Spokane Indians Earn Prestigious WSRA Recycler of the Year Award

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SPOKANE, Wash. – On November 2nd, the Spokane Indians were recognized for their Zero Waste Campaign during the 2019 calendar year, receiving the Washington State Recycling Association (WSRA) Recycler of the Year Award, in the Business Generator category. The WSRA presents annual Recycler of the Year (ROY) awards to spotlight individuals, businesses, government agencies and community organizations that are making outstanding contributions to strengthening and expanding recycling and waste prevention practices across the state.

“We’re honored to receive this award and to continue building on our responsibility as an environmental leader,” said Senior Vice President Otto Klein. “We recognize that we have the opportunity to impact the community through our efforts at Avista Stadium and this award is a testament to the work that we’ve done and will continue to do.”

The Indians were nominated by Kris Major, Education Coordinator for the City of Spokane’s Solid Waste Department. “Striving towards zero waste is difficult for any business, let alone one that deals with the public in the numbers that the Spokane Indians do. This recognition is well-deserved and the organization’s hard work and commitment to sustainability can be an inspiration to us all and a model for others to follow,” said Major.

In 2019, the Indians announced their commitment to becoming a zero waste facility with the Zero Waste Campaign. 60 zero waste stations were installed throughout Avista Stadium and an investment was made in compostable items, including beer cups, Pepsi cups (including lids and straws) and utensils. In 2019 alone, the Indians increased traditional recycling by 29% and diverted 12 tons of compostable materials from the waste stream, which equates to 28% of total waste. The compostable materials collected at the stadium were then transferred to a local facility, where they were processed into a healthy, soil building compost, used in agriculture, landscape, turf, and garden applications. A portion of that compost was eventually brought back and used in flower beds at Avista Stadium, creating a closed-loop system.

“We understand the importance of doing our part to protect the environment and resources for future generations,” said Klein. “With the help of our local partners and staff who work tirelessly every day, the Zero Waste Campaign is the next chapter for how we are striving to take care of the place we all call home.”

The Spokane Indians would like to thank the presenting partner of the Zero Waste Campaign, Spokane County Regional Solid Waste, and major contributors: the Spokane Tribe of Indians, Wittkopf Landscape Supply, Sunshine Disposal & Recycling, and Barr-Tech.

Bulls Partner With BASF, Cree|Wolfspeed to Create Pollinator Garden at DBAP

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Today the Durham Bulls announced a partnership with BASF Agricultural Solutions North America, a leading supplier in the agriculture industry creating sustainable and innovative solutions for farmers, and Cree|Wolfspeed, a powerhouse semiconductor company focused on silicon carbide and GaN technologies, to create a pollinator garden at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

The collaboration, sponsored by BASF and Cree|Wolfspeed, will contribute to the Durham Bulls commitment to strengthening the community and creating positive change in the Triangle. The garden, which will be planted in mid-November, will feature both annual and perennial pollinator plants including Goldenrods, Stoke’s Aster, and New Jersey Tea and reflect the Bulls colors – blue, white and orange.

“The Durham Bulls are proud to partner with BASF and Cree|Wolfspeed to provide the Triangle with another interactive space to learn about the importance of pollinators and their role in the food chain,” said Mike Birling, Durham Bulls Vice President of Baseball Operations. “We know the importance of building these spaces in urban settings and are delighted to play a role in the sustainability of our local environment and in the education of the community.”

Approximately 35 percent of the world’s food crops depend on pollination, making pollinators vital to both the ecosystem and the food supply chain. In addition to supporting our food supply, there are many other environmental benefits of wild flowering plants including producing oxygen to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, preventing soil erosion, purifying water and returning the moisture to the atmosphere after it rains.

Downtown Durham is host to several beehives, making the DBAP an ideal location to help sustain the pollinator population native to the area. The goal of the pollinator garden is to expand the availability of food sources to surrounding pollinators. While the honeybee and monarch butterfly are some of the most iconic pollinators, patrons of the DBAP will see beetles, moths, birds, and many other insects.

“At BASF, one of our goals is to educate the public on various ways to improve and impact sustainability, which is why we are partnering with the Durham Bulls and Cree|Wolfspeed to establish a pollinator garden,” said Paul Rea, senior vice president of Agricultural Solutions North America. “We hope partnerships like these can continue to shed light on the vital role pollinators play in our food supply chain and ecosystem.”

“At Cree|Wolfspeed, we believe every individual should have a home, enough to eat and an opportunity to excel. Partnering with BASF to help the Durham Bulls create a teaching pollinator garden adds an educational and fun science-based activity for our neighbors,” said Cree CEO Gregg Lowe. “We cannot wait for the community to be able to learn more about the pollination process and its importance to the food supply, while watching the garden grow in the heart of downtown Durham.”

Video from the kickoff event can be found here.

Jumbo Shrimp help package 50,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Members of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s front office volunteered at Maxwell House Wednesday to help package 50,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger’s packaging event.

“We are thankful to have been included in such a great event,” said Jumbo Shrimp Director of Community Relations Andrea Williams. “We’re proud to partner with our neighbors at the Maxwell House to be able to do something so impactful! At our very core, we strive to be great community stewards and give back to a community that gives us so much.”

Over two hours, the Jumbo Shrimp packaged meals of 23 essential vitamins and nutrients, vegetables, soy protein and white rice. The event was the first in the offseason for the club’s annual #ShrimpService.

Rise Against Hunger supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to end hunger by 2030. The organization works in four focus areas as its Pathways to End Hunger: Nourishing Lives, Empowering Communities, Responding to Emergencies and Growing the Movement.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by General Manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

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

Grizzlies unveil Community GARden at Chukchansi Park

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Click here to see photos from the event.
FRESNO, CA – The Fresno Grizzlies unveiled the Community GARden presented by GAR Tootelian, Inc. at Chukchansi Park. The Community GARden, located behind the center field fence, is a sustainable garden created to give students the opportunity to learn about urban agriculture and growing fruits and vegetables.

“It’s important we give students the opportunity to learn about agriculture, and the Community GARden is a great way to do just that,” said Derek Franks, Fresno Grizzlies President. “We encourage all Fresno Unified students to get involved and learn more about agriculture and the Community GARden here at Chukchansi Park.”

Students from Fresno Unified School District, in particular, Sunnyside High School, Roosevelt High School, Edison High School, and Hoover High School will learn how food is grown from seed to crop. They will maintain the garden and get invaluable first-hand experience while learning about automated drip control irrigation and how it helps save water and increase yields.

“Being the founding partner of Farm Grown, when the Grizzlies approached us with the Community GARden concept we knew it was something we wanted to be involved in,” said Karen Musson, Partner at GAR Tootelian, Inc. “We believe in providing opportunities for students to learn about how food is grown and giving them the ability to source food on their own.”

“I’m excited our students will have the opportunity to care for this garden on their own, learning water saving techniques and other useful skills,” said Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson.

In partnership with Bennett Water Systems, WiseConn, Mid Valley Disposal, and Life Flower Tech, the Community GARden was created with 100% donated and recycled materials including compost, mulch, and raised-bed garden boxes.

Partnering with Roosevelt High School’s Culinary Arts program and the Fresno Grizzlies Executive Chef Jason Westerfield, students will produce a true farm-to-fork concept that showcases the garden’s yield by creating a plate to serve in The Kodiak Club presented by KY Farming on My Job Depends on Ag Night in April 2020.

Fruits and vegetables harvested from the GARden will be sold as part of the Community Engagement initiative at the Fresno Grizzlies’ Friday Night Farmers’ Market during the 2020 season, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Central California Food Bank.

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

Recycling Bin Initiative (RBI) presented by Montgomery Count Environmental Services

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Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons and Montgomery County Environmental Services are once again teaming up for the Recycling Bin Initiative (RBI) Program. This free, fun, and educational program is for kids and families to learn about household recycling and how recycling benefits the economy and the environment. The RBI Program only requires two weeks of tracking recycling to participate, but families are encouraged to keep up the good work afterwards.

There are some new changes to the program this year. In addition to a new logo and brand, participants will learn about how to “recycle right,” as well as what items can and cannot be recycled.

“Not everything can be recycled, and some items that can’t be recycled may come as a surprise to many participants,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Judy Dodge. “It’s important that our citizens learn good recycling habits, because having better materials makes the whole recycling system more financially sustainable.”

Hundreds of thousands of cans, glass, cardboard, and plastic have been saved from the landfill thanks to the recycling efforts of participants over the past nine years.

All participants will receive up to four Dragons lawn tickets to RBI Night at a sold-out Dragons game, an exclusive RBI water bottle and recycling bin, and will be eligible to win other great Dragons prizes and experiences.

Visit www.daytondragons.com/rbi to get more information and participate.

About Montgomery County Environmental Services

Montgomery County Environmental Services provides water and water reclamation (sewer) services to 80,000 customers, and solid waste and recycling services to 525,000 citizens in Montgomery County, Ohio. The department offers educational outreach programs for local schools, communities, and businesses that want to learn more about conservation and sustainability in the Miami Valley region. For more information, visit www.mcohio.org/departments/environmental_services/, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook (@mcohioes).

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

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Thunder HOPE Week Honors Outstanding Organizations and Individuals

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The Thunder, Double-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, completed their HOPE Week during the most recent homestand. HOPE Week, helping others persevere and excel, is a New York Yankees initiative aimed at honoring outstanding organizations and individuals who do good in the local community.

Tuesday, June 5 – Dan Sczweck, Miracle League of Mercer County

Dan Sczweck, the Executive Director of the Miracle League of Mercer County, earned his recognition for the work he’s done running the Miracle League of Mercer County. To watch the HOPE Week Ceremony honoring Dan and MLMC Athletes, click here.

 

Wednesday, June 6 – Just Fight Foundation

The Thunder honored the Just Fight Foundation on June 6 as part of HOPE Week. On December 8th, 2015 in Abington, PA, a seven year old girl, Allyson Turner, was found unconscious in her bathtub. Her parents rushed to the scene and immediately began to perform CPR on Allyson until the EMT’s arrived. This was crucial to her survival as Allyson was immediately rushed to Abington Hospital and then flown to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. While Allyson was being treated by multiple doctors, her parents would say to her: “Just Fight!”

Her older brother Liam decided to take initiative and print Just Fight on t-shirts and began to sell them to friends and community members to support Allyson. The Just Fight Foundation was born to promote emergency preparedness in the community and educate the public on life saving techniques and provide support for families facing life-altering events due to illness or injury and spread the message: ‘Just Fight.’

To view the ceremony honoring the Just Fight Foundation, click here.

Thursday June 7 – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton provides a network of comprehensive healthcare services which includes hosptial care, prevention and wellness, primary and specialty medical services and diagnostic & treatment services in the community. Thunder players and coaches visited patients and RWJ, to view the ceremony, click here.

 

Friday June 8 – Radiology Affiliates Imagaing and Breast Cancer Awareness

RAI (Radiology Affiliates Imaging) is a team of medical diagnostic imaging professionals dedicated to providing superior, integreated management and radiology imaging support services to the medical practices that we serve for the purpose of providing optimal patient care.

The Thunder welcomed over 50 breast cancer survivors to the ballpark for a pre-game pink rose ceremony where Thunder players honored individual survivors on the field at ARM & HAMMER Park. To view the ceremony, click here.

Saturday, June 9 – Isles Youth Institute and F.I.E.L.D. Renovation

Isles Youth Institute is a community development and environmental organization based in Trenton, New Jersey. With a mission to foster self-reliant families and healthy, sustainable communities, designs and develops effective services that support this mission and share what they learn with others who can make a difference. Beyond its central New Jersey base, Isles works to influence policy and practices that support healthy, self-help agendas.

Isles and members of the Thunder came together to renovate the field at North Trenton Little League as part of the F.I.E.L.D. Program. To view the ceremony honoring Isles and the F.I.E.L.D. Program, click here.

Sunday, June 10 – Thea’s Star of Hope

Thea’s Star of Hope was founded in 2012 in honor of Thea Danze, a child who had undergone continuous treatment for her brain tumor since 2007. The organization is the embodiment of Thea’s positive outlook and a testament to the indelible spirit so many diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer. The Thunder welcomed Thea and other patients for a special on-field ceremony, to view the ceremony, click here.

In addition to the HOPE Week honors this past week at ARM & HAMMER Park, Thunder players and staff participated in the United Way of Greater Mercer County Strike Out Hunger event. For video on that event, click here.

Your Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, are in the midst of their 25th season in franchise history. For the latest information on Thunder baseball or to purchase tickets, visit

Students wanted to design Fightins’ Energy Conservation Jersey

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(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils have announced an Energy Conservation theme jersey design competition for secondary students presented by Reading Area Community College during the Energy Conservation Go Green Night sponsored by Fromm Electric Supply. The game is scheduled for Wednesday, June 27th at 7:05 p.m. when the Fightin Phils host the Erie SeaWolves.

The Fightin Phils are accepting jersey design concepts from local students with an Energy Conservation theme tied into the jersey. Students may draw their design or use computer software programs to design the jerseys. Designs may be submitted via mail or email in the following format: .jpg, .pdg, .eps, or .ai.

The jersey will be printed in full sublimation. Artwork of the jersey requires one of the Fightin Phils logos on the left chest or center chest. Students will receive a sample template that they may use to design the jersey.

Over 400 jersey designs were submitted during the inaugural jersey design competition last season. The Fightin Phils decided instead of rewarding just one student artist, artwork and concepts were incorporated from five students in the final jersey design from the 2017 competition.

Entries may be submitted to Todd Hunsicker, Director of Promotions. His email is thunsicker@fightins.com. Entries are due by Friday, March 30th.

Each student that submits an entry will receive two free tickets to the game on Wednesday, June 27th at 7:05 p.m. The student with the winning submission will receive a Go Green Jersey, four reserved seats with all you can eat buffet, a $50 gift card to the Fightin Phils Merchandise Store and a ceremonial first pitch prior to the game on June 27th.

The specialty themed jerseys worn by the Fightin Phils will be auctioned during the game and proceeds will go to the Berks Conservancy. Tickets are available for purchase online at fightins.com or can be purchased in person at the Fightin Phils Box Office at FirstEnergy Stadium.

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Individual and season tickets for the 2018 season 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.

Redband Jerseys Are Up For Auction

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Spokane, WASH. – The Redband Jersey Auction has moved online and it’s now time to get your bids in for these authentic game-worn jerseys! The Redband Jerseys were worn six times by the Spokane Indians throughout the 2017 season in honor of the new Redband Rally Campaign that raises money for the native Redband Trout habitat.

The City of Spokane is the presenting sponsor of the campaign in an effort to bring awareness to the huge investment the city and its citizens have made in Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) tanks to help collect untreated water from entering the Spokane River.

Click here to bid on the Redband Jersey Auction

Part of the proceeds from the jersey auction will go directly to the Redband Rally Fund. The fund, which is professionally administered by the Inland Northwest Community Foundation, raises money for local organizations to conserve and protect the Spokane River and its native Redband Trout.

The auction will be open until October 1st at 5:00 PM.

Click here to bid on the Redband Jersey Auction

While the Redband Jerseys are only available through the auction, there are multiple new Redband items currently for sale at the Spokane Indians Team Store. $5 from all Redband merchandise sold will be donated to the Redband Rally Campaign.

New merchandise items for sale include:

RedbandSizeSwag

Adjustable Hat for Release 2

Fishing Shirt Blue Background

Redband Polo blue background

Redband-Waves-Navy
Reband-Light-Blue-Trout

The Spokane Indians are the Short Season Class ‘A’ Affiliate of the Texas Rangers. For more information, please visit SpokaneIndians.com or call (509) 343-OTTO (6886).

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

Timber Rattlers About to Go Solar

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GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are turning the roof of the U. S. Cellular Picnic Pavilion into an energy source for Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. Eland Electric will begin to install 88 solar panels on Monday, August 7.

“We saw this as an opportunity to go green and are excited to partner with Eland Electric,” said Timber Rattlers vice president Aaron Hahn. “We have been looking at this for a while and the time seemed right to go ahead with this project.”
The estimated savings is expected to be about $4,000 per year, which is the equivalent to an entire season of running the videoboard at the ballpark.

The solar panels are manufactured by SolarWorld Americas in Hillsboro, Oregon. They will be installed on the south side of the roof of the pavilion and drivers heading northbound on I-41 will be able to see the progress of the project.

“It is great to see another local organization understand the economic and environmental benefits of a renewable energy system,” said Eland Electric Project Manager Jesse Michalski. “This will provide those benefits for the next 25-plus years.”

The project should take two weeks and will be installed by the time the team begins their next homestand on Friday, August 18 against the Quad Cities River Bandits.

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

Dragons Continue Heater’s Recycling Bin Initiative

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The Dayton Dragons and Montgomery County Environmental Services encourage fans to participate in Heater’s Recycling Bin Initiative (RBI), a free educational program for the entire family. All participants will receive up to four Dragons lawn tickets for special RBI Nights and be eligible to win great prizes.

Fans that would like to take part in the program can download a tracking form at www.daytondragons.com/rbi. Track two weeks of recycling at home and submit your final numbers at www.daytondragons.com/rbi. Tracking forms can also be sent to the Dragons via mail, e-mail, fax, or by dropping it off at the stadium. When the Dragons receive the tracking form, participants will be sent four lawn tickets to one of two new “RBI Nights”. Those nights are Thursday, June 15th and Thursday, August 3rd.

In addition to the tickets, participants will receive an exclusive RBI water bottle, a special RBI recycling bin, and group recognition at the game. Participants will also have a chance to win the opportunity to throw out a first pitch at a Dragons game, a special VIP Dragons game experience, and a luxury suite with catering, VIP parking passes, and Dragons hats.

About Montgomery County Environmental Services

Montgomery County Environmental Services is more than 300 men and women who provide high-quality drinking water, solid waste, recycling, and wastewater reclamation services to the citizens of Montgomery County. We work to preserve public health, foster economic development, and protect the environment and our natural resources for future generations. We aim to be leaders and trusted stewards of the environment focused on service, collaboration, innovation, and financial responsibility.

We also offer educational programs to local schools, community organizations and businesses that want to learn more about conservation and sustainability in the Miami Valley region.
More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com

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

BlueClaws Partner With Sunrun to Educate Fans on Home Solar Power

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LAKEWOOD BLUECLAWS PARTNER WITH SUNRUN TO EDUCATE FANS ON HOME SOLAR POWER

LAKEWOOD, New Jersey – April 12, 2017 – The Lakewood BlueClaws today announced it will be one of 16 teams featured in a multi-year partnership between Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) and Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN), the largest dedicated residential solar company in the United States. The partnership, now in its second year, was inked in 2016. As the “Preferred Residential Solar Power Provider of Minor League Baseball,” Sunrun will help educate baseball fans across the country on the financial and environmental benefits of Sunrun solar.

The Storm join a list of clubs in all classifications of MiLB to support Sunrun’s campaign to educate fans on the financial and environmental benefits of Sunrun solar. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the Sunrun brand, showcasing that it can provide homeowners access to technology that enables energy generation, storage and management.

As part of the campaign, BlueClaws centerfielder Mickey Moniak has been selected to Sunrun’s ‘The Future is Bright’ lineup. The list, compiled by participating clubs, highlights one top prospect in each of the 16 communities that Sunrun serves in partnership with MiLB. Moniak, 18, has recorded hits in all five games for the BlueClaws this spring in his first full season of professional baseball. He was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies with the first overall pick in the 2016 First-year Player Draft.

“Mickey Moniak is a top prospect in the Padres organization and certainly deserves to be included in Sunrun’s ‘The Future is Bright’ lineup,” said Lakewood BlueClaws General Manager Chris Tafrow. “We’re proud to partner with Sunrun again this season to educate our fans on the benefits of using solar to power their homes.”

This season, the BlueClaws will also host “Sunrun Sundays,” giving young fans the opportunity to escort players to their on-field positions as part of Sunrun’s Jr. All-Stars program.

To learn more about the partnership between Sunrun and Minor League Baseball, visit Sunrun’s website.

About the Lakewood BlueClaws

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in all 16 years of existence.

About Sunrun

Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN) is the largest dedicated residential solar company in the United States with a mission to create a planet run by the sun. Since establishing the solar as a service model in 2007, Sunrun continues to lead the industry in providing clean energy to homeowners with little to no upfront cost and at a savings to traditional electricity. The company designs, installs, finances, insures, monitors and maintains the solar panels on a homeowner’s roof, while families receive predictable pricing for 20 years or more. For more information please visit: www.sunrun.com.

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

SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS PARTNER WITH SUNRUN TO EDUCATE FANS ON HOME SOLAR POWER

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

WEST SACRAMENTO, California – April 12, 2017 – The Sacramento River Cats announced it will be one of 16 teams featured in a multi-year partnership between Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) and Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN), the largest dedicated residential solar company in the United States. The partnership, now in its second year, was inked in 2016. As the “Preferred Residential Solar Power Provider of Minor League Baseball,” Sunrun will help educate baseball fans across the country on the financial and environmental benefits of Sunrun solar.

The River Cats join a list of clubs in all classifications of MiLB to support Sunrun’s campaign to educate fans on the financial and environmental benefits of Sunrun solar. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the Sunrun brand, showcasing that it can provide homeowners access to technology that enables energy generation, storage and management.

As part of the campaign, River Cats right-hander Tyler Beede has been selected to Sunrun’s ‘The Future is Bright’ lineup. The list, compiled by participating clubs, highlights one top prospect in each of the 16 communities that Sunrun serves in partnership with MiLB. Beede continues to show the promise that made him the San Francisco Giants’ first round pick in 2014 out of Vanderbilt University. The 23-year-old has posted a 2.76 ERA in 25 starts since the beginning of the 2016 season, while striking out 138 batters in 153.1 innings.

“Tyler Beede is a top prospect in the San Francisco Giants organization and certainly deserves to be included in Sunrun’s ‘The Future is Bright’ lineup,” said Sacramento River Cats General Manager Chip Maxson. “We’re proud to partner with Sunrun this season to educate our fans on the benefits of using solar to power their homes.”

This season, the River Cats will also host “Sunrun Sundays,” giving young fans the opportunity to escort players to their on-field positions as part of Sunrun’s Jr. All-Stars program.

To learn more about the partnership between Sunrun and Minor League Baseball, visit Sunrun’s website.

About the Sacramento River Cats

The Sacramento River Cats are the Triple-A affiliate of the three-time World Champion San Francisco Giants. The team plays at Raley Field in West Sacramento, consistently voted one of the top ballparks in America. River Cats Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, and Flex Plans can be purchased for the 2017 season by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). For more information about the River Cats, visit www.rivercats.com. For information on other events at Raley Field, visit www.raleyfield.com.

About Sunrun

Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN) is the largest dedicated residential solar company in the United States with a mission to create a planet run by the sun. Since establishing the solar as a service model in 2007, Sunrun continues to lead the industry in providing clean energy to homeowners with little to no upfront cost and at a savings to traditional electricity. The company designs, installs, finances, insures, monitors and maintains the solar panels on a homeowner’s roof, while families receive predictable pricing for 20 years or more. For more information please visit: www.sunrun.com.

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

Thunder Partner With Sunrun To Educate Fans On Home Solar Power

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

Leading Residential Solar Company Selects Thunder Infielder Gleyber Torres to its “The Future is Bright” Lineup (Martin Griff / PinstripedProspects.com)

The Thunder today announced they will be one of 16 teams featured in Minor League Baseball’s a multi-year partnership between Minor League Baseball and Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN), the largest dedicated residential solar company in the United States. The partnership, now in its second year, was inked in 2016. As the “Preferred Residential Solar Power Provider of Minor League Baseball,” Sunrun will help educate baseball fans across the country on the financial and environmental benefits of Sunrun solar.

The Thunder join a list of clubs in all classifications of MiLB to support Sunrun’s campaign to educate fans on the financial and environmental benefits of Sunrun solar. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the Sunrun brand, showcasing that it can provide homeowners access to technology that enables energy generation, storage and management.

As part of the campaign, Thunder shortstop Gleyber Torres has been selected to Sunrun’s ‘The Future is Bright’ lineup. The list, compiled by participating clubs, highlights one top prospect in each of the 16 communities that Sunrun serves in partnership with MiLB. Torres is one of the most exciting players in Minor League Baseball and was the centerpiece of the trade that sent left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman from the New York Yankees to the Chicago Cubs in 2016. One of the top prospects in Minor League Baseball, Torres, 20, set career highs in hits, home runs and RBI in 2016.

“Gleyber Torres is a top prospect in the Yankees organization and certainly deserves to be included in Sunrun’s ‘The Future is Bright lineup,” said Thunder COO/GM Jeff Hurley. “We’re proud to partner with Sunrun again this season to educate our fans on the benefits of using solar to power their homes.

This season, the Thunder will also host “Sunrun Sundays,” giving young fans the opportunity to escort players to their on-field positions as part of Sunrun’s Jr. All-Stars program.

To learn more about the partnership between Sunrun and Minor League Baseball, visit Sunrun’s website.

Barons To Introduce New Recycling Initiative At Regions Field In 2017

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham Barons announced today that the team, in partnership with Waste Management, will introduce a brand new recycling initiative for the 2017 season. There will be 13 different recyclable bins located around Regions Field, with translucent liners to clearly define the areas to dispose of paper, bottles, cans and cardboard.

“We, the Birmingham Barons have always been committed to making Regions Field a ballpark that reflects the values and satisfies the needs of this community, which is why we are implementing a recycling program to make Regions Field more environmentally-friendly in 2017,” Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson said. “Since our time at Regions Field began, we have received positive feedback on all the amenities along with an expressed desire to start a recycling program. We are excited to introduce this new program in 2017.”

The 13 different bins, which will be branded with the Barons logo, will be located in different areas of Regions Field. The bins are expected to be in place for the home opener on Wednesday, April 12th and the Barons encourage all guests to dispose of their trash and recyclables in the specified and clearly marked containers.

“As our continued partnership grows, we are excited to have the Barons join in to help with our sustainability efforts in the Birmingham community,” Leah Harry, Functional Sales Manager of Waste Management Alabama said.

“The Barons look forward to continuing to play our part in taking care of our community and we look forward to having our guests participate in this wonderful program as well,” Director of Stadium Operations Timmy Hinds added.

The Barons will open the home portion of their 2017 season at Regions Field on Wednesday, April 12th against the Montgomery Biscuits, Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. For ticket information, game schedule, promotions calendar or for additional information about Regions Field, call (205) 988-3200, or visit www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.

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

AutoZone Park Sprouts Miracle-Gro® Rooftop Garden

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

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – The Memphis Redbirds are proud to announce the Miracle-Gro® Rooftop Garden, a one-of-a-kind addition to AutoZone Park that has wide-reaching benefits for community health, education, and environmental sustainability.

The Miracle-Gro® Rooftop Garden will be built on the 3rd Floor landing at AutoZone Park, which overlooks the plaza inside the front gates at the corner of B.B. King and Union.

“When the Memphis Redbirds approached Miracle-Gro with a plan to repurpose the third level deck at AutoZone Park, we were thrilled to partner with them and bring this project to life,” said John Sass, Vice President and General Manager of Miracle-Gro. “The soil and plant food we provided will help create a space that educates and inspires all who visit this iconic urban space.”

“As we continue to prioritize connectivity within the Memphis community, we are proud to build the first urban rooftop garden in all of Minor League Baseball,” said Redbirds Principal Owner Peter Freund. “And to have an opportunity to partner with Miracle-Gro on this project, one of the most innovative corporations in America, will ensure its long-term success and opens the door for an exciting evolution of how the garden can grow.”

The applications of the ballpark’s Rooftop Garden are numerous and cross multiple segments of the community. The Redbirds are planning to use a portion of the food and herbs grown in the garden in food served at the concession stands during games. Local and sustainable food is a major push in Memphis’ culinary culture, and the Redbirds have recognized the movement with the ability to use some of the most local and sustainable food seen anywhere.

In addition, during the Redbirds’ annual Education Days, school children in attendance could tour the garden, learn about nutrition, and see how they could grow a garden of their own in whatever space they have at their home. Additional garden tours on gamedays and during special events are being planned as well.

The community will be able to access information about the garden, watch videos, and get gardening tips through the Miracle-Gro® Rooftop Garden webpage located at www.memphisredbirds.com/miraclegrogarden.

The components of the Miracle-Gro® Rooftop Garden are constructed with over 3,200 linear feet of Cypress lumber. The footprint of all raised beds is about 1,200 square feet, which is one-quarter of the entire landing area, and the beds hold 80 cubic yards of soil.

The Redbirds will be able to grow many different varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, onions, peppers, spinach, tomatoes, basil, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, and many more. More varieties will be added throughout the growing seasons.

The 2017 season begins on Thursday, March 30 against the St. Louis Cardinals in a “Battle of the Birds” exhibition game. The regular-season home opener is Tuesday, April 11 against Colorado Springs. For more information on single-game tickets and mini-memberships, visit www.memphisredbirds.com/tickets. For more information on “Battle of the Birds,” visit www.memphisredbirds.com/battleofthebirds.

About Scotts Miracle-Gro

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company’s brands are the most recognized in the industry. In the U.S., the Company’s Scotts®, Miracle-Gro® and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup® brand, which is marketed near worldwide by Scotts and owned by Monsanto. In the U.S., we maintain a minority interest in a joint venture with TruGreen®, the largest residential lawn care service business, and in Bonnie Plants®, the largest marketer of edible gardening plants in retail channels. In Europe, the Company’s brands include Weedol®, Pathclear®, Evergreen®, Levington®, Miracle-Gro®, KB®, Fertiligène® and Substral®. For additional information, visit us at www.scottsmiraclegro.com.

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