Soap Box Derby Named as Charity Recipient for Corbin Bernsen-headlined 2019 Hot Stove Banquet

(AKRON, OHIO) Dec. 3, 2018 – The Akron RubberDucks announced today the International Soap Box Derby® will be the charity benefactor from the 2019 RubberDucks Hot Stove Banquet on Feb. 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Akron. The Hot Stove Banquet will be headlined by Emmy-nominated actor Corbin Bernsen, who played Roger Dorn in the classic hit movie “Major League” and directed the Soap Box Derby-themed “25 Hill.”

The third annual Hot Stove Banquet is presented by FirstEnergy. It will be a celebration of baseball to help get fans prepared for another exciting season from the RubberDucks and Cleveland Indians. Fans will have an opportunity to ask Bernsen about his acting career, which includes his famous role as Dorn in “Major League” and his time as Arnie Becker on the hit ’80s series L.A. Law. In 2011, he wrote, directed, and produced the Soap Box Derby-related film “25 Hill,” which helped provide extra funds to the long-standing Akron institution.

“We are pleased to be partnering with the RubberDucks for their kickoff Hot Stove Banquet,” said Mark Gerberich, president and chief executive officer of the Soap Box Derby. “Corbin Bernsen’s tie to ’25 Hill’ and ‘Major League’ are both classics, and we are grateful and proud to be this year’s recipient. This will help further our leadership, STEM education and racing programs in the Akron Community,” said Gerberich.

Bernsen previously appeared as a guest at Canal Park in July 2013, when he met fans and signed autographs while the team gave away Roger Dorn snow globes.

“It’s an honor to partner with an Akron institution such as the Soap Box Derby and help this great organization raise money for its mission of helping kids in the community,” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. “It will be an extra special Hot Stove because of Corbin’s connection to the Derby and his because of his beloved role as Roger Dorn from ‘Major League,’ which is a cult favorite of Indians fans around the country.”

The doors open at 4:30 p.m. with cocktails and silent auction, which will feature autographed items from current Indians and RubberDucks, as well as some unique items donated by corporate partners and other teams across baseball.

Starting at 6:30 p.m., a full-plated meal and dessert will be served (vegetarian option available), and the program and question-and-answer session will follow dinner. All attendees are guaranteed to receive Bernsen’s autograph, and they will have the opportunity to meet him after the program’s conclusion.

The Hot Stove Banquet is open to the public and tickets may be purchased for $100 per person or $750 for a table, fans can call (330) 253-5151 or visit akronrubberducks.com. Space is limited. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 26.

Bernsen most recently has starred as Henry Spencer on the USA Network’s hit original series Psych. He was first catapulted to stardom during the 1980s by the hit NBC TV series, L.A. Law, earning nominations for both Emmy and Golden Globe awards for his performance as Arnie Becker. He played Roger Dorn in the “Major League” film series and starred in the movie “Hello Again.” He has several directing credits, including “Carpool Guy” and All-American Soap Box Derby film, “25 Hill.” He lives in Los Angeles and is from North Hollywood. Bernsen is a graduate of UCLA where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Theater and a master’s degree in Playwriting.

2019 RubberDucks Hot Stove Banquet Details:

When: Fri., Feb. 1 at 4:30 p.m. (Doors), 6:30 p.m. (Dinner), with program and Q & A to follow

Where: Hilton Garden Inn – Akron (1307 E. Market St., Akron, Ohio, 44305)

Who: Emmy-nominated actor Corbin Bernsen, aka Roger Dorn from “Major League”

What: Cocktails, Silent Auction, Dinner/Dessert, Program, Q & A Session, Autographs (guaranteed autograph per ticket)

Tickets (On sale Monday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m.): $100 per person; $750 per table of eight; To purchase: (330) 253-5151 or akronrubberducks.com

Benefactor: International Soap Box Derby®

About the Akron RubberDucks

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 2019 season, powered by FirstEnergy, will be the franchise’s 23rd since moving to Akron. The 2019 Home Opener is on Thursday, April 4, at 6:35 p.m. vs. Altoona Curve.

For more information about the team, please visit the RubberDucks’ website, www.akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page www.facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, Twitter feed @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks. Tickets packages for the 2019 season can be ordered online or by calling 330-253-5151 Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About the Soap Box Derby

The International Soap Box Derby® is a non-profit youth education and leadership development organization whose mission is to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through fair and honest racing competitions, STEM curriculums, and other community-focused activities. The Derby’s Core Values and Drivers include: Youth Education and Leadership Development; Family Engagement and Enrichment; Honesty, Integrity and Perseverance; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Teamwork and Collaboration; Mentoring; Volunteerism; and Commitment to Community. The Derby’s two youth initiatives are the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby racing program and the STEM-based Education Program, which provides educational opportunities for K-12 youth worldwide through Soap Box Derby racing. The Derby dates to 1934, when the first All-American race was held in Dayton, Ohio. For more information, visit www.soapboxderby.org.

Chasers Set All-Time Charitable Giving Record

The Omaha Storm Chasers set an all-time record in charitable giving for the sixth consecutive year in 2018, assisting with over 300 different organizations. In total, the Storm Chasers franchise donated $851,237.75 to local charities over the course of their 50th season in franchise history, an increase of $51,055.30 compared to last year.

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL COMMUNITY RELATIONS REPORT (PDF)

“Relationships and community are imperative to what this organization is about,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers. “Werner Park is a community center so we have a responsibility to Sarpy County and the Omaha Metro to continue to be engaged by being present and giving back.”

The Storm Chasers organization provided a platform for 70 non-profit organizations at Werner Park as its Community Organization of the Night. The McDonalds and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion also raised $17,683.25 for the Ronald McDonald House. In addition, $23,840 was donated to local charities including Methodist Hospital Foundation, Food Bank for the Heartland, NWTF, United Way of the Midlands, and Javelan through five Game-Worn Jersey Auctions, with players and coaches wearing specialty jerseys.

The organization remained visible throughout the Omaha Metro, with mascots and players combining for over 530 appearances in the community. The Storm Chasers front office also combined for 1,055 hours of community service during the 2018 campaign.

A full overview of the Storm Chasers’ 2018 Community Relations efforts can be found online at this link: https://www.milb.com/omaha/community/community-relations-report

Werner Park is slated to host the Kansas City Royals on March 25, 2019 in an exhibition game presented by Cobalt Credit Union. Tickets are still available for that contest and can be purchased at this link: http://bit.ly/2BUsp72.

Following the Royals Exhibition Game, the Storm Chasers franchise is set to start their regular season slate on Tuesday, April 9. The Omaha Storm Chasers are the Triple-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Storm Chasers play at Werner Park in Papillion, Sarpy County, Nebraska. For more information please visit omahastormchasers.com and follow us on Twitter @omastormchasers and at facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

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

OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Helps Provide Winter Coats to Area Elementary Students

OKLAHOMA CITY – Representatives of the Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation presented a check to The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools Coat-A-Kid program during a visit to Southern Hills Elementary School this morning.

The non-profit OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation made a monetary donation to fund the purchase of coats for an entire grade of students at the elementary school thanks to funds raised at the organization’s third annual Golf Classic in October.

“Ninety percent of Oklahoma City Public School children fall below the poverty level and many of them walk to school or ride the bus and they don’t have winter coats, so we really wanted to get behind that initiative,” said Jill vanEgmond, Executive Director of the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation.

The mission of the nonprofit OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation is to impact the lives of families in the state of Oklahoma, provide educational opportunities for youth and support first responders in Oklahoma through charitable contributions and programming initiatives.

Coat-A-Kid is a program led by The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools that seeks to obtain donations from community partners to purchase hundreds of new winter coats for students in low-income families.

The OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation has additional fundraising initiatives upcoming for the 2018 holiday season.

The organization is encouraging donations for #GivingBluesday on Giving Tuesday Nov. 27 via Facebook. Giving Tuesday began in 2012 and has become a global day of giving. Facebook is partnering with PayPal to match up to $7 million in donations made to nonprofit organizations via the social media network starting at 7 a.m. Central Time on Giving Tuesday Nov. 27, further fueling the support provided to nonprofits that day.

Amazon.com will donate 0.5 percent of eligible AmazonSmile purchases to charitable organizations. Those interested in benefitting the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation through this initiative can log on to Amazon.com and shop via this unique charity link: smile.amazon.com/ch/47-3520181.

“We are really encouraging people to consider us in their year-end giving,” vanEgmond said. “We will donate that money back to the community and it will go toward our youth in education initiative.”

For additional information about the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation, please visit okcdodgers.com/foundation. To learn more about the Coat-A-Kid program, visit okckids.com/coatakid.

The OKC Dodgers’ 2019 season schedule is available now at okcdodgers.com, and 2019 season ticket and group packages are available for purchase. Visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182 for more information.

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

Giving Thanks: Foundation holds luncheon

MOOSIC, PA (November 15, 2018) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and their charitable arm, the SWB Pinstripes Foundation, held their first of two luncheons this holiday season on Wednesday. The RailRiders welcomed 200 elementary school-aged Life Skills and Special Education students from across Northeast Pennsylvania for the event.

“As this season of giving begins, we were thrilled to host these children for lunch,” stated Jordan Maydole, the RailRiders Director of Community Relations. “The children were able to participate in Thanksgiving-themed arts and crafts to create a keepsake that they could bring home and show their families. The luncheon went well and it seemed like they all had a great time!”

Wednesday’s event was made possible thanks to approximately $10,000 in donations through the SWB Pinstripes Foundation. A second holiday lunch will be held on December 13.

“The SWB Pinstripes Foundation is committed to aiding the underserved in our community and giving back to the community that has given us so much support,” said Amy Miller, the manager of the SWB Pinstripes Foundation. “To provide these free holiday meals and to continue our outreach in the community, we rely on the generosity of our donors. We are still accepting donations to support our next event and encourage those who can get involved to be a part of what we are doing here in NEPA.”

For more information on the SWB Pinstripes Foundation, please contact Jordan Maydole or Amy Miller in the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL or visit swbrailriders.com.

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

Riders support numerous local non-profits in October

FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 6, 2018) – Though the 2018 baseball season has ended, the RoughRiders Foundation stayed extremely productive during the month of October.

“There’s no offseason when it comes to the work we do with the RoughRiders Foundation,” said Breon Dennis, Executive Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “We are constantly seeking ways to get involved with the great people of North Texas and our body of work in October was no exception.”

Below is a recap of the Foundation’s activity in October:

* Casino Night (October 13): The Foundation raised more than $6,000 at its annual VIP event thanks to the generous support of the team’s Founder’s members, suiteholders and corporate partners.
* Frisco Family Services (October 16): Riders staff helped sort through donated items and assisted in restocking shelves at the facility.

* StreetSide Showers (October 17): Staff made and distributed hygiene kits, while also helping pass out lunches.

* RoughRiders Baseball Academy (October 21): During the latest clinic for kids, Halloween candy was collected and donated to Soldier’s Angels Treats for Troops.
* National Breast Cancer Foundation (October 24): Riders employees helped make HOPE kits that will be sent out to patients who are battling breast cancer.

* RoughRiders Fall Festival (October 27): More than 2,000 cans of food were collected and donated to North Texas Food Bank as part of the team’s annual event.

In addition to its involvement in community activities, the RoughRiders also hosted the following events to help support various non-profit organizations:

* Red River Celebrity Softball Game (October 4), benefitting the Toby Keith Foundation, the Roger Clemens Foundation and the Just Keep Livin Foundation.
* The Ticket Dinger Derby (October 26), benefitting Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

* Light The Night Walk (October 28), supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

If you would like the RoughRiders to volunteer with your organization, please email community@ridersbaseball.com. For more information on the RoughRiders Foundation, click here.

The 2019 season begins April 4 at Dr Pepper Ballpark. Ticket memberships and group hospitality packages are now on sale. The promotional calendar will be unveiled in early 2019 with single-game tickets going on sale soon after. For more information, visit RidersBaseball.com or call (972) 731-9200.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 14 seasons (2005-2018). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg. Since then, the new ownership group, together with the City of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise enhancements, investing over $8 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store and the world’s largest water feature in a sports facility, the massive Choctaw Lazy River. These enhancements earned the Riders and the City of Frisco Ballpark Digest’s prestigious “Best Ballpark Renovation” award for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). More than 140 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including All-Stars Chris Davis, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler and Neftali Feliz, as well as current Rangers stars Elvis Andrus, Rougned Odor and Nomar Mazara. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact Ryan Rouillard at RRouillard@RidersBaseball.com.

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

Cedar Rapids Kernels release 2018 Community Report

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Kernels have released their third annual report showcasing how the organization supported the Cedar Rapids community in 2018.

The twenty-page report highlights the work inside and outside of Veterans Memorial Stadium throughout the calendar year. The Kernels Organization as a whole gave over $429,000 in charitable donations which includes money granted by the Kernels Foundation for local recreational projects. Other community efforts showcased include the 20th Annual Kernels Summer Reading Program that promoted the importance of reading to 25,000 local children in Eastern Iowa and the “Home Run for Hunger” program that, since 2017, collected 7,200 pounds of food from farmers’ market vendors for the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) food reservoir.

The entire 2018 Cedar Rapids Kernels Community Report can be viewed by visiting www.kernels.com and clicking on the Community tab on the home page.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. For more information, visit www.kernels.com and follow the Kernels on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Fightins Receive 2018 John Henry Moss Community Service Award

(Reading, PA) – Minor League Baseball has announced the Reading Fightin Phils have received the 2018 John Henry Moss Community Service Award. They are the sixth-ever recipient of the award. The award was introduced in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of John Henry Moss, who founded the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007. The award is given to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership. The award will be presented at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Dec. 9, 2018, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to the award, Minor League Baseball Charities will make a $2,500 donation on behalf of the Fightin Phils to Baseballtown Charities.

“On behalf of Baseballtown Charities and the Reading Fightin Phils, we are honored, and humbled, to receive the John Henry Moss Community Service Award”, said Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “Baseballtown Charities thanks the many sponsors, volunteers, R-Phils Front Office staff, game staff, and the fans – the citizens of Baseballtown – for giving of their time, and of their treasure, to help the kids. The Savage 61 Dream Field, and Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer’s Park, are incredible facilities that will help children for many years to come. They provide the physical place where volunteers can interact with the children on a human level, and really make a difference.”

This past April, the Fightin Phils unveiled the brand new Savage 61 Dream Field, which is a facility that provides children with physical and developmental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. The unique rubberized surface is the first field of its kind to be built in Berks County. The project is fully funded by Baseballtown Charities, the Reading Fightin Phils charitable organization. 110 children with physical and developmental challenges played in the inaugural spring league, plus another 60 children played in the fall league. More than 850 volunteers have devoted their time in working with these children.

The Dream League Field is the second one million dollar stadium built by Baseballtown Charities. The first, Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer’s Park, built in 2006 has provided more than 1,000 children from Reading the opportunity to learn baseball, softball and life lessons through the game.

The momentum of Gordon Hoodak Stadium, the Baseballtown Dream League, and now the John Henry Moss Award, Baseballtown Charities is even more energized and ready to tackle their next challenge: Baseballtown Charities Rip It for Life. Rip It for Life is a program that will identify young baseball and softball players who want to get better as players, but who face socio-economic challenges. Players identified to participate in the newly formed Baseballtown Charities Rip It for Life program will receive incredible baseball and softball training at no cost to them. The goal of Rip It for Life is to make the kids the best they can be, both as players, and as people, one kid at a time.

Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Reading, Pa. that focuses on making dreams come true one pitch at a time. Since 2002, Baseballtown Charities has worked to build inclusive baseball diamonds as well as bonds between players, teammates and supportive communities. For more information, visit www.baseballtowndreamleague.com.

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Individual and group tickets are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

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

Giants Release 2018 Community Report

SAN JOSE, CA– The San Jose Giants released today their 2018 Community Report. The report serves as an overview of the organization’s community outreach, charitable fundraising efforts, youth development, in-stadium service and community events hosted at Municipal Stadium as well as a ‘thank you’ to all fans, partners, players and staff members.

“I wish to personally thank everyone in the San Jose community for your loyalty and support. We hope our Community Report illustrates the San Jose Giants’ sincere commitment to generosity, outreach and community growth,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “We are eager to do even more in 2018 and are diligently working on new programs and initiatives to further enhance our community next year.”

 

The 2018 Community Report demonstrates the club’s activity in the community and overall pledge to giving back both inside and outside the stadium’s gates. Highlights of the report include information about Giants player and mascot appearances, staff volunteer efforts, Alliance Credit Union Hometown Heroes, special fundraising programs, Minor League Baseball community initiatives, in-stadium service, San Jose Giants baseball and more. For the complete 2018 San Jose Giants Community Report, click on the link below.

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved next season, call 408.297.1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

View 2018 Community Report

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ABOUT THE SAN JOSE GIANTS

The San Jose Giants are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League and have been an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants since 1988. San Jose has won six California League Championships as a Giants affiliate (2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2001 and 1998) and eleven overall. The San Jose Giants have graduated 206 Major League players, 149 of whom have played or currently play for the San Francisco Giants. Municipal Stadium, the home of the San Jose Giants, first opened in 1942 and has seen well over 7 million fans enter through its gates. The organization has been honored with the Larry MacPhail Award, presented to the club with the best creative marketing and promotions, and the President’s Trophy, granted to the most complete franchise. For 2019 tickets or to reserve your group outing, please contact the San Jose Giants Box Office at 408.297.1435 or visit us online at sjgiants.com. San Jose Giants baseball in your backyard since 1942, Our Town, Our Team, Our Giants.

Blue Rocks Win Carolina League’s Matt Minker Award For Community Service

Wilmington, DE– The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League this week for the fifth consecutive season with the Matt Minker Community Service Award. The team was selected by a league-wide vote of club executives and owners.

“I could not be more proud of everyone within the Blue Rocks’ organization,” said managing partner Dave Heller. “I am especially pleased for my partner and friend Clark Minker, since the community service award bears his late father’s name. I am delighted for everyone with the Blue Rocks who worked so hard to earn this tremendous team accolade. We take enormous pride in our work helping families within Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, southern Jersey and Maryland’s north shore, and this award is a nice recognition of those efforts.”

The Minker Award is earned by the Carolina League club which best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, Matt Minker, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company built Frawley Stadium, remains the team’s honorary president.

The Blue Rocks participated in numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits. The team works with area schools to promote academic achievement (DSEA Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Grotto Pizza Outstanding Student Program) and overall knowledge (Discover Baseball and Education Day). The club also hosts three youth camps each summer, teaching local kids how to play the game of baseball.

The team helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for good causes such as Habitat for Humanity, Fight for the Gold, Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware, Special Olympics Delaware, Food Bank of Delaware and many other charities through partnerships with local businesses such as Chase and Food Lion. Several times during the season, the team’s players and mascot also visited local hospitals, brightening the spirits of patients and their families.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks founding and later success,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin Linton. “It is fitting that this award recognizes his life’s work and we are thrilled as an organization to honor his legacy for a fifth consecutive season by earning this recognition.”

 

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the 10-team league’s nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual Winter Meetings, to be held this December in Las Vegas.

The Blue Rocks recently announced a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract to remain the Advanced-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Season seats for the 2019 season will be available on October 18, mini plans go on sale November 1, and groups packages are available for purchase November 8. For more information, please go to BlueRocks.com.

www.bluerocks.com

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

AquaSox Receives NWL Community Service Nomination

Everett, WA – The Everett AquaSox have been selected as the Northwest League nominee for Minor League Baseball’s John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is awarded to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

Throughout the season the AquaSox tied theme and promotional nights to the community by partnering with multiple local organizations. This season the AquaSox partnered with Braden Bishop, former Everett AquaSox outfielder and currently Seattle Mariners prospect with his 4MOM Foundation for Local Heroes Night. Braden’s mother, Suzy, was diagnosed in September 2015 with early-onset Alzheimer’s. The night originally was planned to be a Braden Bishop bobblehead giveaway, Everett Fire versus Police Department Home Run Derby and a donation drive for the 4MOM Foundation. Due to a season-ending injury, Braden was able to join the AquaSox for his very own bobblehead giveaway. With his appearance, the AquaSox and fans raised $2,500 for 4MOM Foundation.

“We love supporting the Everett community and beyond year after year,” said General Manager Danny Tetzlaff. “Being recognized for all our efforts by our peers in the Northwest League is very fulfilling.”

Providence Regional Medical Center and the AquaSox worked together annually for Pink in the Park. This event raises money for the Providence Comprehensive Breast Center. Proceeds from the night along with a Star Wars jersey auction on Star Wars Night, June 23 allowed the AquaSox to donate over $5,600 to the Providence Foundation. In addition to Pink in the Park, the AquaSox supported Hilinski’s Hope during Coug Night raising $1,503. Hilinski’s Hope is a foundation geared toward mental health awareness in memory of Tyler Hilinski, who was the Washington State Cougar Quarterback that ended his life earlier this year.

After the August 12 game, the AquaSox hosted a Challenger Miracle League game in which fans of any age and disability come onto the field to play a few innings with our AquaSox players and coaches. It easily one of the best, and most humbling experiences one can have on a field.

“In my first year with the AquaSox, I am proud to be a part of an organization that supports the community and one the community supports,” Director of Community Relations & Merchandise Ashlea LaPlant said. “I look forward to the continued growth of our community outreach.”

Away from the ballpark Webbly and the staff were involved with multiple events including Little Leagues, National Night Out, non-profits, school visits and a welcoming fair for the newest crew to join the Everett Naval Base.

The AquaSox made many new connections, fostered growth with current partnerships and set a new standard for our relationship with the Everett community. We look forward to even more growth in the 2019 season!

About the Everett AquaSox
The Everett AquaSox, Seattle Mariners affiliate since 1995, continue to offer the most affordable family entertainment in the Pacific Northwest. To stay up to date on everything Everett AquaSox, follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/EverettAquaSox or visit www.AquaSox.com

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

Cougars Nominated for MiLB Community Service Award

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have been nominated by the Midwest League for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award.

The award is presented to a Minor League club which demonstrates a commitment to charitable service as well as support and leadership within their local community and the baseball industry.

Community impact has been one of the pillars of the Cougars organization since 1991, but prior to the 2018 season the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc. launched a historic fundraising goal known as “A Million Smiles Campaign.” The first campaign of its kind in the history of MiLB, the Foundation worked towards reaching a donation total of one million dollars with each dollar donated providing a welcome smile for those in need. Reaching above and beyond that milestone this season marks the first time in the Cougars 28 year history that the one million dollar donation total has been achieved with the expansion of various programs including:

• Country Financial 50/50 Raffle
• Acres Group Pitch in for Charity
• Paramount Fence Home Runs for Charity
• Legacy Brick Program
• D-backs Give Back Program
• Cougars Reading Club
• Ozzie and Annie Reading Scholars
• Cougars 5K
• Tangled Roots Give Back Pledge
• Al Mueller Memorial Scholarship Fund
• AmazonSmile
• Highland Salutes
• Movers for Mom
• Holiday Turkey Giveaway

Nominees from all leagues are reviewed by the MiLB Awards Committee and recommendations are presented to the President and Executive Vice President of MiLB for the final decision. The winner will be announced at the Winter Meetings in December.

For the latest ticket and promotional information, follow your Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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 171 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

SMOKIES AND U.S. CELLULAR TO HOST LITTLE LEAGUE TAKEOVER

SEVIERVILLE – The Tennessee Smokies have announced they have teamed up with U.S. Cellular to host a Little League Takeover on Monday, October 1st at Sevierville City Park Baseball fields from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. The U.S. Cellular Little League Takeover will allow the youth baseball players ages 5-13 to experience what it is like to be a Smokies player for a day.

“We are extremely excited to team up with U.S. Cellular for this event,” added Smokies President and COO Chris Allen. “This is a great event to allow these kids the chance to experience what it is like to be a Smokies player for a day. We are thrilled to be involved in this event as we love being a part of this Sevierville community.”

The event will take place at the Sevierville City Park Baseball fields located at 1005 Park Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862. The youth baseball players will play their scheduled games with a host announcing the players, on-field games, inflatables, prizes, and much more. The youth baseball players will also have a chance to feel like a true Smokies player with a mock interview station featuring a podium and a media backdrop where they can answer questions following their game.

“At U.S. Cellular, we’re happy to bring interactive experiences like this to the communities we serve,” said Nathan Waddell, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “Providing an opportunity for these kids to enjoy a day in the life of a professional baseball player is as exciting for us as it is for them. We hope they all soak in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The U.S. Cellular Little League Takeover will also feature Smokies mascots interacting with the players throughout the event.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the ten-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com

About U.S. Cellular 

U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier offers coverage where the other carriers don’t and a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. For the fifth time in a row, U.S. Cellular has the Highest Wireless Network Quality Performance, according to J.D. Power’s twice-annual U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study, and 99 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.

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

Wings Nominated for John Henry Moss Community Service Award

The Rochester Red Wings have been nominated by the International League for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award.

The award is presented to a Minor League club for their ongoing commitment to charitable service and their support and leadership within the community and the baseball industry. The honor was created in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of the late John Henry Moss, who founded what would become the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007.

Community is the team’s middle name in Rochester, where over eight thousand community members came together in 1957 to form Rochester Community Baseball and keep the Red Wings in Rochester. The team has continually developed partnerships with local socially concerned organizations, lending support in a variety of formats such as programs, promotions, awareness events, charitable contributions, appearances, volunteer service.

“The act of doing, giving and participating is more a way of life for us than a concerted effort,” Red Wings President Naomi Silver said. “In baseball, we all know that the impact that we make on a community goes well beyond what we do inside our fences. It’s the outreach we make the other 295 non-game days a year that allows us to really make a difference. In Rochester, we treasure our role in giving back in support of our community. Since 1957 when the Red Wings became incorporated as Rochester Community Baseball, we have taken our commitment seriously. It is a tremendous honor to be recognized outside of our own community.”

“All Minor League Baseball teams are involved in their community in many positive ways, but the front office of the Red Wings takes this to another level entirely,” said International League President Randy Mobley. “From the very first person on the organizational chart to the very last, all are involved in multiple community organizations and many serve in multiple leadership positions. The breadth and depth of the commitment by this staff to ‘do good’ in the community is not only commendable, but truly inspiring. The Red Wings front office is a wonderful example for us all.”

The award will be presented at the Winter Meetings Awards Luncheon on Monday, December 10 in Las Vegas.

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

Riders Foundation busy in community during August

FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 12, 2018) – The RoughRiders Foundation logged more than 200 volunteer hours during the month of August, registering another busy month working with the North Texas community.

“Each month, it seems we take another step forward and that was certainly the case in August,” said Breon Dennis, Executive Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “It gives me immense pride to see our players and staff contribute to this great community as much as they have been lately.

Here’s a full breakdown of how the Riders got involved in the community throughout August.

* Play Ball event (August 5): In conjunction with Minor League Baseball, Riders catcher Jose Trevino and Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney helped run a clinic for kids, encouraging them to maintain an active lifestyle.

* Habit for Humanity (August 8): Staff members painted the exterior of a home and assisted with other construction projects.

* Frisco Fastpacs (August 15): Volunteers sorted and inventoried more than 10,000 goods to be packaged and sent to schools throughout Frisco ISD.

* Children’s Health visit (August 17): Riders President & General Manager Andy Milovich, and players Wes Benjamin, Tyler Davis, Ryne Slack and Jose Trevino spent the morning playing with kids at Children’s Medical Center’s Dallas campus.

* Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery (August 21): Riders representatives helped clean headstones throughout the complex to benefit veterans and their families

* Keeper of the Game clinic (August 25): Riders players Tyler Davis and Ryne Slack helped with the Keeper of the Game Foundation’s special needs clinic at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

* Children’s Health visit (August 29): Riders players Wes Benjamin, Tyler Davis and Jose Trevino spent their morning with kids at the Children’s Medical Center campus in Plano.

For more information on how the RoughRiders Foundation is making a difference in North Texas, click here. If you would like the RoughRiders to volunteer with your organization, please contact Breon Dennis at (972) 334-1978 or breon@ridersbaseball.com.

The 2019 season begins April 4 at Dr Pepper Ballpark. Ticketing information will be distributed soon. For more information, visit RidersBaseball.com.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 14 seasons (2005-2018). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg. Since then, the new ownership group, together with the City of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise enhancements, investing over $8 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store and the world’s largest water feature in a sports facility, the massive Choctaw Lazy River. These enhancements earned the Riders and the City of Frisco Ballpark Digest’s prestigious “Best Ballpark Renovation” award for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). More than 140 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including All-Stars Chris Davis, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler and Neftali Feliz, as well as current Rangers stars Elvis Andrus, Rougned Odor and Nomar Mazara. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact Ryan Rouillard at RRouillard@RidersBaseball.com.

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

Winston-Salem Police Foundation Free Movie Night postponed to October 28

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Sept. 12, 2018) – Due to the impending hurricane, the Winston-Salem Dash, in conjunction with the Winston-Salem Police Foundation, are postponing their free Movie Night at BB&T Ballpark from Saturday, September 15, to Sunday, October 28.

Gates for the new date will open at 5:30 p.m., with the hit movie Coco beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Admission to this event is free to the public; however, donations of cash & blankets will be accepted as well as non-perishable food items. Cash & blanket donations will go towards the Winston-Salem Police Foundation, a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to enhancing the capacity of the Winston-Salem Police Department to be more effective in improving public safety.

Non-perishable food items will be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina. The Foundation focuses on community outreach, funding and raising resources to assist the Police Department in making Winston-Salem a safer place to live, work and enjoy life. More information on the organization is available at wspolicefoundation.org, where you can also donate to the Foundation.

“Despite the postponement of the initial date, we are very excited to still be holding this special event. It is our mission to bring members of the police department and community together to create conversations about how we can continue to improve public safety in Winston-Salem,” said Scott Sewell, president of the Winston-Salem Police Foundation. “BB&T Ballpark provides a perfect atmosphere for a fun-filled evening of learning and socializing.”

There will be free parking for all attendees, and concession stands throughout the facility will have food and beverages available for purchase. No outside food or beverage is permitted. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets to sit in the outfield to watch the movie. However, lawn chairs of any kind will not be permitted in the ballpark.

The Kids Zone will also be open for free on October 28, with several free carnival games featured on the concourse as well. Before the movie, representatives of the Winston-Salem Police Department will have their various vehicles on display, including police cars, motorcycles, bike patrol bicycles and rescue/hazardous device vehicles and the Operations Sweet Reads Bookmobile. Members of the K-9 unit will be in attendance as well.

“No amount of bad weather can stop us from holding this great event. These movie nights at the ballpark allow for positive interactions and conversations between the people who protect us every day and those whom they are protecting,” Dash president C.J. Johnson said. “We are excited to once again host this beautiful community event at BB&T Ballpark.”

Coco, which was released in 2017, follows a 12-year-old boy named Miguel, who is accidentally transported to the Land of the Dead, where he seeks the help of his deceased musician great-great-grandfather to return him to his family among the living. Coco won the “Best Animated Feature” at the Academy Awards, and it was named the “Best Animated Film” at the Golden Globe Awards.

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