Supporting the Community

6th Annual Cutters 5K to Benefit CDC

April 13, 2016

The Williamsport Crosscutters, in partnership with the Children’s Development Center, will be holding the 6^th Annual Cutters 5K on Saturday, June 25^th at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field.

The race, through Williamsport’s West End, begins at 9am with registration open at 8am. The course has runners starting outside the ballpark entrance with the final sprint inside the stadium finishing at home plate. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to take part in the event.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Children’s Development Center of Williamsport. Since 1923, the CDC has been providing services to children with special needs from birth to 21 years of age. Last year’s event attracted almost 200 participants. Since its inception, almost $60,000 has been raised for the CDC through this event.

“Hope Enterprises and its Children’s Development Center strive every day to accomplish its mission of serving children and their families in this area. Due to the tremendous community support Hope has received over the years, we are able to meet the very specific needs of those we serve. As an example of that support, we are extremely proud and fortunate to partner with the Williamsport Crosscutters and their 5K run” stated Hope Enterprises President, Jim Campbell.

Prizes will be awarded for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place in seven male and female age categories. In addition to the prize awards, the top male and female runners will throw out ceremonial first pitches at the Williamsport Crosscutters game on July 1st. Prizes will also be awarded to the top three male and female walkers. The event will also feature a new Kids Fun Run, free for children age 10 and under. All kids participating will receive an award.

“We are proud to partner with the CDC annually on this event. It just keeps growing every year”, said Cutters Vice-President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi.

Registration is $15 in advance and $20 on race day. All participants receive a race t-shirt (while supplies last), and a ticket to the July 1st Crosscutters vs. Batavia MuckDogs game at 7:05pm. Registration forms and more information are available online at crosscutters.com, at the Crosscutters offices at BB&T Ballpark or the CDC offices located at 625 W. Edwin St. Sponsorships of the event are also still available.

The Crosscutters open the 2016 season on June 17 against the State College Spikes at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. The full schedule, along with detailed information on ticket packages, is available at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

Sky Sox, CenturyLink Renew Small Business Spotlight

March 10, 2016

The Colorado Springs Sky Sox are proud to announce the return of a sponsorship program with CenturyLink, the Official Communication Services Company of the Sky Sox, which showcases local businesses. The Small Business Spotlight, which began in 2014, is designed to help businesses in the Colorado Springs area market themselves free of charge at Security Service Field during the 2016 Sky Sox season. In addition, the Colorado Springs Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which CenturyLink also sponsors, will help supply consulting and training to existing and new businesses.

Any business wishing to be considered for the Small Business must fill out the form here, (http://www.milb.com/documents/2/3/2/164835232/CenturyLink_Small_Business_Spotlight_Form_oycb6bae.pdf) and email the completed form to Spencer Molnar at smolnar@skysox.com. For additional assistance, please contact Spencer Molnar at (719) 597-1449.

Through their partnership with the Sky Sox during the 2016 baseball season, CenturyLink will provide businesses in Colorado Springs with the opportunity to market themselves through the “Small Business Spotlight” at one of 30 Sky Sox home games. The selected businesses for the game will receive a tremendous marketing package provided free of charge by CenturyLink that includes:

A table in the main concourse to showcase their organization
Four tickets to the game and one parking pass
Public address announcement and live in-game scoreboard recognition
A ceremonial first pitch
On-air recognition during the Sky Sox broadcast on AM 1300 “The Animal”

“CenturyLink is a proud supporter of small businesses within the Colorado Springs area and we’re thrilled to partner with the Sky Sox on this venture,” said Penny Larson, vice president of operations for CenturyLink Colorado. “CenturyLink helps provide the communications services and technologies that businesses need, while the SBDC provides resources to existing and new businesses to help them grow. We look forward to providing area small businesses with major league-caliber exposure and an opportunity to showcase their products and services again in 2016.”

“The Sky Sox are honored to continue this partnership with CenturyLink to provide this excellent program”, said Sky Sox President and General Manager Tony Ensor. “These businesses are the backbone of the Colorado Springs community and we are proud to lend a helping hand in this effort.”

About CenturyLink

CenturyLink is the third largest telecommunications company in the United States and is recognized as a leader in the network services market by technology industry analyst firms. The company is a global leader in cloud infrastructure and hosted IT solutions for enterprise customers. CenturyLink provides data, voice and managed services in local, national and select international markets through its high-quality advanced fiber optic network and multiple data centers for businesses and consumers. The company also offers advanced entertainment services under the CenturyLink^® Prism™ TV and DIRECTV brands. Headquartered in Monroe, La., CenturyLink is an S&P 500 company and is included among the Fortune 500 list of America’s largest corporations. For more information, visit www.centurylink.com.

About Colorado Springs SBDC

The Small Business Development Center is hosted by El Paso County and sponsored by the Small Business Administration, City of Colorado Springs, UCCS College of Business, and CenturyLink. It offers business consulting and training to assist existing and new small businesses in El Paso, Park and Teller counties. The Colorado Springs SBDC is the recipient of the 2014 Region 8 SBA Award for Innovation and Excellence. For more information about the SBDC and services it offers, visit www.cssbdc.org or call 719.667.3803.

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

Sky Sox & Domino’s Announce 4th Year Of Charity Spotlight

February 19, 2016

The Colorado Springs Sky Sox are proud to announce that they will once again be partnering with Domino’s to showcase local charities. The joint venture, named the “Charity Spotlight”, is designed to help charities in the Colorado Springs area and after tremendous success over the last three seasons the two organizations are excited to bring the program back for another year. In the current economic environment, many charities are working harder than ever to meet budgets to support the ever increasing demand for their services. Domino’s will again provide these charities with an opportunity to market themselves and raise awareness for their causes at Security Service Field during the Sky Sox 2016 season free of charge.

“At Domino’s, we recognize the importance of the many charities here in Colorado Springs and we are proud to once again team up with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox to spotlight local non-profits while providing them with a night of fun at the ballpark”, said Domino’s Franchisee Craig Williams.

Throughout the season, Domino’s will provide 30 charities with the following marketing package at one of 30 individual Sky Sox home games:

A marketing table in the main concourse to showcase their organization
Four tickets to the game, parking & two medium Domino’s pizzas
Public address announcement and live in-game scoreboard recognition
A ceremonial first pitch
On-air interview during the Sky Sox broadcast on AM 1300 “The Animal”

Any charity wishing to be considered for the “Charity Spotlight” must download the form linked here, (http://www.milb.com/documents/0/8/6/164835086/Charity_Spotlight_Form2016_oa9p8wnp.pdf) and email the completed form to Tricia Metzger at tmetzger@skysox.com. For additional assistance, please contact Tricia Metzger at (719) 304-5612.

“The Sky Sox are proud to continue this partnership with Domino’s while assisting area non-profit organizations with their marketing efforts”, said Sky Sox President and General Manager Tony Ensor. “Colorado charities and the services they provide are an integral part of this community and we are proud to lend a helping hand in their effort.”

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

Cutters Raise over $5,000 for James V. Brown Library

January 19, 2016

The Williamsport Crosscutters kicked of their tenth season with the Philadelphia Phillies with their annual Hot Stove Banquet on January 18 at the Genetti Hotel in downtown Williamsport.

The event featured Phillies manager Pete Mackanin and catcher Cameron Rupp in addition to Cutters manager and former World Series MVP Pat Borders and Japanese baseball legend Tom O’Malley. The guests entertained attendees with stories, answered audience questions and signed autographs.

In talking about the 2016 Phillies, Mackanin stated, “We experimented last year. This year is the other half of the experiment. I think we’re starting to build some depth to where we’re going to be pretty good.”

The night, presented in part by Woodlands Bank, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a special Phillies VIP Game Experience, an autographed giant Phanatic bobblehead and a full uniform worn by Tom O’Malley as a hitting coach for the Hanshin Tigers in 2014.

Another highlight of the event was the induction of the 2001 Williamsport Crosscutters team into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame. The team, managed by Tony Beasley, had a record of 48-26. After losing game one of the NYPL Championship Series to the Brooklyn Cyclones, the remainder of the series was canceled due to the tragic events of September 11th. Brooklyn and Williamsport were declared co-champions, marking the first championship for a Williamsport professional team since 1960. A total of eight players from that squad went on to play in the major leagues including former Pirates outfielder Chris Duffy who returned to Williamsport for the event.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to the James V. Brown Library whose mission is, “To enable people to be the best they can be, to grow, to learn and to enjoy their lives while learning”. At the conclusion of the festivities, the library was presented with a check for $5,025.

The Crosscutters open the 2016 season on June 17 against the State College Spikes at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. Season tickets, Bonus Books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

Darnell honored for his community service

October 21, 2015

Rochester Red Wings starting pitcher Logan Darnell made significant contributions both on and off the baseball diamond in 2014. Along with combining on a no-hitter for the Red Wings and making his Major League debut with the Minnesota Twins, Darnell has been named co-winner of the John L. Seebach Volunteer Award as announced by the Federation of Social Workers. Darnell has been named a co-winner along with Larry and Jane Glazer.

Darnell, 25, will be honored at the 10th Annual Human Service Worker of the Year Awards Luncheon hosted by the Federation of Social Workers on November 7 at the Joseph Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Red Wings President/CEO/COO Naomi Silver will be accepting the award on behalf of Darnell.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Darnell. “Giving back to the community is something that is very important to me, the Red Wings and the entire Twins organization. Rochester is a great baseball town and a wonderful place to call home during the summer months.”

In his second season with the Wings, the southpaw endeared himself to the Rochester community. Despite the rigors of a 144-game minor league baseball schedule — which includes just eight off days — Darnell made more than 15 appearances at various community events throughout the year — a number that easily led the team and made him the runaway winner as the Red Wings “Most Civic-Minded” player and the Twins Harmon Killebrew Award honoree for the Rochester club.

“Logan had to lead the league in community appearances this season,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “He’s been a great ambassador for the Red Wings and the City of Rochester in his time here.”

The majority of Darnell’s appearances came at various local little leagues and camps. A few of his more notable appearances included the Challenger Baseball World Series held at Frontier Field, The Mary Cariola Children’s Center and The Dave Clark D3 event held at the ballpark in August.

Darnell, who went 7-6 with a 3.60 ERA in 23 games (19 starts) for Rochester, made his Major League debut with the Twins on May 6 this season. He also combined with Trevor May on the 22nd no-hitter in Rochester franchise history, throwing the final six innings on August 11 vs. Durham.

Other notable award recipients at this year’s luncheon include RPD Officer Daryl Pierson and his partner Officer Mike DiPaola (Human Service Worker Courage Award) and New York State Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy (Human Service Worker Lifetime Achievement Award).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rochester Red Wings. Click here to view the original story.

E-Twins Look To Impact Area Youth

June 16, 2015

Minor League Baseball has much to offer all age groups but this season E-Twins staff are focusing on youth with a variety of promotions and stadium ticket packages. “We are extremely excited about this season and the impact we can have on our area youth,” said Mike Mains, General Manager. “We have put together a nice package of promotions for all ages but especially for our youth as we hope parents will notice the inexpensive family entertainment that they can enjoy this summer at Joe O’Brien Field.”

With hundreds of local youth participating in baseball and softball programs throughout our area the Twins are offering free youth team baseball and softball parties at Joe O’Brien Field. Admission is free to all players and coaches and parents will enter at a discounted rate of $3.00. In addition to free admission, teams will be announced during pre-game ceremonies and they will take the field during the National Anthem with the E-Twins.

Throughout this season the E-Twins have scheduled several weekly promotions that will give families an opportunity to enjoy an inexpensive night at the ballpark including Tuesday Dollar Nights and Kids Eat Free Wednesday’s. Sponsored by UDC and WCQR Tuesday Dollar Nights will feature $1.00 admission for all along with $1.00 hotdogs, programs and a few other concession items all sold for $1.00. While Wednesday night games this season will feature a free meal for all kids under the age of twelve.

Continuing a long standing tradition the Elizabethton Twins will host two free baseball clinics for area youth including the Todd Walker Baseball Clinic held at Joe O’Brien Field on July 11 and the Blue Gray’s Baseball Clinic held at Historic Blue Grays Field located at Douglas Park on August 1st. Youth between the ages of 6 and 14 will receive instruction in baseball fundamentals, meet E-Twins players and lunch will be provided.

Joe O’Brien Field has much to offer including a great setting for birthday parties and a unique family fun package which offers four reserved seats, four hotdogs with drinks, four programs and one individual in the family will be allowed to throw out the first pitch. This special package will provide a great night of baseball fun and memories for years to come.

The Elizabethton Junior Twins Club is another youth program the E-Twins are proud of. Club membership offers a reduce rate for a season ticket pass to all 34 home games, a Twins tee-shirt and an invitation to a pre-game cookout with E-Twins players.

“The Elizabethton Twins have a great deal to offer our youth,” said Mike Mains. “When you look at the number of families that have kids in this area participating in youth sports its really amazing and then you have this team that is a showcase of future major league stars it’s really special. I just hope parents will see what we have to offer and the great opportunity they have to build a natural love for this game by bringing their children to Joe O’Brien Field.” The E-Twins have produced some great talent through the years including one former 2012 player in Byron Buxton who is right now the number one prospect in Major League Baseball.

For ticket information and other promotional event information call the Elizabethton Twins at 423-547-6441.

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

Storm Chasers Participating in Omaha Gives! on May 20

May 14, 2015

Charitable challenge benefits the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. – Last season the Omaha Storm Chasers and the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha, the charitable arm of the organization, participated in Omaha Gives! for the first time. On May 20, the Storm Front Team Store will be the home for the charitable challenge from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Omaha Gives! is a 24-hour, online giving event organized by the Omaha Community Foundation to grow philanthropy in Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie counties, with the goal to inspire the community to come together for 24 hours to contribute as many charitable dollars as possible to support the work of local non-profit organizations participating. Those interested in donating to the Home Run Foundation can do so online at www.omahagives24.org from midnight to midnight on May 20 with a minimum donation of $10.

As a part of the Omaha non-profit community, the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha seeks to raise funds for their charitable contributions that benefit sports and recreational activities with a focus on youth. In addition to donating online, the event at the Storm Front Team Store will reward fans for donating to the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha. Full details for the event:

50 Mystery Autographed Baseballs to be given out to those who donate $20 or more. Autographs include Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and more.
30% off at the Storm Front Team Store (in store only on full-priced items, some exclusions apply)

All attendees at the Storm Front Team Store will have the chance to speak with representatives of the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha and learn about the various programs involved in the organization before donating.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Salem Red Sox, Feeding America Team Up for Food Drive

May 14, 2015

Fans urged to become someone’s superhero on Superhero Night

SALEM, Va. – The Salem Red Sox have announced a partnership with Feeding America of Southwest Virginia that includes a food drive to be held on Superhero Night, Saturday, May 23, when the Red Sox take on the Winston-Salem Dash.

Fans are asked to bring non-perishable food items to LewisGale Field when they arrive for the 6 p.m. contest. The Sox and Feeding America are encouraging fans to bring a box of macaroni and cheese (or other boxed pasta) to serve as a noisemaker during the game and then donate to Feeding America after the game.

Tickets for the game are available at salemsox.com. Fans who pre-purchase their tickets online not only will save $2 over the walk-up price, but will be able to donate $2 to Feeding America by using the promo code: FOOD.

About Feeding America: “Feeding America of Southwest Virginia has served the 26 counties and municipalities that make up Southwest Virginia for the last three decades. As the leader in hunger relief in this region, FASWVA distributes more than 20 million pounds of food annually to nearly 400 partner agency soup kitchens, rescue missions and food pantries.”

For more information on Feeding America of Southwest Virginia, visit https://www.faswva.org/. For more information on the food drive or the Salem Red Sox, visit salemsox.com or call 540-389-3333.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salem Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Fans to literally Paint the Park Pink on Aug. 2

May 12, 2015

Medlar Field going pink to raise funds, awareness for breast cancer fight

The State College Spikes’ annual Paint the Park Pink event, presented by Mount Nittany Health, will take on a whole new dimension in 2015. Fans will be offered the opportunity to literally “Paint the Park Pink” to help the fight against breast cancer on Sunday, August 2 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

For the first time, fans that make a donation to the Breast Care Center at Mount Nittany Medical Center through The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center will have the chance to paint designated areas of the ballpark pink to honor those who have fought and those who continue to fight breast cancer. The event will take place during the Spikes’ 6:05 p.m. game against the Lowell Spinners (Boston Red Sox).

In addition to painting the ballpark pink, fans can bid on the special Pink Camouflage Jerseys the Spikes will be wearing to benefit The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center. The Jersey-off-the-Back Auction will take place during the night, with all winners receiving their jerseys immediately after the game.

Plus, there will numerous other ways for fans to donate to the fight against breast cancer throughout the night, including special pink balloons, a 50/50 drawing, and more.

Check out the Spikes’ complete 2015 promotional schedule!

“Paint the Park Pink has always been one of our most popular and impactful promotions throughout the past nine seasons,” said Spikes General Manager Scott Walker. “We have been privileged to be able to partner with Mount Nittany Health to raise over $60,000 for the fight against breast cancer. This year, our fans can not only continue to help that fight, but leave an indelible mark on the ballpark that will last more than just one night.”

The fun of Paint the Park Pink Night also includes a Replica Pink Camouflage Jersey Giveaway for the first 1,000 fans of all ages, presented by Mount Nittany Health, and a fantastic post-game FIREWORKS show to close the evening.

Single-game tickets for all 38 regular season home dates between June 19 and September 6, are currently on sale through the Spikes Box Office and online at StateCollegeSpikes.com. Fans can visit the Box Office in person weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or call (814) 272-1711. Fans purchasing online have the ability to print their tickets using a home computer and printer.

Season Tickets, Value Plans, McDonald’s Flex Books and an array of group and corporate hospitality options are currently on sale for the 2015 season and can be reserved by calling (814) 272-1711. Additional information on all club ticketing options, as well as team news and schedule info, can be viewed at www.StateCollegeSpikes.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

Mudcats Present Strikeout Cancer Weekend

May 11, 2015

Online jersey auction to be held in support of local charities

ZEBULON, NC – The Carolina Mudcats, the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and member of the historic Carolina League, proudly present “Strikeout Cancer Weekend” at Five County Stadium. This special three day long event will take place May 15, 16 and 17 when the Mudcats play the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

“Strikeout Cancer Weekend” is designed to raise awareness and help in the fight against cancer. It is also designed to help raise funds for local cancer fighting charities.

Mudcats players will wear specially designed jerseys for all three games in the series. Those game worn jerseys will then be made available to fans through a special online auction that will be launched on www.carolinamudcats.com.

All of the proceeds from the jersey auction will be donated to local cancer fighting charities including the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, the Vs. Cancer Foundation and Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure.

The Kay Yow Cancer Fund will be the official charity for Friday’s May 15 game in Zebulon at 7:00 p.m. Fans wishing to attend the game and support the Kay Yow Cancer Fund can purchase specially priced tickets through the Mudcats front office. A portion of those ticket sales will be donated to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. Contact Yogi Brewington or Aaron Freeman in the Mudcats front office for more information at (919) 269-2287.

Saturday’s 6:00 p.m. game with the Pelicans will benefit the Vs. Cancer Foundation. The Vs. Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving kids’ lives by empowering athletes and communities to fund lifesaving childhood cancer efforts.

The special weekend concludes on Sunday, May 17 with first pitch at 2:00 p.m. Sunday’s game will benefit Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure. The Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure foundation seeks to save lives by increasing awareness of prostate cancer and the life-saving value of early detection while providing education and information about cutting-edge research to reduce risk, detect, and treat prostate cancer.

Individual tickets are now available online at www.carolinamudcats.com, by calling (919) 269-2287 and by visiting the Five County Stadium box office.

Premium Field Level seats are $12.00, Box Seats are $10.00 and Cattail Skybox Seats are $15.00. Full season ticket packages, half season ticket packages, group tickets and the “Muddy Unreal Deal” plan are also currently available for purchase.

The Carolina Mudcats are the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. The 2015 “Braves New World” season is the first for the Mudcats as an affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and their fourth straight in the historic Carolina League. First established in 1991, the Carolina Mudcats are in their 25th straight season of baseball at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C. Fans can purchase tickets or find more information by calling (919) 269-2287 or by visiting www.carolinamudcats.com.

# # #

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

Rome Braves Present Check to the United Way

May 11, 2015

Rome Braves presented a check to the United Way Saturday night May ninth just prior to the game at State Mutual Stadium. The check was for the amount of $5,000.00. General Manager Michael Dunn along with Manager Randy Ingle and Coach Nestor Perez presented the check to Executive Director Rich Lampkin and 2015 Campaign Chairman Frank Pinson. “The United Way is an organization that enriches many lives in Northwest Georgia by supplementing various nonprofit groups,” says Rome General Manager Michael Dunn. “Rich Lampkin and his team are wonderful stewards of our community.”

The United Way identifies and builds on community strengths and assets, helping individuals and groups with specific community interests find ways to contribute their time and talents, support direct-service programs and community-change efforts, and advocate public policy changes. The Rome Braves are proud to support the efforts of the United Way as well as many great causes throughout the NW Georgia community.

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

Challenger Day Returns to Canal Park Sunday

May 8, 2015

The 2015 Challenger Game competitors had a lot of fun last Saturday at Canal Park showing their skills off for the RubberDucks players! (David Monseur)

(AKRON, OHIO) May 8, 2015 – The Akron RubberDucks are partnering with Northeast Ohio Roy Hobbs Baseball again to bring back “Challenger Day” on Sunday, May 10 at 12 p.m., prior to the finale of the three-game series between the Akron RubberDucks and the Binghamton Mets, which starts at 2:05 p.m. It will be the 17^th year Challenger Day will be hosted at Canal Park, with the annual tradition started in 1999.

Challenger Day provides an opportunity for kids and adults with developmental disabilities to play a baseball game at Canal Park, and to meet and be cheered on by some of the RubberDucks players. Each participant will get to hit and play in the field, and get to experience what it is like to be a professional ballplayer for a day. Ages range from as young as seven to as old as 25.

“Challenger Day is one of the annual highlights of our schedule,” said RubberDucks general managerJim Pfander. “It is important to be able to give these young baseball players a chance to play at a facility like Canal Park, but the real fun comes from the smiles on the athletes’ faces and those on the faces of the RubberDucks players who are there to cheer them on.”

Challenger Day participants play in area Little League programs that include the Challenger program or in the Ohio Challenged Athletes program. Participants this year will be from teams in Hudson, Tallmadge, Green, Canton, Tuscarawas County, Barberton, including players from Akron and Cuyahoga Falls.

“The opportunity for these special athletes play baseball with the RubberDucks at Canal Park never ceases to be special,” said Tom Giffen, President of NEO Roy Hobbs. “We thank the RubberDucks for their support and involvement in this experience. It’s memorable for the youngsters and their parents as well as the RubberDucks players.”

Participants are scheduled to warm up at 11:45 a.m. with the game scheduled for 12 p.m. and it will last approximately one hour. At the conclusion, a team photo will be taken of the participants and the RubberDucks who cheered them on. Gates will open at 11:15 a.m. for any spectators.

Media are welcome to attend. If credentials or photos are needed, please contact director of public and media relations Adam Liberman at aliberman@akronrubberducks.com to make arrangements.

The RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. For more information, call the RubberDucks at 330-253-5151 or visit www.akronrubberducks.com. The RubberDucks are on Facebook www.facebook.com/akronrubberducks and Twitter @AkronRubberDuck.

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

RiverDogs Announce “Shoes for Joe Night” on May 16

May 8, 2015

Club will give free tickets for those who donate a new pair of sneakers to USC Coach Dawn Staley’s “INNERSOLE”

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Donate a new or used pair of sneakers and we’ll give you a free ticket to see the Charleston RiverDogs battle rival Greenville Drive on Saturday, May 16, in what will be one of the most unique starts in baseball history.

At this game, the Charleston RiverDogs will salute Greenville native “Shoeless “Joe Jackson with several promotions.

First, fans who bring a pair of new or used sneakers to donate to University of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley’s INNERSOLE non-profit organization, will gain free admission to the game, which begins at 6:05 pm.

And then prior to the game, both the RiverDogs and Drive will take the field for the National Anthem lined up on the first and third base lines – of course – shoeless. The teams will also take a shoeless photo in front of Shoeless Joe’s Hill in right field.

“This night is a great opportunity to remember Shoeless Joe Jackson,” said RiverDogs sales representative Will Senn, who is responsible for coordinating the promotion and cultivating the relationship with INNERSOLE. “We’re thrilled that we’ve partnered with Coach Staley and INNERSOLE on this special night, in order to raise awareness and support for those in need.”

INNERSOLE is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide new sneakers to children who are homeless and children who are in need. This is a national and international initiative that will make a difference in the lives of our children by starting the school year off with a new pair of sneakers. Coach Staley serves as co-founder and president of INNERSOLE.

“The partnership with the Charleston RiverDogs is a perfect example of how the community can partner with INNERSOLE and help us bring awareness to the challenges that homeless and underprivileged children face on a constant basis,” said Coach Staley. “One of our goals for INNERSOLE is to have a presence in every area of our State. The opportunity to partner with the Charleston RiverDogs and share our SOLE mission is just another step in that direction.”

“Shoeless Joe” Jackson played Major League baseball in the early part of the 20^th century. He is remembered for his performance on the field and for his alleged association with the Black Sox Scandal, in which members of the 1919 Chicago White Sox participated in a conspiracy to fix the World Series. As a result of Jackson’s association with the scandal, Kenesaw Mountain Landis, Major League Baseball’s first commissioner, banned Jackson from playing after the 1920 season. Since then, Jackson’s guilt has been disputed, and his expulsion from baseball during the prime of his career made him one of the game’s legendary figures.

Jackson played for three Major League teams during his 12-year career. He spent 1908-09 as a member of the Philadelphia Athletics and 1910 with the minor league New Orleans Pelicans before joining the Cleveland Naps at the end of the 1910 season. He remained in Cleveland through the first part of the 1915 and played the remainder of the 1915 season through 1920 with the White Sox.

Jackson, primarily a left fielder, currently has the third-highest career batting average in major league history. In 1911, Jackson hit for a .408 average, and it remains as the sixth-highest single-season total since 1901, which marked the beginning of the modern era. Babe Ruth reportedly said that he modeled his hitting technique after Jackson’s.

The right field area in the RiverDogs’ facility – Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park – is named “Shoeless Joe’s Hill,” in honor of the Greenville native.

For additional information and to secure your tickets, please refer to www.riverdogs.com or contact the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647). If you can’t make the games, remember that RiverDogs baseball can be heard throughout the season on the flagship radio home, WTMA 1250AM.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

Strike Out Cancer Night

May 7, 2015

Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Yankees plan to Strike Out Cancer Saturday, June 6^th, when they take on the Clearwater Threshers at 6:00PM. The gates at Steinbrenner Field will open promptly at 5:00PM. The night is sponsored by BayCare.

The Tampa Yankees players and coaches will be wearing custom made Strike Out Cancer jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game. Proceeds from the auction will benefit BayCare. The Tampa Yankees hope to encourage cancer awareness in the bay area, and to contribute as much as possible to cancer research and treatment.

Fans are invited to come out to Steinbrenner Field early and enjoy a food truck Rally before the game. Trucks participating include Sarges BBQ, Disco Donuts, Kona Ice, Enjoi Sweets, PaniniRiffic, and Street Surfer. The first 500 fans to enter the stadium will receive a BayCare water bottle. To close out the night, there will be a fireworks display after the game sponsored by Sonny’s BBQ.

Strike Out Cancer Night is also a Friends and Family Saturday Sponsored by Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Fans can purchase Family-4-Packs which include four reserved tickets to the game, four hot dogs, four bags of chips, four sodas, four Tampa Yankees ball caps, and two passes to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for just $38. The Tampa Yankees invite all children 14 and under to run the bases from 5:00-5:15PM. Some of the Tampa Yankees players will be on the concourse signing autographs from 5:10-5:30PM.

Individual game tickets are $4 for general admission, $6 for reserved seating and can be purchased at the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office or online through Ticketmaster. Parking for Tampa Yankees games is always free.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single A-Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information contact the Tampa Yankees offices at (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tybaseball.com.

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

Cutters Dominican Dinner to Benefit A.C.E.S.

May 6, 2015

Dominican Players & Teammates to Serve

The Williamsport Crosscutters have teamed up with A.C.E.S. North America in announcing the 3^rd Annual Dominican Plate – An Evening of Dominican Dining and Entertainment with the Cutters.

The event will be held on Tuesday, July 14 in the Grand Ballroom of the Genetti Hotel, 200 W. Fourth St., Williamsport. Doors open at 5:30pm with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar followed by a Dominican-style dinner served at 6:30pm.

The buffet dinner of traditional Dominican fare will be served by members of the Williamsport Crosscutters who hail from the Dominican Republic, along with some of their teammates.

Proceeds from the event will benefit A.C.E.S. North America, an organization working to create sustainable development projects in the Dominican Republic. The charity, founded in Williamsport in 2005, uses all-volunteer personnel for its operations.

A.C.E.S. Founder Linell Stabler stated, “Teaming up with the Crosscutters for this Dominican fundraiser is a fun match for our mission of helping people in the Dominican Republic.”

In addition, the night will feature live musical entertainment, Chinese and live auctions of sports memorabilia and other items plus a balloon bust wine raffle. Last year’s event raised over $4,000 for the charity.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to help out a worthy charity that does outstanding work in an area of the world many of our players call home,” said Gabe Sinicropi the team’s Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations.

Due to the popularity of this event in the past, reserved seating will now be utilized to make for a more comfortable evening for all attendees. Tickets for The Dominican Plate are $20 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under. Tickets must be purchased in advance online at crosscutters.com, by phone at (570) 326-3389 or by visiting the Sawmill Team Store at Susquehanna Bank Park.

Business sponsorships are available for the event by calling (570) 326-3389. For more information on A.C.E.S., visit www.acesnorthamerica.org.

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