Miracle present checks for Irma relief

FORT MYERS, Fla. – In the past few weeks, the Fort Myers Miracle completed check presentations to eight charities across the Southwest Florida community that have played a major role in Hurricane Irma relief efforts.

This was made possible by a $13,000 donation from MiLB Charities. The Miracle then allocated the money to the following organizations: Lee County Schools, Harry Chapin Food Bank, Midwest Food Bank, Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Goodwill, New Horizons of Southwest Florida, Naples Zoo, and Everglades Wonder Gardens.

“We selected these organizations because of their incredible commitment to this community after the devastation of Hurricane Irma,” Miracle owner Jason Hochberg said. “As the community’s baseball team, we felt this was the least we could do to thank them for their efforts.”

The check presentations included leaders from all the organizations, Miracle mascot Sway, and representatives from the Miracle front office.

“As a non-for profit all funds are deeply appreciated,” Karl Steidinger, Director of Operations for Midwest Food Bank said. “The money will help us continue both our relief effort in the aftermath of Irma and our mission to alleviate hunger in southwest Florida. We are grateful for organizations like the Fort Myers Miracle that share in our passion to help others in our communities. Together we will make a difference our community and beyond!”

The Minnesota Twins, the parent club of the Miracle, also pitched in to help with Irma relief. They partnered with the Boston Red Sox to contribute $200,000 to the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. Miracle ownership and fans have also donated over $20,000 to various charities for Irma relief.

“It was great to see the entire community come together in the wake of the worst storm to hit this area in a long time,” Miracle general manager Chris Peters said. “The aftermath of Irma was tough, but the worst brought out the best in Southwest Florida and helped speed up the recovery process. We are happy to have helped and our hats go off to these great organizations.

The Miracle will host an Irma Recovery/First Responders night at the CenturyLink Sports Complex in April. Opening Night is April 5, when the Miracle host the Charlotte Stone Crabs.

To stay up to date on the Miracle, follow us online at Miraclebaseball.com or through social media; Twitter: @MiracleBaseball, Instagram: fortmyersmiracle, Facebook: Fort Myers Miracle, Snapchat: ftmyersmiracle. For further information or questions, call the Miracle offices at (239) 768-4210.

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

Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. Releases Annual Report for 2017

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. is proud to present the third Annual Report to the Community detailing the charitable outreach completed in 2017. The report lists the extensive accomplishments of the foundation and the notable programs coordinated by the Cougars.

Five new foundation programs were added in 2017 including the Al Mueller Memorial Scholarship Fund, the D-backs Give Back partnership, AmazonSmile, Highland Salutes and the Es Divertido Ser Un Fan campaign which saw the Cougars selected as one of four teams out of 160 Minor League Baseball teams to participate in this historic Hispanic outreach program.

The annual 5K Run/Walk hosted by the Cougars was re-branded in honor of First Responders. A total of $2,000 was donated to local departments including Geneva Police and Fire, St. Charles Police and Fire, Batavia Police and Fire as well as the Kane County Forest Preserve Police and the Kane County Sheriff’s Department.

Ozzie’s Reading Club was also re-branded, with the addition of our new mascot Annie, to the Cougars Reading Club. Each year the program encourages over 130,000 local area students to meet reading goals with incentives such as game tickets, food vouchers and a drawstring backpack. In-kind donations for the Cougars Reading Club totaled $646,190 in 2017.

The 50/50 Raffle, presented by Bret Brizzolara your local Country Financial representative and the Acres Group Pitch-In for Charity are two in-game programs from which a portion of the proceeds benefit specific charities selected by the Kane County Cougars Foundation. In 2017, these two programs generated over $29,000 to support local causes including Fox Valley Wildlife Center, Food for Greater Elgin, Holiday Heroes, Naperville Alive and DuPage PADS.

For every home run that was hit by a Cougars player at home, Paramount Fence made a donation to Emmanuel House which was then matched by the Cougars through the Home Run for Charity program. In 2017, the donation totaled $2,400.

Through a variety of military organizations including the Illinois National Guard, Operation Support Our Troops, Rolling Thunder and the Veteran Tickets Foundation, the Kane County Cougars Foundation presented in-kind donations for Military Recognition totaling $16,844 in 2017.

Various in-kind donations, community appearances, high school seminars, clinics and events show the Cougars on-going commitment to the surrounding community through programs such as the Library Summer Reading Program, senior citizen half-price tickets and food vouchers, the Winter Coat Drive and a partnership with Two Men and a Truck to collect items through the Movers for Moms program.

“Each year we strive to find new ways to give back to local organizations,” said Cougars owner Cheryl Froehlich. “With the additional programs added under the Kane County Cougars Foundation we were able to assist the surrounding community in more ways than we ever have before.”

“We’re dedicated to creating a legacy for the Kane County Cougars that goes far beyond the game of baseball,” added Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich. “The Cougars are committed to making Kane County and the surrounding area a better place to live and work through the efforts of the Kane County Cougars Foundation.”

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 161 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.

Cedar Rapids Kernels release 2017 Community Report

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Kernels have released their second annual report showcasing how the organization supported the Cedar Rapids community in 2017.

The eleven page report features new community programs “Catch with a Cop” and “Home Run for Hunger” while also breaking down the $256,000 in charitable donations contributed by the Kernels organization. Other highlights include a recap on the thriving “Kernels Summer Reading Program” and a page dedicated to The Kernels Foundation in their efforts in supporting recreational activities for the youth in Eastern Iowa.

“The work we do in Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities is something we are very proud of.” says Ryne George, Kernels Director of Community Relations. “Back in 2016 we started the “Take the Lead” community relations initiative to help brand our efforts and today it has really grown into a way of thinking here at the ballpark and pushes us to do more.”

The 2017 Cedar Rapids Kernels Community Report can be viewed by clicking here.

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.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

PawSox Infielder Mike Miller Refurbishes Field in Hawaii with “More Than A Game”

When the grueling “every day” grind of a baseball season finally comes to an end, rarely do players opt to spend more time away from their families, and impact communities that they often have no connection to. After going back to his home in California at the conclusion of the 2017 PawSox season, Mike Miller began preparing for a new venture in Hawaii, where plans to refurbish a field on the Big Island would soon come to fruition.

Miller was awarded with the PawSox’ Sullivan Tire Community Spirit Award in 2017, an award given to a PawSox player who goes above and beyond in the Rhode Island Community. His most notable community efforts came over the All-Star Break when his comrades from “More Than A Game” flew to Pawtucket, and together refurbished Pawtucket’s Fairlawn Little League Field with PawSox Front Office members.

Also known as MTAG, More Than A game is an organization that uses baseball to impact lives domestically and around the world through field construction, equipment donation, and instructional clinics. The project executed in Hilo, Hawaii was their sixth community service project of the year, including the group’s efforts in Pawtucket.

“Mike continues to exemplify what ‘More Than A Game’ is all about,” said Marshall Murray, Miller’s longtime friend, and President/CEO of More Than A Game. “His leadership and inspiration impacts the game of baseball and communities no matter where we go.”

Miller and his team rolled up their sleeves in Hilo, Hawaii, and got back to work this November. Placing down new field turface, installing a new practice mound, and donating a beautiful new set of bleachers were all some of the more notable changes made to the field on the Big Island. Their efforts concluded with a Youth Clinic put on for over 50 kids from the Big Island’s Boys and Girls Club— Kids who will all be able to enjoy the newly conditioned field for years to come.

“Mike Miller is one of the most community-minded baseball players I have had the pleasure to meet,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “Mike’s love of the game, and his desire to attract young people to our game, was illustrated when he spent his All-Star Break physically fixing a field in Pawtucket, and now he’s spending precious off-season days refurbishing a diamond in Hawaii. He embodies the organization to which he is dedicated: ‘More Than a Game.’ He has our admiration, respect, and gratitude.”

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

Keys Contribute More Than $200,000 to Local Community in 2017

FREDERICK, MD-With the holiday season upon us, the Frederick Keys are excited to look back on 2017 as another outstanding year for community involvement. This year, the Keys worked hand-in-hand with a myriad of groups on community initiatives and assisted in countless fundraising efforts.

In 2017, the Keys contributed more than $200,000 to the local community. This benefited non-profits, local schools and libraries, the military and other worthy causes. The Keys also donated over $150,000 in in-kind gifts and raised over $20,000 for local non-profit organizations through in-stadium fundraising. This supported local non-profit groups including the United Way, Heartly House, Habitat For Humanity, Blessings in a Backpack and The Police Activities League. Funds were also raised for victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Throughout the season, the Keys work with different organizations to benefit local non-profits and other worthy causes. For the third straight season, BGE Home and the Keys partnered on “Make a Difference Monday.” During each Monday game, a different 501 (c) (3) organization was given 25 tickets to see the Keys play to go along with a pre-game interview, a ceremonial first, a marketing table on the concourse and a :20 public address announcement. Among the groups who participated were the Team Up for 1 Foundation and the Frederick County Humane Society.

Other year-long programs which benefited local non-profits included Walks for a Cause and Pack the Park. Each time a Keys player walked, Keeney and Basford Funeral Homes donated $10 to Frederick Keys Care. Another staple of the Keys community involvement, Pack the Park enables charities to raise funds through ticket sales as well as a 50/50 raffle. Pack the Parks take place on Fridays and Saturday’s to maximize the organization’s exposure. Other benefits include a first pitch and a chance to speak on the field before the game.

Some groups have specific nights where their cause is recognized. These included Strike Out Stroke Night, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Night, Knock Tobacco Out of the Park Day and Cancer Awareness Night. Through working with Frederick Memorial Hospital’s Stroke & Chest Pain Division, the Keys were able to spread awareness of strokes, how to avoid them and be alerted to when someone could be having one.

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing Night, the Keys worked with the Maryland School for the Deaf to promote ways to communicate with individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired. Students from the school also created special sign language videos with Keys players. Knock Tobacco Out of the Park Day included a pre-game presentation about tobacco use, as well as a video and slates throughout the game explaining the dangers of using tobacco. For this night, the Keys partnered with the Tobacco Free Coalition.

Each season the Keys join forces with the American Cancer Society to recognize cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer. Survivors receive a free ticket to the game, while ACS sells t-shirts and luminaries as part of a unique fireworks show. This includes a photo montage on the video board of cancer fighters, in conjunction with the organization’s Cancer Has a Face Program. Keys Players and Coaches also donned special lavender jerseys with words of encouragement such as hope, faith and love. These were auctioned off during the game, with proceeds benefiting ACS.

To promote educational and wellness initiatives, the Keys work frequently with the Frederick County Public School System. In 2017, the team introduced the Report Card Program. Children who received A’s, A equivalents or improved grades on their report cards received two complimentary tickets to a Keys game in April as well as a bumper sticker showing their accomplishments.

Meanwhile, this past season just under 2,000 sixth grade students filled Nymeo Field for STEM Day. Each student attendee received an assignment packet with questions based on game action, information from concourse vendors and videos featuring Keys mascot Keyote and players. The Keys and FCPS also work together on Family Fitness Weekend. Children who are active for one hour a day receive a voucher to a Keys weekend game.

Once again the Keys and Frederick County Public Libraries worked together in 2017. The team provided local libraries in Frederick and in surrounding counties with nearly 70,000 summer reading vouchers. Students who complete their summer reading assignments receive a voucher to attend a game in either July or August and receive recognition during a pre-game parade.

A long-standing goal of the Keys has also been to give back to active and retired military members. One way this is accomplished is through Fort Detrick Night. A US Army Medical Command Installation based in Frederick, Fort Detrick is the city’s largest employer. The Keys work closely with the base to put on a night for military members and their families. Tickets are provided at a discounted rate, while Fort Detrick brings out an anthem singer, color guard and military VIPs to give on-field presentations.

The Keys will be celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2018. For more information about ticket plans, fans can contact the Keys groups department at 301-815-9900. The Frederick Keys kickoff their home schedule on Thursday, April 12 against the Potomac Nationals at 7:00 p.m. To follow the Keys all offseason, fans can visit frederickkeys.com.

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

Tri-City Dust Devils to Donate to Columbia Center Rotary on Giving Tuesday

PASCO, Washington – The Tri-City Dust Devils announced today that, in partnership with BUSH’S® Beans, they will provide a donation to Columbia Center Rotary as part of #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration, on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely-recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports generosity and philanthropy.

This past season, Luis Asuncion was named the BUSH’S Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2017 Northwest/Pioneer League All-Star Game in Hillsboro, Oregon, after doubling home the first run of a five-run rally in the Northwest League’s 5-4 comeback win over the Pioneer League. As an extension of this award, BUSH’S and the Dust Devils will provide a $1,000 donation to Columbia Center Rotary.

“Minor League Baseball and BUSH’S Beans have done a great job in creating a national partnership that positively impacts local MiLB communities,” said Derrel Ebert, Vice President and General Manager of the Tri-City Dust Devils. “We are donating the funds to Columbia Center Rotary, an organization with a motto of ‘Service Above Self.’ They have been and continue to be instrumental in completing countless local community projects, as well as international projects, with matching funds through the Rotary International Foundation.”

BUSH’S Beans sponsored 11 All-Star Game MVP awards throughout Minor League Baseball this summer. BUSH’S is making a donation to a local charitable organization chosen by each MVP Award winner’s home club.

“One of the things that attracted BUSH’S to Minor League Baseball is how the clubs and their local communities support each other,” said Mike Morris, Senior Brand Manager at Bush Brothers & Company. “We are proud to recognize the contributions of each BUSH’S MVP Award winner by giving back to his team’s local charity.”

Minor League Baseball unveiled a multi-year, strategic partnership with BUSH’S Beans last December, making it the “Official Beans of Minor League Baseball,” and a “Preferred Partner” of a number of MiLB teams, beginning in 2017. Bush Brothers & Company is the recognized brand leader in beans. The partnership was activated across a range of touch-points this year, including in-ballpark celebrations such as National Baked Bean Month in July and the integration of a variety of BUSH’S Beans products in teams’ concessions.

For Official Press Release Click Here

About the Tri-City Dust Devils

The Dust Devils home opener is Wednesday June 20th at Gesa Stadium. Ticket packages start at just $56, with full-season tickets available starting at only $285. Special ticket rates are available for groups of 20 or more. Season tickets, mini-plans, and group tickets can be purchased by contacting the Dust Devils front office at (509) 544-8789 or at the Gesa Stadium box office.

About Minor League Baseball

Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2017, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.8 million fans to its ballparks to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information, visit www.MiLB.com.

Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About BUSH’S® Beans

BUSH’S® is all about friends & family, and a certain Secret Family Recipe. When you enjoy our beans (doesn’t matter if they’re baked beans, chili beans, black beans, pinto beans…well, you get the picture), you can trust that they’re the very best. Because we wouldn’t serve your family anything less. Since we got our start more than 100 years ago in Chestnut Hill, Tenn., BUSH’S® has always maintained that quality is the best policy. We pursue excellence and exceptional taste in our beans, sauces and everything we do. That’s why, from mouthwatering Baked Beans & Chili Beans to satisfying bean recipes, you’re cooking up the best with BUSH’S BEST®. For more information, visit www.bushbeans.com.

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

#52forU: Doubledays Announce New Community Initiative

Doubledays announce new community campaign, #52forU

The Auburn Doubledays, Short Season Class A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, are pleased to announce a new campaign called #52forU this offseason. #52forU is a program that is designed to help individuals and families throughout our community and beyond, by giving back time and resources to the community. The Doubledays staff will be attending events, providing help, and giving back every week for 52 weeks. The program will also be included in the 2018 season in the stadium and around the community.

“We are blessed to be part of an organization that has the ability to make a difference in the community.” said Adam Winslow, General Manager of the Auburn Doubledays. “We have the ability to be a catalyst for change and positivity in our community and we need to take advantage of that position.

“Having a program like #52forU is something that we have been talking about since our team came together in March of 2017.” said Shane Truman, Assistant General Manager Community Relations. “We always talk about the importance of supporting our community, and how we have to help in order to get the community to rally behind our organization.

#52forU is just kicking off and there is quite a buzz in the air at and around Falcon Park. Ideas have been flying as to where to help and give back, but the team is always looking for more opportunities. If you have events or causes that the Doubledays can be a part of you are encouraged to reach out to them by calling the office at 315-255-2489, or by emailing info@auburndoubledays.com.

Follow the Auburn Doubledays on social media: @AuburnDoubledays on Twitter and Instagram, and at Facebook.com/OfficialAuburnDoubledays.

Andy Shea and Lexington Legends to receive prestigious distinguished philanthropist award

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – (November 7, 2017) – The Association of Fundraising Professionals – Bluegrass Chapter presents the Distinguished Philanthropist Award to an individual, corporation, or foundation that has made a significant contribution to our community through their acts of kindness and charitable giving. “Over the years, only a select few have received this special recognition and this year’s recipient is definitely worthy of this honor,” said Patrick Robinson, AFP President.

 

On Friday, November 10, during the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon at the Marriott Griffin Gate, Andy Shea and the Lexington Legends will receive the 2017 Distinguished Philanthropist award.

 

In 2017, the Legends donated over $1.1 million to hundreds of charitable organizations in eastern and central Kentucky. One hundred percent of the Legends staff is currently involved in the community outside of the workplace.

 

President/CEO Andy Shea is the driving force behind all of the Legends’ community initiatives and philanthropic accomplishments. He sets an example of empathy, kindness and selflessness for everyone he meets and encourages others to utilize their unique talents and passions in order to serve others.

 

Shea serves on the boards for LexArts and Junior Achievement. He has built relationships with 10 little brothers through Big Brothers Big Sisters, three of whom were groomsmen in his wedding this past October. He was also the 2013 and 2015 champion of Dancing With The Lexington Stars, which supports the Rotary Club Endowment Fund and Surgery on Sundays. In 2016, Andy won the American Diabetes Association’s Kiss-A-Pig Campaign Individual Winner award for his fundraising efforts towards curing and preventing diabetes. This year, he was humbled to provide the lead gift towards Midway University’s new baseball stadium, which will increase the university’s athletic merit and offer Midway student-athletes the opportunity to compete in state-of-the-art collegiate facilities for the first time.

 

“It’s clear that Andy Shea and the Lexington Legends make a huge impact in our community,” adds Robinson. “AFP – Bluegrass Chapter is pleased to give this prestigious award to both an individual and a team who are touching many lives through their philanthropy.”

(The National Philanthropy Luncheon will be held on Friday, November 10, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington. The Distinguished Philanthropist Award will be presented between 12:45 p.m. and 1:15 p.m.)

For more information about the Legends, contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7855. The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, will return home to Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com

 

66ers Complete 2017 Community Benefit Snapshot

SAN BERNARDINO – The Inland Empire 66ers organization released their annual Community Benefit Report for the 2017 Fiscal Year. The report divulges how close to $300,000 was invested to the Inland Empire community along with several community oriented programs implemented by the 66ers Front Office staff.

Over 100 area organizations and non-profit organizations were able to raise $152,944 through 66ers fundraising programming and events plus 50 area organizations received monetary aid in the amount of $32,702. In-kind donations, such as game tickets, gift baskets and autographed memorabilia were proudly donated to over 200 local organizations to the tune of $113,946.

“We believe that to have the benefit of our community supporting us we must be involved back, creating a true partnership. This has never been more evident than during the 2017 season when our community made us number one in California League attendance for the first time in 27 years,” said Joe Hudson, General Manager. “The 66ers also believe that being part of the community outside of the ballpark is important and showcased it with 66ers Front Office members being active in over twenty local organizations.”

In addition to monetary donations given to numerous organizations, the 66ers Front Office spent several hundred hours volunteering their time in the community. Programs like “Breakfast and a Book” where 66ers staff members provide breakfast to local students who excelled over the month and read them a couple stories while they ate were extremely successful and will be expanded for the following year. During the off-season the Front Office selected one community organization a month to volunteer their time. A few of these organizations included Santa Claus, Inc., Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County, Central Little League diamond clean up and the 66ers took staff and players to North Park Elementary for a kickball game after the tragedy at their school.

“We’re more than grateful to give monetary donations, but sometimes it’s more impactful to offer a helping hand,” said Stephanie O’Quinn, Community Groups Manager. “It’s not only rewarding to the community but for us as an organization.”

In addition to the Breakfast and a Book program, other annual events include: the annual 66ers Golf Tournament which raised over $4,000 for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Walk for the Animals hosted by the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley that netted over $14,000 for their event at San Manuel Stadium, and The Pink Ribbon Place jersey auction that raised over $3,400 from jersey sales and ticket fundraiser.

The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino baseball team are the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels serving the Inland Empire community with family friendly entertainment. The 2018 season begins on Thursday, April 5th against the San Jose Giants at San Manuel Stadium. For more information about season ticket memberships or group outings, please contact the 66ers at www.66ers.com or call 909-888-9922.

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

2017 San Jose Giants Release 2017 Community Report

SAN JOSE, CA– The San Jose Giants released today their 2017 Community Report. The report is an overview of the organizations outreach and community involvement as well as a summary of games and events at historic Municipal Stadium. From a record number of mascot and player appearances, donations and fundraising endeavors to the celebration of the #DiamondSeason, the San Jose Giants connected with and served the South Bay in more ways than ever before.

“I want to personally thank all of our fans and partners for your loyalty and support. You inspire us each day and are the motivation behind our efforts to give back to the community” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “2017 will be remembered as a hallmark year filled with countless memories all made possible by you. We are proud to contribute to this wonderful community and are working diligently to raise the bar even higher in next year.”

The 2017 Community Report demonstrates the variety of charitable efforts the San Jose Giants are involved with both inside and outside the stadium gates. Highlights of the report include the nearly 200 community appearances made by San Jose Giants personnel, special community-centered nights and events at Municipal Stadium, the #DiamondSeason and introduction of We Care Wednesday, extensive fundraising programs, events in partnership with the Giants Community Fund to help underserved youth and in-kind donations to well over 500 local and national organizations. For the complete 2017 San Jose Giants Community Report, click on the link below.

2017 San Jose Giants Community Report

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.

Staten Island Yankees General Manager Jane Rogers Earns League Community Award

STATEN ISLAND- Staten Island Yankees General Manager Jane Rogers has been selected by the New York-Penn League as the recipient of the 2017 Bob Julian Community & Baseball Service Award. The award is given annually to the individual that has made outstanding service contributions to their community and to baseball.

As a key part of Staten Island’s operation, Jane has distinguished herself through her hard work and magnetic personality and is known by many as a person who you can count on to get things done. In the first six years of her tenure with the team, Jane progressed from Office Manager to Assistant General Manager to Executive Vice President to her current position of General Manager. Along with being a main-stay in community relations, she is also the team’s liaison to the New York Yankees working closely with player development.

Throughout the years, Jane has been recognized for her work all across Staten Island and has earned the following recognitions: Business Leader Award from Boy Scouts of America, Wounded Warrior Community Award, Todt Hill Iron Hills Community Leader Award, Community Leadership Award from Emma’s Place, Goethals Bridge Award from SIEDC, Women of Influence Award from SIEDC, Influential Woman Business Leadership Award, and NYPL Female Executive of the Year (2003, 2006, 2007, 2008). Jane also sits on the following boards: MiLB Baseball Chapel Advisory Board, Eger Nursing Home Advisory Board, SIEDC Business Council, and Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.

Jane resides in Tottenville with her husband of 38 years, Mike Rogers. Jane and Mike are the proud parents of Julie and Matthew and have two grandchildren, Vincent and Daniella.

“I’ve known Jane for years and long before we became co-workers on Staten Island. Her passion, energy and caring extend way past the boundaries of Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George and serve as an inspiration to our staff. Her dedication to this business and our community have garnered several well-deserved awards. I’m proud Jane will be honored for her efforts by an industry of our peers at the Baseball Winter Meetings this year.” – Will Smith, President/Operating Partner, Staten Island Yankees

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

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

Wilmington, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League on Tuesday with the Matt Minker Community Service Award for the fourth consecutive season. The honorees were selected by a league-wide vote of club executives and owners.

“I could not be more proud of the entire Blue Rocks’ organization,” said managing partner Dave Heller. “I am especially happy for my partner and friend Clark Minker, since the community service award bears his late father’s name. This is a great team award, and I am so delighted for everyone with the Blue Rocks who worked so hard all season long to earn this tremendous accolade. We take enormous pride in our standing within the Delaware community and this award is a public recognition of how special our relationship with the people of the First State is.”

The Minker Award goes to the club that 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, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president.

The Blue Rocks won the award thanks in large part to their numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits.

As an organization the Blue Rocks work with area schools to promote academic achievement (DSEA Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Outstanding Student Program) and overall knowledge (Discover Baseball and Education Day). Frawley Stadium also hosts three youth camps each summer, teaching kids how to play the game of baseball.

The team helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for good causes through partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, Fight for the Gold, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and many other charities in 2017. Several times during the season the team’s players and mascot also visited local hospitals, brightening the spirits of that facility’s patients and their families.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks and for the franchise’s success in the years to follow,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin Linton. “It is fitting that this award represents his life’s work and we are absolutely thrilled as an organization to honor his legacy for a fourth 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 automatic nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual national convention, to be held this December in Disney World.

Season seats for the 2018 season are on sale now, with group packages available beginning November 9. For more information please call 302-888-BLUE or visit the team’s website at BlueRocks.com.
www.BlueRocks.com

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

Halloween with the Hooks

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

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Fourth Annual Halloween with the Hooks Celebration, presented by Ashley HomeStore, is scheduled for Thursday, October 26.

Whataburger Field gates open at 6 p.m. that evening, and entertainment runs until 9.

“This is a wonderful community event, and we can’t wait to see many of our friends back at the ballpark,” Hooks President Ken Schrom said. “We’ll have a number of sponsors and non-profits giving candy away to the kids and there will be numerous fun activities for young families.”

Among the various activities on Stripes Diamond and in the Driscoll Health Plan Kids Zone:

  • Bounce House
  • Corn Hole
  • Playground
  • Obstacle Course
  • Rockwall
  • Trampoline

Kieschnick’s Korner will be the site of additional child-centered games and contests.

Guests can also enjoy a costume contest and Halloween-themed videos; selections this year come from the Scooby-Doo and Peanuts archives.

Admission to Halloween with the Hooks is free. Guests are encouraged to donate a canned food item for the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

Corpus Christi’s Ashley HomeStore is located at 5001 S. Padre Island Drive, or go to ashleyfurniturehomestore.com

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

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Biloxi Shuckers make major community impact in 2017

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

BIBiloxi ShuckersLOXI, MS – In a season marked by several on-field accomplishments in the third year of Minor League Baseball on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Biloxi Shuckers are most proud of their various community outreach efforts. From theme nights to jersey auctions, the Shuckers have made a financial and symbolic impact on their community throughout the 2017 season.

The Shuckers were nominated by the Minor League Baseball Community as a finalist for a prestigious “Golden Bobblehead” award for the “Best Community Promotion or Event” after helping with the Hattiesburg/Petal tornado relief efforts and William Carey vs. Biloxi Shuckers exhibition game. Shuckers’ employees traveled to Petal, Mississippi to assist cleanup crews. The tornado caused damage to the campus of nearby William Carey University, so the Shuckers scheduled a benefit exhibition game against the school’s baseball team before the first road trip of the season. The game raised $6,090 for the university’s tornado recovery efforts. This effort coupled with numerous other initiatives garnered the recognition.

Watch: Youtube Video

In addition to the recognition by Minor League Baseball, the Shuckers were also a finalist for the Southern League’s Community Service Award.

Shuckers’ front office members laid the groundwork for a successful season with several other community initiatives. Employees laid sod at an athletic complex in Moss Point, Mississippi to revitalize the area’s youth baseball program.

Watch: Youtube Video

In partnership with Walmart, the inaugural Shuckers “Hit the Books” reading program brought Schooner the Seagull to 17 schools and over 10,000 students to incentivize reading with Shuckers tickets as a reward.

Watch: Youtube Video

Since their inception, the Shuckers have had a strong relationship with nearby Keesler Air Force Base and the substantial military presence on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. That trend continued in 2017, as every Monday became “Military Monday” with special discounts for active and retired members of the armed forces. Special camouflage jerseys, worn every Monday and designed with input from Keesler staff, and were auctioned off at the end of the season with proceeds benefiting local military causes.

Throughout the season, the Shuckers have partnered with several charitable organizations to raise money and awareness for deserving local causes. Three additional jersey auctions earlier this season have brought in money for the March of Dimes, Mississippi Center for Autism, and Favre4Hope breast cancer research.

Watch: Youtube Video

The Shuckers have also hosted a Christmas in July toy drive for the Uplift Foundation, Seatbelt Safety night for the K&J Foundation (started by team photographer Brian Pearse), and Skin Cancer Awareness night in partnership with the MiLB Charities Sun Safety Initiative.

Youth outreach was not limited to the “Hit the Books” program. The Shuckers turned their two “Education Day” games into vocational field trips, with visits from Biloxi Fire and Police, NASA, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Department of Marine Resources, University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, and Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research Extension.

Former New York Mets catcher and Biloxi native Barry Lyons was formally invited into the Shuckers organization as an ambassador prior to the 2017 season, and the team assisted him in the creation of the first series of Shuckers Kids Clinics for local youth. In addition, the “Field of Dreams” program allowed more than 100 young baseball and softball players from the area to take the field alongside Shuckers players for the national anthem.

In partnership with the Knights of Columbus, the Biloxi Shuckers collected 765 lbs of food/product during a food drive on Sunday, July 30th for them to distribute in the community.

In addition to these widespread efforts, the Shuckers have also made numerous player and mascot appearances in the community over the course of the season. The Shuckers in-kind donations and in-stadium fundraising initiatives have raised $155,455.91 for over 100 charitable organizations. The Biloxi Shuckers understand the responsibility that comes with their platform in the community and are determined to make a positive impact on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

In addition to monetary contributions, the Biloxi Shuckers front office staff have logged 265 community volunteer hours thus far in 2017. Those hours have been spent working with area schools, NCBC’s Child Development Center, Humane Society of South Mississippi, VA Medical Center, Loaves and Fishes and cleanup efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

The Shuckers open up their 2018 season on the road at Montgomery before their home opener against Mississippi on April 11. More information on the fourth season of Biloxi Shuckers baseball will be available at biloxishuckers.com as the offseason progresses.

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

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

Stone Crabs / Tampa Bay Rays Awarded Business of the Year

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – The Charlotte Stone Crabs and the Tampa Bay Rays were honored as the Large Business of the Year by the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s 92nd Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, September 29. The annual event, held at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, was attended by hundreds of local business leaders and honors businesses and non-profits for their achievements.

There were over 30 nominees for the small, medium and large businesses of the year. The awards committee chose the Stone Crabs and Rays Spring Training for the tireless work they do within and for the community while also providing a fun, exciting and affordable entertainment experience.

“Wow, this is beyond humbling and such a great honor,” said Stone Crabs General Manager Jared Forma. “All you have to do is look at the other nominees and all the unbelievable work they do to understand what an honor it is just to be nominated, let alone to be selected for such a prestigious award. We cannot thank the Chamber and the Awards Committee enough for this honor.” Forma Continued.

The 2017 seasons were a tremendous year at the Sports Park. Spring Training attendance was up for the 18 games played this year and the Stone Crabs attendance increased by over 25,000 people this season, their highest season total since 2011 and it included an all-time franchise single game attendance record of 7,515 on July 29, 2017. Above all else at the Sports Park, it’s all of the community outreach, mascot and player appearances, involving the kids in countless programs, and giving back to the community that supports them that is most special.

“First off, this is an organizational and a community award,” said Forma. “Without the great, dedicated part-time staff we employee this would not be possible. Without our community-first ownership group this would not be possible. Without the time and energy of the front office staff that I am so fortunate to have working at the Sports Park this would not be possible.” Forma continued.

“And most importantly, without all of our great partners and fans, the greatest partners and fans a team could ask to have, this would not be possible. This is truly a community award that we, the community’s team are humbly honored to receive.” said Forma.

The 2018 Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training and Charlotte Stone Crabs schedules and ticket information will be released in the coming weeks.

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