renegades donated over $170,000 in in-kind donations to hundreds of organizations throughout the community. One of the most successful ways of generating money for organizations was through the Renegades Fundraiser Program. The program allows a group the ability to choose the Sunday through Thursday game they want to attend, the Renegades will set-up an online portal for individuals to purchase. Each package is $13, and includes a General Admission ticket, Gades Group Hat and a $5 donation back to your organization. If this is something your group is interested in participating in please email Tyson at [email protected] with the Subject: Host A Fundraiser.

The Renegades will choose a new non-profit for each community outreach initiative that is rolled out, making sure to reach not just those in Dutchess County but all of our fans in the Greater Hudson Valley Region.

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Woodpeckers 2019 Community and Charitable Giving Report

 

Since it’s inception in March of 2019, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund has implemented the Fayetteville Woodpeckers’ desire to make a tangible impact on the Greater Fayetteville community through their official team charity. Investing over $71,000 in charitable giving, in-kind donations, and volunteer hours in their inaugural season, the Woodpeckers set out to establish a winning record not only in baseball games, but in their commitment to helping the community surrounding Segra Stadium.

The core program of this initiative, The Community Leaders Program, emphasizes a focus on youth sports and military causes. With the volunteerism and funds contributed by the Woodpeckers’ 2019 Community Leaders Corporate Partners (Segra, AEVEX, ASUS, Walsingham Group, Inc., and CarolinasDentist), we were able to accomplish the following projects below in 2019.

Youth Sports

  • Sponsored uniforms for 21 youth baseball and softball teams throughout Cumberland County, including the Buddy Baseball Program for special needs children.
  • Purchased and installed a new scoreboard for the Buddy Baseball Program at their home field in Massey Hill. The previous scoreboard was damaged during Hurricane Matthew.
  • Provided new Nike PG3 basketball shoes for both Men’s and Women’s varsity basketball teams at E.E. Smith High School.

Military

  • Funded 50 scholarships for military children to attend summer camp at Rick’s Place. Rick’s Place is a veteran owned 50-acre park just outside Fort Bragg that provides support for active duty and veteran soldiers and their families. In addition, the Woodpeckers provided all 250 campers with a t-shirt to wear during the duration of camp.
  • In conjunction with the USO of North Carolina and with the help of over 70 volunteers from our corporate partners, the Bird Bath Kits initiative was launched. Over 1,000 Bird Bath Kits, which included various personal care hygiene items, were packed at Segra Stadium and then delivered to elementary and middle schools on Fort Bragg as part of our back to school project.
  • Purchased a new irrigation system to benefit the community garden established for veterans therapy at Rick’s Place. This garden has a variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs that veterans and their families are able to plant, tend, and harvest free of charge.

Other 2019 Charitable Initiatives: 
Paint the Park Purple, Alzheimer’s Awareness Night – On Saturday, July 27th, 2019, the Woodpeckers partnered with McKee Homes to host Alzheimer’s Awareness Night at Segra Stadium. The team wore custom purple jerseys that were auctioned off in-game, raising over $8,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern North Carolina. The first 2,000 fans through the gates that night receieved custom purple Woodpeckers shirts to wear during the game, while awareness/educational videos played throughout the evening.
Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund Jersey Auctions – The Woodpeckers held two other impactful jersey auctions that benefited the club’s charity in 2019. The first was a Patriotic jersey for our Independence Day Celebration game on July 3rd and the second was our end-of-season Inaugural home jersey set. These funds were used to help with the above Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund initiatives.
Falcon Children’s Home Christmas Initiative – The Woodpeckers purchased 120 toys for children (infant to 19 years old) to open during the annual Falcon Children’s Home Christmas Party in December.
Childhood Cancer Awareness, Hailey Keller’s Home Run for Life & Jacob Moore’s Woodpecker for a Day – The Woodpeckers were honored to have Hailey and Jacob be a part of our Inaugural season. Hailey celebrated her five year anniversary of being cancer free by hitting a “home run” and running the bases during one of our inning breaks to a standing ovation. Jacob signed a one-day contract and enjoyed a full day of team training and fun as an honorary Woodpecker. Jacob has defied the odds and continues to fight while living with terminal neuroblastoma.

In addition to the above, the club fulfilled over 200 in-kind donations to organizations throughout Fayetteville and the surrounding communities. Our favorite red-cockaded woodpecker Bunker also made over 100 appearances throughout the region, putting a smile on the face of children and keeping our fans in good spirits!

 

Support Local Clearwater Partners

 

While we await a return of baseball, we look for ways to support each other. Local restaurants and caterers are currently serving much-needed meals. Many of these locations and providers are partners with your Clearwater Threshers.

Below is a list of local restaurants with links to their websites. With support from our fans, we can help these businesses continue to provide for the community.

The Threshers and our partners thank you for your support!

This page will be updated if we receive new information from the restaurant. For more hours and details, please call ahead or check the partner’s website.

Abe’s Place Tap and Grill
Amici’s Catered Cuisine
Blinker’s Beachside Steakhouse
Boston Market
Capogna’s Dugout
Coco’s Crush Bar & Grill
Cody’s Roadhouse – Belleair Bluffs
Delco’s
Dunedin Smokehouse
Frenchy’s Outpost – Dunedin
Frenchy’s Saltwater Cafe
Hooters
Iron Oak
Jamminz’ Beach Bar
Kelli’s Catering
Lenny’s
PDQ
Pete & Shorty’s
Pisces Sushi & Global Bistro
Port A Pitt Bar-B Que
The Salty Crab North Beach
Smokey Bones
Stuffed Mushroom
Tijuana Flats – Largo
Wawa
Westshore Pizza – Clearwater
Willie Jewell’s – Largo

 

MODESTO NUTS ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SAVE MART COMPANIES TO OFFER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO GAME DAY STAFF

MODESTO, CA – Last week Minor League Baseball announced, in a release, that the start of the 2020 season will be delayed. Each season, a crew of amazing individuals come to work at John Thurman Field staffing all areas of our ballpark including but not limited to; Concessions, Parking, Ticketing, Games Area, Ushering, Production, Merchandise & Batboy. The Modesto Nuts would not be able to host the consistent, affordable, family-friendly entertainment without the wonderful game day staff.

With the COVID-19 epidemic currently sweeping our nation the Modesto Nuts reached out to 20-year partner, The Save Mart Companies for help. “Our game day staff looks forward to and depends on the supplemental income during the baseball season. It is our obligation to do everything we can to assist our team members in these tough times.” said Zach Brockman, Modesto Nuts General Manager.

The grocery industry is currently in dire need of employment assistance to keep up with the rising demand of consumers. “We care deeply about our employees and this community as a whole. In times like these we need to find ways to help each other. Joining forces with a company like Save Mart that shares all the same values was an easy decision,” Zach Brockman continued.

The Save Mart Companies will offer temporary employment opportunities to current Modesto Nuts game day staff members at local Save Mart and FoodMaxx stores. Click here for more information on employment opportunities with The Save Mart Companies.

We recognize the fear that comes with the current state of our world, and with the help of The Save Mart Companies, we want to bring some peace of mind to the lives of our staff and fill a need for one of our longest tenured partners. Stay healthy and safe, we’re in this together!
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About the Nuts:
The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball team is the Class A-Advanced Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. For more information visit modestonuts.com or call 209-572-HITS (4487).

About The Save Mart Companies
The Save Mart Companies operates 205 stores throughout California and Northern Nevada under the banners of FoodMaxx, Lucky and Save Mart. The Save Mart Companies is committed to sourcing a wide variety of local products to communities throughout California and Northern Nevada. In addition to its retail operation, the company also operates Smart Refrigerated Transport and is a partner in Super Store Industries (SSI), which owns and operates a distribution center in Lathrop and the Sunnyside Farms dairy processing plant in Turlock. For more information on the company, please visit: www.TheSaveMartCompanies.com.
For media inquiries, please contact Victoria Castro at 209.985.4229

 

WooSox Foundation Pledges $10,000 to “Worcester Together”

 

WORCESTER, MA – The WooSox Foundation today pledged a donation of $10,000 to “Worcester Together” to help those impacted by the coronavirus outbreak and to aid charities in the longterm recovery of the city from this pandemic.

Worcester Together, a central fund uniting the United Way of Central Massachusetts and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, is distributing donated funds to both meet acute needs and to help the city recover from the impact of the virus. The effort began last week as an initiative of the two charities in conjunction with the leaders of the City of Worcester.

“We are eager to do our part as members of this compassionate community,” said Dr. Charles Steinberg, President of both the Worcester Red Sox and the WooSox Foundation. “Larry Lucchino has often said that Polar Park will be more than a ballpark, and that the WooSox will be more than a ballclub. We hope this donation helps the people of our adopted city in this time of real need; and, we congratulate Tim Garvin, Barbara Fields, and City Manager Ed Augustus for their important collaboration on this major charitable effort.”

The Worcester Red Sox established the WooSox Foundation on January 28, 2020, when it announced donations to the Worcester Public Library Foundation and the WooSox Scholars program to benefit students in the Worcester Public Schools.

If you can, please donate to the “We Care Fund” today: https://bit.ly/2J4o8OV

Many Valued Partners Of The Team Still Offering Takeout and/or Delivery

 

Troy, NY – As the Capital Region becomes accustomed to social distancing and working/learning at home, it is important to remember that we are in this together. The Tri-City ValleyCats would like to encourage our fans to support food establishments and businesses in our local communities.

Many great restaurants in our community are still open and offering takeout and/or delivery options. Many of these partners are small businesses and/or independently owned. They employ our neighbors and provide us with gathering places in better times. Right now, they can greatly benefit from any support we can offer during this time.

Any ValleyCats fans considering takeout or delivery as a meal option over the next several weeks should especially consider patronizing the following establishments that are valued partners of the team:

Bella Napoli

Bootleggers on Broadway

Brick House Tavern + Tap

Brown’s Brewing Company

BurgerFi

The Chuck Wagon Food Truck

The Cookie Factory

Curvy Girls Food Truck

Deli & Brew

Dunkin’

Five Guys

McAddy’s Pub

Muddaddy Flats Quesadillary

Nine Pin Cider

Pistana Brothers

Recovery Sports Grill

Slidin’ Dirty

Skyline Diner

Taco Bell

Wendy’s

ValleyCats fans can eat, drink, & support our local community all while staying safe and practicing responsible social distancing. We’ll all get through this together and when the time comes, the ValleyCats will be prepared to deliver a summer of baseball and fun right here at “The Joe!”

Please Note: As of Friday, March 20, all of the above listed establishments were offering takeout service, delivery service or both. This is subject to change as national, state & local authorities issue further COVID-19 updates & guidance. Please verify with each establishment by visiting their web site and/or calling.

Blue Rocks Urge Fans To Support Local Food Establishments

 

Wilmington, DE – In a point in time where “social distancing” has become the norm and it feels like the only certainty currently is uncertainty, it’s important now more than ever to remember that everyone is in this situation together. Amidst the unprecedented circumstances facing the nation and world right now, the Wilmington Blue Rocks would like to strongly encourage all fans to support food establishments in our local community so that we can all get through these uncertain times together and look forward to brighter and baseball-filled days.

Many great food establishments in our community are still open and offering takeout and/or delivery options. They provide jobs to those in our community and offer an alternative to grocery stores that are being heavily taxed by unprecedented levels of demand. Many of these organizations are small businesses and/or independently owned. They would greatly benefit from any support of the community during this time. The Blue Rocks take great pride in being a focal point of the community for over 25 years and the outpouring of support that we have seen during this time inspires and drives us to work even harder at this.

Any Blue Rocks fans considering takeout or delivery as a meal option over the next several weeks should especially consider patronizing the following establishments that are valued partners of the team:

Café Napoli

Capriotti’s’

Feby’s Fishery

Five Guys Burgers & Fries

The Greene Turtle

Grotto Pizza

Joe’s Crab Shack

Maryland Avenue Sub Shop

Riverfront Market

River Rock Kitchen

Texas Roadhouse – Bear

Timothy’s Riverfront Grill

For those of age and looking to accompany their takeout or delivery food choices with some locally-brewed craft beer available for takeout, please consider:

Wilmington Brew Works

Blue Rocks fans can eat up, drink up & support our local community all while staying safe and practicing responsible social distancing. We’ll all get through this together and when the time comes, the Blue Rocks will be prepared to deliver a summer of baseball and fun right here on The Riverfront!

Please Note: As of Wednesday, March 18, all of the above listed establishments were offering takeout service, delivery service or both. This is subject to change as national, state & local authorities issue further COVID-19 updates & guidance. Please verify with each establishment by visiting their web site and/or calling.

5th Annual JetHawks Fundraising Workshop

 

5th Annual Lancaster JetHawks Fundraising Workshop
Come join the Lancaster JetHawks’ for our 5th annual fundraising workshop on March 10th, 2020 from 12pm-1pm. Learn how the JetHawks can help you raise awareness and funds for your organization, while also throwing a fun event for your supporters at the ballpark!

The JetHawks Fundraising Workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 10th at The Hangar, located at 45116 Valley Central Way in Lancaster. It will be from 12:00-1:00 in the JetHawks Party Suite. At the Workshop, you’ll hear from the JetHawks, as well as local non-profits who have found success partnering with the JetHawks, enjoy complimentary lunch, and have the opportunity to talk with a JetHawks representative about your organization. Plus, one lucky attendee will win $300 towards their group event!

The JetHawks partnered with over 150 local non-profits in 2019, and we want to show you why! Join us at the ballpark to talk about baseball, fundraising and how we can help you grow your organization in 2020!

To RSVP please contact Nick DiPaola at 661-726-5400 or email [email protected].

 

Inaugural Wahoos Classic A Home Run For Area Economic Impact

Virginia, Oklahoma series brings success on field, box office, local businesses

The teams’ first look at the baseball setting which frames Blue Wahoos Stadium created a lasting impression during the inaugural Wahoos Classic.

Before unpacking their equipment, players on both the Oklahoma Sooners and Virginia Cavaliers reached for cellphones.

“It’s really cool to play in a stadium that is kept up super-nice like this,” said Oklahoma first baseman Tyler Hardman, who created his own memory by blasting the only home run struck in last weekend’s, three-game event – a cannon shot that headed into the water beyond left field and helped the 19th-ranked Sooners to a series-deciding victory.
“You get out the first day and everyone has phones out taking pictures of where you’re going to play,” said the Sooners’ junior first baseman, after his team won the twinbill 7-2 and 5-1, following a 6-0 loss in Friday’s opening game. “It is just really cool to have that experience on different fields and we’re super appreciative for it.”

The event was beneficial in other ways, too.

Blue Wahoos team president Jonathan Griffith said the three-game event, which included a schedule change into a doubleheader last Saturday, thus avoiding inclement weather the next day, generated approximately $500,000 in economic impact for the Pensacola area.
Money spent included hotel rooms for the teams, support staff, players’ parents and fans traveling to Pensacola, ticket sales, transportation, meals at area restaurants, merchandise purchased at the stadium and concession sales.

Saturday’s doubleheader attracted more than 1,400 fans, which was among the largest crowds for a non-Blue Wahoos game at the ballpark. Included in attendance were a large number of Major League Baseball scouts representing various teams to check out talent on the field.

“We basically had 600 people coming from out of town for the games,” he said. “They flew down here. They used local bus companies. They used local restaurants for catering. They used local hotels and some Airbnbs.

“We had rooms booked through ResortQuest, our Highpointe Hotels. By using a lot of local businesses in town who we work with, it drove business to all of those different locations.

“To me, it’s about what did it do for the local economy here.”

The games were televised by Cox Sports Television and aired throughout the nation, including the Washington, D.C. market and in Oklahoma. The weather for both game days was clear-blue sky and multicolor sunsets, so that part became good fortune.

“Live television for two days is a big deal,” Griffith said. “That was essentially a television broadcast of ‘Come Visit Pensacola’ all over the country.”

The event was first broached seven years ago by UVA, which was looking for a season-opening place to play in 2020. Like most major college programs, Virginia fills a schedule years in advance.

Griffith said discussions have begun for the Cavaliers to return, possibly for an expanded event with more teams. That’s fine with Virginia baseball coach Brian O’Connor.

“Very, very happy,” O’Connor said. “Pensacola is a great community. They were great hosts. It’s a beautiful ballpark. They did a terrific job. The field plays really, really good. I hope we have the opportunity come back here, because it’s a first-class operation.

“It was a good crowd for two teams that are not from here. Really nice, energetic crowd so a good environment to play college baseball in, for sure.”

It was the first time either team had been to Pensacola or had anyone from the teams visit the ballpark. The newness of the venue, plus the reputation of Blue Wahoos Stadium, were among reasons why Oklahoma leaped at Virginia’s invitation to be the opponent.

“I think it was a breath of fresh air playing in a minor league stadium that they take care of so well,” said Sooners’ head coach Skip Johnson, who is in his 27th year as a college baseball coach. “The ground crew was unbelievable. I mean, everything we asked for, needed, they were always there for us.

“The biggest thing was more of the hospitality. The field played great, the mound was good. If I would have lost I would have said the same thing.”

The Wahoos Classic began a busy prelude to the Blue Wahoos opening day on April 9 against the Tennessee Smokies.

On March 6-8, Pensacola Sports is presenting the annual Cox Diamond Invitational, sponsored by Cox Communications. The participating teams are Troy University, Louisiana-Lafayette, Samford and Michigan State, which is returning from a previous year in the event.

On March 16, Escambia High will host Gulf Breeze in one-game event. That will be followed on March 17 by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater – alma mater of Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer — traveling to Pensacola with other NCAA Division III teams — to play a full week of games.

The busy month concludes on March 26-27 with the “Battle of the Bay” prep tournament featuring Pensacola Catholic, Tate, West Florida High and Pace in a two-day tournament.

Worcester Red Sox Create “The WooSox Foundation” to Benefit the City, the Region, and the Commonwealth

Education to be first area of focus: Worcester Public Library and Worcester Public Schools to be first beneficiaries– WPL Foundation to receive $25,000 donation; Library to receive books to begin a “Baseball Book Nook”

WORCESTER, MA – As promised in the Community Benefits Agreement with the City of Worcester and the Worcester Community Labor Coalition, the Worcester Red Sox today announced the creation of the “WooSox Foundation” to benefit the people and the charities of the city, the region, and the Commonwealth.

The foundation’s first area of focus will be education, and two of the first beneficiaries will be the Worcester Public Library Foundation and the Worcester Public Schools.

The foundation will donate $25,000 to the library, and will also donate books from the personal libraries of the club’s Principal Owner & Chairman, Red Sox Hall of Famer Larry Lucchino, as well as Vice-Chairman and Worcester native Mike Tamburro, and club President Dr. Charles Steinberg. Each has amassed a collection in their more than 40 years in baseball. The books will begin a “Baseball Book Nook” at the library.

Worcester Public Schools middle schoolers will be eligible to become “WooSox Scholars,” another club commitment in the CBA. The program will provide college scholarships of $10,000 each to four academically talented students. The first recipients will be the Class of 2021, selected in this coming school year and announced at Polar Park in the spring of 2021.

The WooSox Foundation will also create and operate a variety of programs to benefit students at each grade level, from WooSox Mentors for elementary school students to Dream Careers presentations for high school students. The foundation will also present small stipends to teachers in a new “MVT” program for Worcester’s “Most Valuable Teachers.”

In addition, the WooSox will host “Worcester School Days” each year for at least the first five years, when every Worcester student from Kindergarten through 12th grade-more than 24,000 children each year-receive a ticket to a ballgame at Polar Park.

The foundation will also present programs that help students learn the international social significance of such baseball stars as Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, and the Red Sox’ own Luis Tiant, Pedro Martinez, and David Ortiz.

“We are eager to fulfill the obligations that we offered in the Community Benefits Agreement,” Lucchino said. “Establishing the WooSox Foundation and announcing that the Worcester Public Library and the Worcester Public Schools will be immediate beneficiaries begin that process and help us demonstrate our intense desire to be more than a ballclub. We commit to being active participants in this community and in its charitable life.”

Lucchino also established philanthropic foundations with the Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox, and expanded the depth and breadth of the PawSox Foundation.
“Our public library and our schools are vitally important in fostering the education and academic development of our youth,” said Worcester City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. “We thank the Worcester Red Sox and the generosity of the WooSox Foundation in supporting both our students and all those in the community that utilize our library.”

“Worcester’s biggest asset is its young people, and nothing is more important than educating our children,” said Harvard Professor and Worcester native Paul Reville, a former Massachusetts Secretary of Education and an advisor to the WooSox. “These Red Sox gifts to our students and our library not only strengthen education in this community, but signal that in Worcester, learning is the top priority.”

More information can be found on the newly-formed website WooSoxFoundation.org.

Blanton’s Announced as Sixth Community Leaders Program Partner

 

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Houston Astros, announced today their heightened partnership with Blanton’s Air, Plumbing, & Electric heading into the upcoming 2020 season. The new agreement includes two pivotal aspects that current and future Woodpeckers fans will enjoy, while promoting the level of dedication to community involvement that fans have come to expect from their hometown baseball team.

Blanton’s has signed on to be the team’s sixth Community Leaders Program Corporate Partner. The program is a part of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers official team charity, The Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund. The Community Leaders Program works with corporate partners to make a tangible impact on the Greater Fayetteville community with an emphasis in Youth Sports and Military causes. Since its inception in March 2019, the charity has invested over $70,000 in philanthropic efforts. Blanton’s joins Segra, AEVEX, ASUS, Walsingham Group, and CarolinasDentist in this partnership.

“The Blanton’s team is proud and excited to become an official Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing partner of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers,” says Shanna Blanton, Blanton’s Chief Branding Officer. “As Community Leaders, our love and passion for Fayetteville will continue to grow as we enter the 2020 season and beyond.”

Additionally, groups of twenty or more will enjoy the option of celebrating their special occasion in the newly branded Blanton’s Picnic Zone. Featuring upgrades to the current design of the popular Segra Stadium seating location, fans will watch the Woodpeckers play the All-American pastime with their group of family, friends, or coworkers in style. Blanton’s also plans to continue their ‘Very Important Veteran’ campaign they began in 2019 where individuals can nominate local Veterans to attend a Woodpeckers Game in specially marked seating in the ballpark.

“I love seeing a locally-owned company like Blanton’s stand behind our mission of making a tangible impact on the Fayetteville community”, says Chaz Dawson, the Woodpeckers’ Director of Sales. “Blanton’s has supported us since the beginning, making the decision to partner with us even when the stadium was still under construction. I look forward to continuing our partnership and ultimately the impact this will have on our city’s young athletes and military families”

The Woodpeckers open their second season of play against the Frederick Keys on Thursday, April 9th at Segra Stadium.

ABOUT BLANTON’S AIR PLUMBING ELECTRIC
Specializing in heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical services since 1951, the Blanton’s Air, Plumbing, & Electric family of highly skilled, home service professionals has been proudly building a tradition of outstanding service. Blanton’s is 100% dedicated to bringing their core values to life through a shared commitment to being kind, doing the right thing, and growing every day. Working this way is what fuels their business to consistently create extraordinary experiences and to do whatever it takes – to wow their customers. For more information, please visit https://www.blantonsair.com/

ABOUT THE HOUSTON ASTROS
The 2017 World Champion Houston Astros have been Houston’s hometown baseball team since 1962, when the Colt .45s first took the field in Colt Stadium. Three years later, the team became the Houston Astros as a tribute to America’s “Space City” and will be entering their 58th season in Major League Baseball. In 2013, the Astros moved to the American League West Division, becoming the first franchise to move from the National League to the American League. The Astros are also the only team in MLB history to have won both an American and National League pennant. For 81 regular season games a year, the Astros can be found on their home field at Minute Maid Park, where families and friends come together to enjoy America’s favorite pastime in one of baseball’s most comfortable and fan-friendly ballparks. In addition to striving for success on the field, the Astros take pride in their local community and are committed to making Houston a better place by honoring our nation’s military, combatting homelessness, aiding in the fight against cancer and supporting youth baseball and softball through the Astros Foundation’s cornerstone programs. For more information on the Astros, please visit www.astros.com.

ABOUT SEGRA STADIUM
Segra Stadium, named a Ballpark Digest ‘Ballpark of the Decade’, is a $40 million state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue is a catalyzing economic development tool that attracts and retains business, provides national exposure, increases civic and community pride, and provides for an improved quality of life for residents. Designed for baseball, concerts, and a host of other activities the venue seats 5,242 for baseball and up to 10,000 for major outdoor events. It features natural grass, a 25×70 LED scoreboard, six luxury suites, four field boxes, a premium club level, outdoor party deck, a kids zone, and more. For more information, please visit www.fayettevillewoodpeckers.com

ABOUT THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.
Fayetteville is proud of its rich role in our nation’s history and holds fast to the friendly feel of a true hometown, while providing the cultural and entertainment amenities of bigger cities. The city boasts sophisticated restaurants, museums, musical and sporting events, and nearby Fort Bragg – the nation’s largest military installation – that solidifies the city’s deep roots in all things military. Fayetteville is the sixth-largest city in the state and home to more than 208,000 residents. For more information, please visit www.fayettevillenc.gov.

ABOUT THE CAROLINA LEAGUE
The Carolina League consists of 10 teams and is within the Class A-Advanced level of Minor League Baseball. Founded in 1945, the Carolina League strives to provide a first-class baseball experience for its players and fans. For more information on the Carolina League, please visit www.carolinaleague.com

– WOODPECKERS –

 

Diamond in the Rough program returns in 2020

 

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Jan. 23, 2020) – The Winston-Salem Dash are once again partnering with Flow Chevrolet to hold the 2020 Flow Chevrolet Diamond in the Rough Ballpark Renovation, during which one local baseball field will be selected to win a Major League makeover.

Area Little Leagues and softball leagues may submit videos to the Dash’s social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram, showing why their field is in need of renovation. Entries will be accepted through February 15th.

The Dash will select a winner to be announced in February. The Dash grounds crew will head to the winning site to refurbish the field later this year. Representatives from the selected field will also be recognized at BB&T Ballpark during a 2020 Dash home game.

In 2014, the Dash and Flow Chevrolet partnered for their inaugural field renovation at South Little League (SLL) in Winston-Salem. Other recipients include Winston-Salem National Little League in, Northwest Forsyth Little League and Parkland High School in. While most fields have received playing surface upgrades, each recipient has had different needs. Tha Dash and Flow Chevrolet aim to address these needs to provide youngsters with opportunities to enjoy our game. The City of Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks WePlay League participants were rewarded last year with a clinic with the Dash players and coaches, tickets and meal vouchers to a Dash game as well as a commemorative t-shirt.

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

Cougars Release Economic Impact Statement

 

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars and their fans have provided a major impact to the Kane County economy since the organization’s inaugural season in 1991. In 2019 alone, the Cougars generated over $11 million for the city, according to a recent economic impact study conducted by the organization.

Some of the highlights from the 2019 season include over $4.9 million invested into the community by ballpark visitors, 499 seasonal and full-time jobs as well as Foundation giving that totaled $1,054,980. Money spent at the ballpark includes tickets, concessions, souvenirs and parking.

“Over the last 29 years, the community has seen first hand that the Cougars have become far more than just a baseball team,” said owner Dr. Bob Froehlich. “As an organization, we have established a reputation beyond the baseball field and our motto of affordable family fun. We’re committed to making a difference in our community year-round.”

The 30th anniversary season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 PM against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on all the 30th-anniversary festivities including tickets and promotions.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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

Modesto Nuts Release 2019 Community Impact Report

 

The report covers the 2019 fiscal year and discloses the Nuts contributions of over $375,000 to community related programs.

“Our community is the backbone of everything we do, without it we cannot exist.” said Zach Brockman, General Manager of the Modesto Nuts. “In the coming years, we will be continuing to increase our community footprint and we invite all of our current and potential partners to join us in this initiative.”

With the help of The Parks Group and Mocse Credit Union, the Modesto Nuts Reading Program involved around over 80 schools and over 35,000 local students. The Reading Program motivated children to reach their reading goals by offering performance-based incentives from Save Mart, Chuck E. Cheese, Taco Bell, and The Modesto Nuts.

Non-profit organizations and little leagues used the Modesto Nuts ticket fundraising program to generate much needed funds. Additionally, the Nuts donated gift baskets which included game tickets, premium suites & autographed memorabilia to over 200 different local charities.

Modesto Nuts players, coaching staff, and front office donated their time generously to different organizations throughout the community. From school career fairs, to little league opening days, and much more; the Modesto Nuts were able to teach important values such as chasing dreams, having integrity and working hard for what they want.

In back to back years, the Modesto Nuts have doubled their community appearances. For more information on how you can have a Modesto Nuts representative at your event, please head to our Community Appearance Page.

CLICK HERE for the full 2019 Community Impact Report

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About the Nuts:

The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball team is the California League Class A-Advanced Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The Modesto Nuts is the Central Valley’s place for family, fun, affordable entertainment. For more information on season tickets, group rates, sponsorships and more visit modestonuts.com or call 209-572-HITS (4487).