Make-A-Wish HV announces World Wish Day celebration with Renegades

TARRYTOWN, NY (April 12, 2022) – Having granted more than 3,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses since the chapter’s founding in 1986, Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley staff, volunteers and supporters know about the power of a wish and how it restores hope for local children battling with critical illnesses.

Every year, Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley – along with other chapters and affiliates worldwide – celebrate World Wish Day on April 29, the anniversary of the wish that inspired the founding of the organization 42 years ago.

In celebration of World Wish Day, Make-A-Wish supporters are invited to celebrate the power of a wish at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, NY to rally around the tagline:

“Restore hope with a wish.”

In partnership with the Hudson Valley Renegades, the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, Make-A-Wish will host a local World Wish Day Ambassador, wish kid Bryan and his family, to represent the over 3,000 children who have had a wish granted by the chapter. Bryan will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch and take part in on-field activities at the Renegades game that night. In addition, Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley President & CEO, Kristine Burton and Bryan will spend time in the radio broadcast booth to talk about the impact of a wish and how everyone has the power to restore hope with a wish.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.gadesgroups.com. The password is WISH. Tickets will be available for purchase through this link until Wednesday April 27th at 11:30pm, two days prior to the game.

Inspired by new research on the impact of a wish, World Wish Day 2022 focuses on how the hope that a wish provides can improve the emotional and mental well-being for children with critical illnesses, helping them to deal with, and overcome, their illness.

Today, Make-A-Wish is releasing new research in the form of the 2022 Wish Impact Study that provides quantitative data to lend credibility to the anecdotal feedback heard regularly from wish families. The powerful results of the Wish Impact Study add to a growing body of research demonstrating how wish-fulfillment promotes mental and emotional well-being for children and their families who are facing trauma stemming from a critical illness.

The online study surveyed three groups of individuals: parents of wish kids, wish alumni (i.e., former wish recipients) and doctors. The parents and alumni who were surveyed experienced a wish between 2009 and 2019, allowing them to look back and assess the lasting, long-term impact of the wish. In total, 3,411 people completed the survey.

Wish parents made up the majority of respondents with 93% of parents acknowledging that their family experienced traumatic stress due to their child’s critical illness. After their child’s wish was granted, 94% of parents recalled seeing improvements in their child’s emotional well-being, so much so that 91% of parents reported the wish gave their child a better chance of surviving their illness.

The wish alumni who completed the survey affirm the wish parents’ sentiments. 87% of alumni stated that they and their families experienced traumatic stress during their battle with a critical illness. Their wish played an integral role in counteracting the mental and emotional distress. More than 90% of the alumni agreed that the wish improved their quality of life, brought their family closer together, boosted their self-esteem and gave them hope for the future. Interestingly, 60% of the alumni indicated that they had fully recovered from their illness, helping to dispel the common misconception that children must have an end-of-life prognosis to be eligible for a wish.

Perhaps the most overwhelmingly positive feedback on the impact of a wish came from the pediatric doctors who participated in the study. More than 90% of the doctors said they witnessed their patients overcoming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety and depression after their wish. Furthermore, 95% of the doctors reported the wish improved their patients’ emotional and physical well-being. 75% of the doctors went as far as to state that a wish could improve a child’s medical outcomes.

“At a time when families are dealing with unplanned hospital stays and uncomfortable treatments, a wish can provide children with the chance to reclaim a piece of their childhood and a sense of control,” said Dr. Shoba Sriktantan, MD, FAAP and chair of the Make-A-Wish National Medical Advisory Council. “After coming back from a wish, many of my patients exhibit a renewed sense of hope and greater compliance with their treatment, which is why I – and many of my peers – consider a wish to be an important part of a child’s treatment plan.”

To learn more about the Wish Impact Study and find out how you can get involved, visit hudson.wish.org.

About Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley

Make-A-Wish® Hudson Valley creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We seek to bring every eligible child’s wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child’s treatment journey. Research shows children who have received a wish are able to build the physical and emotional strength needed to fight critical illnesses. Since its inception in 1986, the Hudson Valley Chapter has granted wishes to over 3,000 children in the community it serves. The Chapter’s territory spans eight counties of the Hudson Valley, including Delaware, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. The Chapter is a Better Business Bureau Wise Alliance Accredited Charity, meeting the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. Additionally, a recent independent audit of the chapter reported that 73% of all funds raised go to program services. For more information about the Hudson Valley Chapter visit hudson.wish.org.

About the Hudson Valley Renegades

The Renegades are in their second season as the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. They have played their home games at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. since 1994. The Renegades opened the 2022 season on Friday, April 8 at the Greenville Drive with a nine-game road trip before returning home for the home opener at The Dutch on Tuesday, April 19 against the Brooklyn Cyclones. Single-game tickets are on sale now at https://www.milb.com/hudson-valley/tickets/single-game-tickets, by phone at (845) 838-0094 or at the ticket office at The Dutch.

About Diamond Baseball Holdings

Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) is a subsidiary of Endeavor, the global sports and entertainment company. DBH was formed in 2021 to support, promote, and enhance Minor League Baseball through professional management, best practices, innovation and investment. (DiamondBaseballHoldings.com).

Renegades, Curemark partner on Sensory Safe Suite

Partnership will create a better game experience for children with special needs and their families

 

 

WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. (Mar. 31, 2022) – The Hudson Valley Renegades, the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are pleased to partner with Curemark this season on a Sensory Safe Suite at Dutchess Stadium. Suite No. 8 will be redesigned as a fun, accommodating and functional space to create a better game experience for families with children on the autism spectrum and with special needs.

The Curemark Sensory Safe Suite will have features that provide a feeling of comfort and relaxation at Renegades games while maintaining all of the engaging and standard aspects of a game at The Dutch. This will result in an atmosphere that allows guests in the suite to decompress and absorb the game with family and friends away from the louder, more frantic environments that exist throughout the ballpark.

“Curemark is pleased to partner with the Hudson Valley Renegades, a New York Yankee affiliate, to sponsor a safe and fun space for children with autism and their families,” said Dr. Joan Fallon, CEO of Curemark. “Providing access to baseball, our national pastime, for all individuals is truly important to me. I am grateful to the Renegades for this opportunity.”

For the 2022 season, the Renegades will be fielding applications from parties interested in a game in the Sensory Safe Suite. In accordance with Dutchess Stadium capacity restrictions, the suite can have a party of up to ­­12 people for any game. Families can request its use by reaching out to Community Partnerships and Guest Services Manager Marcella Costello ([email protected]).

“Having a sensory safe suite in our ballpark is not only an important community initiative but an enhancement to our overall fan experience,” said Steve Gliner, President and General Manager of the Renegades. “We know for a fact that families have been unable to attend Renegades games in the past due to sensory overload concerns. Now, thanks to our partners at Curemark, we can share the Renegades experience in a fun and accommodating way for families with children on the autism spectrum.”

The Sensory Safe Suite’s unique look and infrastructure are courtesy of Fun and Function, a Pennsylvania-based company in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Fun and Function has worked with Curemark in the past to create sensory spaces throughout MiLB.

For more information on the Curemark Sensory Safe Suite or the 2021 season, CLICK HERE or call (845) 838-0094.

ABOUT THE HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES

The Renegades are in their second season as the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. They have played their home games at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. since 1994. The Renegades open the 2022 season on Friday, April 8 at the Greenville Drive with a nine-game road trip before returning home for the hope opener at The Dutch on Tuesday, April 19 against the Brooklyn Cyclones. Single-game tickets are on sale now at https://www.milb.com/hudson-valley/tickets/single-game-tickets, by phone at (845) 838-0094 or at the ticket office at The Dutch.

ABOUT DIAMOND BASEBALL HOLDINGS

Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) is a subsidiary of Endeavor, the global sports and entertainment company. DBH was formed in 2021 to support, promote, and enhance Minor League Baseball through professional management, best practices, innovation and investment. (DiamondBaseballHoldings.com).

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17th annual 5K event takes place Saturday, May 28

 

After a two-year hiatus brought about by the pandemic, the Charleston RiverDogs “Run Charlie Run” 5K presented by Fleet Feet Sports will return to the Holy City and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Registration is now open for the event which will take place on Saturday, May 28.

Runners can pre-register for one of the most unique race opportunities in the Lowcountry, featuring a 5K course that begins at the ballpark, continues through nearby Hampton Park and culminates with a home plate finish at The Joe. Registration to the event includes a race bib, a RiverDogs t-shirt, post-race beer, and a ticket to that evening’s game as the RiverDogs take on the Delmarva Shorebirds at Riley Park.

“We are thrilled to be hosting one of our favorite events again after a two-year break,” said RiverDogs Vice President/Corporate Sales Andy Lange. “When someone participates in our 5K, it is more than just a race. It’s an opportunity to host participants for a full day of fun at the ballpark.

Fans can pre-register for the event for just $40 until April 30. Beginning May 1, the registration fee increases to $50 and registering on the day of the race will cost $55.

Registrant packet pick up will take place on Friday, May 27 at Fleet Feet Sports in Mt. Pleasant from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on the day of the run from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at The Joe. The race begins at 3:30 p.m. with first pitch for that evening’s ballgame scheduled for 6:05.

Registration is open on the RiverDogs website and here.

Opening Night presented by REV Federal Credit Union is Friday, April 8 as the RiverDogs welcome the Myrtle Beach Pelicans to The Joe. Season tickets, Dog-E Coin plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are already available at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The Segra Club is also open for events year-round. Visit segraclub.com for more information.

Schedule for RiverDogs 2022 Youth Summer Camps Unveiled

 

Whether children have dreams of becoming a star on the field or in the kitchen, The Joe has become the place to learn valuable skills during the summer. On Wednesday, the Charleston RiverDogs announced that registration is open for a full schedule of youth baseball and culinary camps hosted by the team.

The RiverDogs will hold five baseball camps this summer, each featuring daily sessions Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The camps include stations in hitting, pitching, base running, speed and agility, warm-up and stretching, and fundamentals. Camps are open to children ages 6-13. Weekly registration is $315 per camper, while individual day sessions can also be purchased for $70 each.

Chris Singleton, the RiverDogs Director of Community Outreach and former professional baseball player, and his team will lead the quartet of camps in June, July and August. Singleton was a standout outfielder at Goose Creek High School and Charleston Southern University which led to the Chicago Cubs drafting him in 2017. He spent two seasons playing in the Cubs farm system.

“The RiverDogs have always made it part of our mission to instill a love of baseball in future generations and baseball camps are a big part of that effort, said RiverDogs president Dave Echols. “Chris and the other instructors do a great job of teaching baseball fundamentals while having fun. There is never a shortage of smiles around the ballpark on camp days.”

The dates for 2022 RiverDogs Youth Baseball Camps are:
Week 1 – June 13-17
Week 2 – June 20-24
Week 3 – July 11-15
Week 4 – July 25-29
Week 5 – August 8-12

The team will also host three unique culinary camps this summer. A Segra Club Culinary Camp in June will focus on preparing meals that would be primarily served in an upscale environment. A Food Truck Camp from the end of June to the first of July will educate campers on making fun street foods in an outdoor setting. Finally, the RiverDogs Concession Camp in August will teach participants how to make some of the fan-favorites that are served in the concession stands on gamedays.

The one-week camps will feature daily sessions running from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each day will begin with proper station set-up, include basic cooking skills and conclude with a new lunch dish, which the campers will dine on. Culinary camp is $350 per camper for the week.

The culinary camps will be directed by RiverDogs Vice President/Food and Beverage Josh Shea. Shea served as the Food and Beverage Director for the RiverDogs from 2013-18 and spent the 2019 season with the Augusta GreenJackets before returning to Charleston in the winter of 2019. He gained culinary experience as the catering chef at Tidewater Catering while also spending time at Triangle Bar and Char and Halls Chop House.

“I am looking forward to hosting three unique camps that will provide kids an opportunity to learn about the different aspects of the RiverDogs dining experience,” Shea said. “Since their debut back in 2020, these camps are circled on my calendar each season. The excitement that learning something new brings to the faces of these children is awesome to witness and be a part of.”

The dates for 2022 RiverDogs Youth Culinary Camps are:
Segra Club Culinary Camp – June 13-17
Food Truck Camp – June 27-July 1
RiverDogs Concession Food Camp – August 1-5

Registration for all youth summer camps is open now. Click Here to register.

The RiverDogs will open the 2022 season at home against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Friday, April 8. Season tickets, flexible ticket plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are available at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The Segra Club is also open for events year-round. Visit segraclub.com for more information.

RiverDogs to Hold Job Fairs for Gameday Positions

 

In preparation for the 2022 season, the Charleston RiverDogs will host job fairs on Saturday, February 12 and Saturday, February 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Opportunities remain for qualified candidates to fill several part-time, seasonal positions for RiverDogs home games.

Positions are available in a variety of roles for applicants with varying levels of experience. The work environment at The Joe is full of energy and based around the idea of creating fun. RiverDogs employees are relied upon to foster a fun and enjoyable environment for guests at the ballpark. Some of the available positions include:

Food & Beverage cooks at any level of experience (cooking with a smoker is a plus!)
Restaurant Cook/Food Prep for Segra Club
Cashiers
Picnic Staff
Servers
Food Runners
Grounds Crew
Stadium Operations Assistant
Ushers
Ticket Scanners
ID Checkers
Kids Zone Staff
Janitorial Staff
Parking Squad
Gameday Production Crew

Applicants are encouraged to dress appropriately and bring two forms of ID.

The RiverDogs will open the 2022 season at home against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Friday, April 8. Season tickets, flexible ticket plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are available at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The Segra Club is also open for events year-round. Visit segraclub.com for more information.

Bulls Join MiLB In Launch Of “The Nine” Outreach Program

 

The Durham Bulls in conjunction with Minor League Baseball (MiLB) today announced the launch of “The Nine”, a new, Black-community focused outreach platform across MiLB specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball

The Durham Bulls in conjunction with Minor League Baseball (MiLB) today announced the launch of “The Nine”, a new, Black-community focused outreach platform across MiLB specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans through MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in Minor League Baseball with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, The Nine will connect MiLB teams’ existing, Black-community focused development efforts with new national programming and future special events in a coordinated and centralized campaign. The new inclusion initiative follows MiLB’s Copa de la Diversion Latino fan engagement platform introduced in 2017 that included 76 MiLB teams in 2021.

The Nine will recognize and honor numerous Black pioneers and trailblazing civil rights leaders, ensuring the heroes of the past and their contributions continue to be celebrated through ceremonies and events at MiLB ballparks and communities. Recent tributes and celebrations at Durham Bulls Athletic Park have included the Bulls’ Negro Leagues Night and Juneteenth Series commemorations.

This year, the Bulls will pay tribute to the former Negro League teams of Durham and celebrate the achievements of the Bull City’s Black community on Sunday, June 19. Tickets for that evening’s game against the Louisville Bats will be available starting Wednesday, February 2.

The Nine will also focus heavily on creating new opportunities for youth participation among young Black boys and girls, particularly in communities where youth baseball and softball programming is either nonexistent or difficult to access in line with the Durham Bulls’ efforts with the Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League.

The Bulls, along with other MiLB teams, will continue to build relationships with local Black-owned and operated businesses, local artists and entertainers in an effort to embrace Black culture and make MiLB ballparks a hub for culturally relevant concerts, shows, and community events.

The Bulls begin their Triple-A National Title defense on the road in Nashville on Tuesday, April 5 before returning to the DBAP for a five-game series versus the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp on Tuesday, April 12. For more information on full-season and mini plan packages, please call 919.956.BULL.

Black History Month: A Look at the Top Five Black Players in Hot Rods History

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went onto long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Bowling Green Hot Rods.

TIM BECKHAM

Photo courtesy of Brian Bissell/FutureStarPhotos.com

The first overall selection of the 2008 MLB Draft, Tim Beckham joined the Hot Rods in 2009, as part of the inaugural team. In his first full season, the 19 year old held his own.

Not only the holder of the Hot Rods’ first hit, but also the first home run, Beckham batted .275 with 33 doubles, four triples, five home runs and 63 RBI in 125 games for Bowling Green and quickly worked his way up to making his Major League debut with the Rays in 2013. In his Major League career, Beckham batted .249 with 75 doubles, 63 home runs, 198 RBI and 402 hits in 472 games for the Rays, Orioles, and Mariners.

Beckham was a South Atlantic League Mid-and-Post-Season All-Star with the Hot Rods in 2009 while also representing the Rays as part of Team USA in 2011 during the Futures Game at MLB All-Star Weekend.

ANDREW TOLES

Photo courtesy Emily Jones/MiLB.com

Andrew Toles joined the Rays organization after being taken in the third round of the 2012 MLB Draft.

After getting his feet wet in affiliated baseball that season, Toles joined the Hot Rods for his first full-season of baseball in 2013. All he did was hit. In 121 games that season, Toles hit .326 with 169 hits, 35 doubles, 16 triples, two home runs, and 57 RBI, while also adding 62 stolen bases. Toles made his Major League debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016, and played with the team for parts of three season before stepping away from baseball. In his Major League career, Toles hit .286 with 66 hits, 14 doubles, one triple, eight home runs, and 35 RBI.

Toles’ name is all over the record books here in Bowling Green, where his .326 batting average in 2013 is the best for a batter with 300+ plate appearances in team history, as are his 169 hits during that season. His 62 stolen bases are the most in Hot Rods history, 19 more than second (Vidal Brujan). Toles also has the single-season mark in total bases with 242, at-bats (519), and triples (16). He also ranks in the top-10 in doubles (35), plate appearances (552), Runs (79), and slugging percentage (.466). Due to his tremendous 2013 campaign, Toles was named a Midwest League Mid-and-Post-Season All-Star, a Topps Class-A All-Star, a MiLB.com Organization All-Star, and the Rays’ Minor League Player of the Year.

JUSTIN WILLIAMS

PHOTO CREDIT STEVE ROBERTS/BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS
Steve Roberts/Bowling Green Hot Rods

The Rays acquired Williams in a 2014 trade that sent Jeremy Hellickson to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The following season, Williams joined the Hot Rods, manning right field.

Even though he only spent two-thirds of the season with the Hot Rods, Williams quickly proved why the Rays acquired him. Williams hit .284 with 25 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, and 42 RBI in 99 games before being promoted to High-A Port Charlotte.

Williams made his Major League debut with the Rays in 2018, before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. Across parts of three seasons with the two clubs, Williams has hit .160 with four home runs and 11 RBI in 55 career games.

GREG JONES

PHOTO CREDIT STEVE ROBERTS/BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS
Steve Roberts/Bowling Green Hot Rods

Selected 22nd overall out of UNC-Wilmington in the 2019 MLB Draft, Greg Jones wowed during his 2021 season with the Hot Rods.

The speedy switch-hitter only played 56 games with the club, but it was 56 games of highlights and energy. Jones hit .291 with seven doubles, four triples, 13 home runs, and 38 RBI, while also swiping 27 bases. Despite his August 10th promotion, Jones finished the season tied for the third most steals in the High-A East. Perhaps the most memorable moment of his Hot Rods career, Jones hit an 11th inning, walk-off grand slam to beat the Asheville Tourists 7-3, a home run that was capitalized by an emphatic bat flip.

Jones was promoted to Montgomery midway through the 2021 season, but the future is bright for the young phenom. MLB Pipeline has Jones as the Rays 5th overall prospect, whereas Baseball America has him as the Rays 6th overall prospect, Jones has the talent to be a bonafide Major League Baseball player for years to come.

During his 2021 season, Jones was an MiLB.com Organizational All-Star, as well as being named the Tampa Bay Rays Minor League Baserunner of the year.

TAJ BRADLEY

PHOTO CREDIT GUNNAR WORD/BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS
Gunnar Word/Bowling Green Hot Rods

One of the youngest players in the 2018 MLB Draft, the Rays selected Bradley in the 5th round out of Redan High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Even though he was promoted from Charleston to the Hot Rods on August 3rd of 2021, the 20-year-old right hander was dominant. With the Hot Rods, Bradley posted a 1.96 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 36 2/3 innings, picking up three wins in his eight starts with the club.

But it’s what Bradley did across both levels that is even more impressive. Posting a 1.83 overall ERA with 123 strikeouts in 103 1/3 total innings for Charleston and Bowling Green. His ERA was the lowest among all Minor Leaguers to complete at least 100 innings in 2021, while his .180 opponent’s batting average ranked sixth among all pitchers in that group.

MLB Pipeline has Bradley as the Rays 6th overall prospect, whereas Baseball America has him as the ranked 56 on their list of Top 100 Prospects, in addition to listing him as the Rays 4th overall prospect. Bradley has proven with his arsenal of pitches that he is a force to be reckoned with.

After the 2021 season, Bradley was named a Baseball America Minor League All-Star, an MiLB.com Organizational All-Star, and won a MiLBY for Top Starting Pitcher.

RiverDogs Partner with CCSD for Sixth Year of “Reading Around the Bases”

 

The Charleston RiverDogs and the Charleston County School District have announced plans to commence the sixth year of their literacy initiative, “Reading Around the Bases.” The program began during the 2016-2017 school year to promote having fun while reading with second graders throughout the county.

Starting on Tuesday, January 25, second graders from over 20 elementary schools in CCSD will begin a 10-week baseball-themed incentive program. Every student will receive a Reading Challenge packet that includes a scorecard and tracking sheet. To move around the bases on the scorecard, a student must read a certain number of pages: 100 pages for a single, 200 pages for a double, 300 pages for a triple, and 500 pages for a home run.

This year’s kickoff event for “Reading Around the Bases” will be at Murray-LaSaine Montessori School on James Island on January 25 at 9:00 a.m. RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols, other members of the front office staff and Charlie T. RiverDog will participate in the event. Media outlets are welcome to attend.

“The RiverDogs are proud to continue the outstanding relationship with the Charleston County School District that has existed since I have been a part of the organization,” added RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “Literacy and education are vital for the development of young members of the Charleston community, and we are excited to continue impacting students in the sixth year of this tremendous program.”

Special guests from the RiverDogs will visit schools in CCSD over the course of the next few months to provide encouragement and engage the students as volunteer readers.

“We continue to be impressed with and grateful for the effort the RiverDogs put into in this initiative, and for their continued support of our district,” said CCSD’s Chief Academic Officer, Karolyn Belcher. “Credit goes to Christy James and our teacher-librarians as well. They do so much work behind the scenes to make this a memorable and enjoyable program for our students.”

The top-25 second graders from each participating school will be honored at a select RiverDogs game during the upcoming season.

The RiverDogs will open the 2022 season at home against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Friday, April 8. Season tickets, flexible ticket plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are available at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The Segra Club is also open for events year-round. Visit segraclub.com for more information.

Hot Rods Set Up Tornado Relief Auction Online

 

Bowling Green, Kentucky–The Bowling Green Hot Rods, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, have announced the team will hold a special online auction to aid in relief efforts across South-Central Kentucky. The auction will feature many items and experiences donated from around baseball with 100% of the proceeds staying local to help the Bowling Green community rebuild.

“Our staff and stadium are fine, but just a little over a mile from the ballpark is completely devastated,” Hot Rods GM/COO Eric C. Leach said in a letter to other Minor League Baseball teams earlier this week. “Over 500 homes and 100+ businesses have been destroyed, and sadly (multiple) deaths from the storms have been confirmed. Our goal now is to serve our community in the best way possible, and this is where we need your help!“

The baseball community responded in droves to Leach’s call for action. Autographs from baseball Hall of Famers like Cal Ripken Jr. and Joe Torre will be available for bidding as well as signatures from others around entertainment like Bill Murray. Others have donated things like special experiences for events and non-baseball-related items. All proceeds from the auction will stay in the community thanks to partnerships with the Stuff the Bus Foundation of Southern Kentucky and the Warren County Public Schools Synergy Relief Fund.

Those looking to bid on items can do so through the Hot Rods website over a 10-day period beginning Thursday when the auction goes live.

On Friday, December 17, Blood Assurance will be conducting a blood drive at Bowling Green Ballpark. Those who wish to donate can sign up online here. Limited spots are available.

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BGStrong

Triple-A Final Stretch To Benefit Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League

 

Minor League Baseball has announced a charitable component to the ten-game Triple-A Final Stretch that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city, including Durham.

For each home run hit by the Bulls over those ten games, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to the Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League. Should the Bulls hit the most home runs of any Triple-A team over that ten-game span, an additional $5,000 will be donated to the Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League.

Durham’s Triple-A Final Stretch slate of games begins at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Wednesday, September 22 with the Final Five presented by Fifth Third Bank, as the Bulls face the Gwinnett Stripers, the Triple-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. In 120 regular season games this season, the Bulls bashed 175 home runs, the fifth-highest total among all 30 Triple-A squads, including the second-best tally in the Triple-A East League.

The Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League (DBYAL) has enriched the lives of youth for more than 25 years. Through partnerships with churches, schools, and other youth recreation organizations, DBYAL provides recreational baseball free of charge to youngsters in the City of Durham.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

Tickets for the Final Five 2021 Bulls home games presented by Fifth Third Bank are on sale now. Group outings and season tickets or mini plans can also be purchased at durhambulls.com, or by calling the Mako Medical Ticket Office at 919.956.BULL.

Penultimate Homestand Includes Military Appreciation and Opera Night

 

The Charleston RiverDogs continue to own the best record in the Low-A East and return to The Joe for their penultimate homestand of 2021 to battle the Columbia Fireflies next week. The series, which runs from August 17-22, will consist of seven games in six days. The RiverDogs will take a big step toward clinching a berth in the postseason with a successful series on the field.

The homestand includes plenty of reasons for fans to be excited. On Wednesday, the RiverDogs meet the Fireflies in a doubleheader on Pride Night where the team will wear Charleston Rainbows uniforms in the nightcap. Friday features our third Military Appreciation Night of the season, as well as Opera Night. The team will close out the homestand by taking on their Perros Santos identity for the final two games of the series on Saturday and Sunday. Here is the full lineup:

Tuesday, August 17, 7:05 p.m.: Dog Day: There are only two more chances to enjoy a ballgame with man’s best friend this season. Bring the pup along to the ballpark for each and every Island Coastal Lager Dog Day, when we encourage you to #TakeItEasy. This week’s featured breed will be the French Bulldog! Fans can also enjoy $2 hot dogs and $2 beers. Tuesday games are presented by 96.9 the Wolf.

Wednesday, August 18, 5:05 p.m. (Doubleheader): Pride Night/Wicked Wednesday: Enjoy two games for the price of one! We’ll throw it back to a previous era in Charleston baseball history and play as the Charleston Rainbows. The entire night will also be a celebration of inclusiveness with our friends from Charleston Pride and MUSC Health. The Rainbows jerseys will be part of a jersey auction throughout the night. You will have a chance to leave with a game-worn uniform from one of our players! As is the case for every Wednesday at the ballpark, we will celebrate craft beer and throw in some wicked good fun thanks to Wicked Weed.

Thursday, August 19, 7:05 p.m.: Thirsty Thursday: Dust off the bell bottoms and join us for a funky ‘70s-themed night at The Joe. $1 beers are available throughout the park on each Budweiser Thirsty Thursday this season! That’s right, you can grab a $1 beer (or two) no matter where you are in the ballpark. Don’t forget, DJ Natty Heavy will be dropping beats on the Ashley View Pub. He may have even add some disco hits to the mix! Thursday games are presented by 95SX.

Friday, August 20, 7:05 p.m.: Military Appreciation Night/Opera Night/Red Shirt Friday/Post-Game Fireworks: On this night, we will celebrate the classical music tradition of opera with themed games, trivia and a t-shirt toss alongside the Holy City Arts and Lyric Opera. The RiverDogs will also open the weekend with a gigantic tribute to military members on Boeing Red Shirt Friday. Members of the military will receive free tickets to the game. Retired and active military members can call the RiverDogs box office to receive the discount code. The team will make their new inductions into the Hall of Honor prior to the game. Once again, on the final day of the work week, the RiverDogs and Boeing invite you to wear red in support of those who serve our country. On the field, the team will participate as well, wearing special red jerseys. The night will be capped with another fireworks spectacular presented by REV Federal Credit Union. Friday games are presented by 103.5 WEZL.

Saturday, August 21, 6:05 p.m.: Perros Santos Weekend/LED Light Show: The RiverDogs will spend the weekend suiting up as Los Perros Santos de Charleston as part of Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión initiative. Along with MUSC Health and Berkeley Electric Cooperative, we’ll celebrate the local Latin American culture with special uniforms, music courtesy of DJ Luigi and Spanish public address announcements. Our opponents, the Columbia Fireflies, will join in on the fun, playing as Chicharrones de Columbia. Following the game, stick around for a post-game light show featuring our LED lights at The Joe. Saturdays are presented by ABCNews4 and MyTV Charleston.

Sunday, August 22, 5:05 p.m.: Perros Santos Weekend/Family Sunday/Jewish Heritage Night/Strike Out Stigma Night: The RiverDogs will spend the weekend suiting up as Los Perros Santos de Charleston as part of Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión initiative. Along with MUSC Health and Berkeley Electric Cooperative, we’ll celebrate the local Latin American culture with special uniforms, music courtesy of DJ Luigi and Spanish public address announcements. Our opponents, the Columbia Fireflies, will join in on the fun, playing as Chicharrones de Columbia. In addition, we are partnering with the Charleston Jewish Federation for Jewish Heritage Night. It’s also Strike Out Stigma Night with information and resources available on mental illness and substance abuse. Parking is free and kids will be invited to run the bases following the game! This Sunday’s game is presented by Star 99.7.

Playoff tickets for the Low-A East Championship Series in September are on sale now at riverdogs.com. For a limited time, fans who purchase tickets to the team’s first home playoff game will receive all subsequent home games for free. Purchase playoff tickets here.

All RiverDogs tickets for the 2021 season are available for purchase online and will be delivered digitally. Once purchased, tickets can be printed at home or scanned on a phone. For answers to frequently asked questions, fans are encouraged to visit the RiverDogs Digital Ticket Guide. In addition to tickets, the entire RiverDogs gameday experience will be cashless including parking, the team store and concessions. Fans who do not have credit or debit cards will be able to use cash to purchase gift cards at Fan Services on gamedays. Masks are no longer required, but suggested for non-vaccinated guests. The RiverDogs also have a no bag policy, with the exception of medical bags, diaper bags, and clutch-style purses no larger than 6.5in x 4.5in.

RiverDogs season tickets, flexible ticket plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are now available for the 2021 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). A full schedule for the 2021 season is available at riverdogs.com.

RiverDogs to Host Free Clinic Sunday

 

As part of Minor League Baseball’s recently announced MiLB Major Fun Weekend, the Charleston RiverDogs have announced that they will be hosting a free clinic for children ages 7-12 on Sunday, July 18. The clinic will take place on the field at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. prior to the RiverDogs 5:05 p.m. game against the Augusta GreenJackets.

“We were thrilled when Minor League Baseball announced this initiative to celebrate the game of baseball around the country this weekend,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “We hope that this clinic will give children in the Holy City a chance to learn about baseball and experience how much fun it is to be around the game.”

The clinic is one part of the team’s effort to celebrate baseball at all levels this weekend. Children will be introduced to the fundamentals of the sport by Chris Singleton, the RiverDogs Director of Community Outreach and former professional baseball player, and members of the 2021 Post and Courier All-LowCountry baseball team. The All-Lowcountry baseball and softball players and coaches will be honored during the RiverDogs game that evening.

The clinic is free of charge, however parents are encouraged to register in advance by clicking here.

All RiverDogs tickets for the 2021 season are available for purchase online and will be delivered digitally. Once purchased, tickets can be printed at home or scanned on a phone. For answers to frequently asked questions, fans are encouraged to visit the RiverDogs Digital Ticket Guide. In addition to tickets, the entire RiverDogs gameday experience will be cashless including parking, the team store and concessions. Fans who do not have credit or debit cards will be able to use cash to purchase gift cards at Fan Services on gamedays. Masks are no longer required, but suggested for non-vaccinated guests. The RiverDogs also have a no bag policy, with the exception of medical bags, diaper bags, and clutch-style purses no larger than 6.5in x 4.5in.

RiverDogs season tickets, flexible ticket plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are now available for the 2021 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). A full schedule for the 2021 season is available at riverdogs.com.

Press Release: First July Homestand Features Military Appreciation Night and National Baseball Day Celebration

 

The Charleston RiverDogs will host games at The Joe for the first time in the month of July when the Augusta GreenJackets come to town for a six-game series July 13-18. The team will reach the halfway point of the 120-game season during the series. The RiverDogs own one of the best records in Minor League Baseball and lead the Low-A East’s South Division.

The week will begin with the second Military Appreciation Night of the season and come to a conclusion with the inaugural National Baseball Day. In between, the RiverDogs will host weekly staples such as Thirsty Thursday and Fireworks Friday, as well as celebrate iconic Japanese animation on Anime Night Saturday. Here is the full lineup:

Tuesday, July 13, 7:05 p.m.: Military Appreciation Night/Medal of Honor Society Visit/Dog Day: The RiverDogs and Boeing will open the week with a gigantic tribute to military members on our second Military Appreciation Night of the season. Military members and their families can receive free tickets to the game by calling the box office. The team will take part on the field, wearing special patriotic jerseys. The RiverDogs will also have special guests in attendance from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. The society is in Charleston to recognize their 2020 and 2021 Citizen Honorees. Several Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients will be recognized throughout the game in the ballpark with one of them, Sergeant Major Matthew O. Williams, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. In addition, four-legged friends are welcome every Tuesday so don’t leave them at home! Bring the pup along to the ballpark for each and every Island Coastal Lager Dog Day, when we encourage you to #TakeItEasy. Fans can also enjoy $2 hot dogs and $2 beers. Tuesday games are presented by 96.9 the Wolf.

Wednesday, July 14, 7:05 p.m.: Wicked Wednesday: It’s the middle of the work week! As is the case for every Wednesday at the ballpark, we will celebrate craft beer and throw in some wicked good fun thanks to Wicked Weed. It is also Segra Business Night Out, celebrating the local business community. This week’s wicked deal will feature $5 Upper Reserved, Grandstand and General Admission tickets with use of the promo code: WICKED5.

Thursday, July 15, 7:05 p.m.: Thirsty Thursday: Where else would you rather be on a Thursday night? $1 beers are available throughout The Joe on each Budweiser Thirsty Thursday this season! That’s right, you can grab a $1 beer (or two) no matter where you are in the ballpark. DJ Natty Heavy will be dropping beats on the Ashley View Pub and the between inning entertainment will feature a party-game theme. Thursday games are presented by 95SX.

Friday, July 16, 7:05 p.m.: Fireworks/Red Shirt Friday: As always on the final day of the work week, the RiverDogs and Boeing invite you to wear red in support of those who serve our country. On the field, the team will participate as well, wearing special red jerseys. The night will be capped with another fireworks spectacular presented by REV Federal Credit Union. The fireworks show will be set to songs from boy bands. Friday games are presented by 103.5 WEZL.

Saturday, July 17, 6:05 p.m.: Anime Night: Kamehameha!!! Grab your shuriken and help us take down our aite from Augusta on this night celebrating iconic Japanese animation. Following the game, a helicopter will drop thousands of numbered bouncy balls onto the field. If a ball lands on the target at home plate, the fan with the corresponding number will walk away with $1,000. If no ball lands on the target, the nearest ball will be worth $500. Saturdays are presented by ABCNews4 and MyTV Charleston.

*Sunday, July 18, 5:05 p.m.: National Baseball Day Celebration/Family Sunday: * The homestand will come to a conclusion with our celebration of the Inaugural National Baseball Day. RiverDogs Director of Community Outreach Chris Singleton, a former Chicago Cubs draft pick, will host a free clinic during the afternoon for children to learn more about the game. The team will also honor players and coaches from the Post and Courier’s All-Lowcountry baseball and softball teams during the contest. As always, the week ends with a Family Sunday presented by MUSC Health. Parking is free and children are invited to stick around and run the bases following the game. This Sunday is presented by Mix 95.9.

All RiverDogs tickets for the 2021 season are available for purchase online and will be delivered digitally. Once purchased, tickets can be printed at home or scanned on a phone. For answers to frequently asked questions, fans are encouraged to visit the RiverDogs Digital Ticket Guide. In addition to tickets, the entire RiverDogs gameday experience will be cashless including parking, the team store and concessions. Fans who do not have credit or debit cards will be able to use cash to purchase gift cards at Fan Services on gamedays. Masks are no longer required, but suggested for non-vaccinated guests. The RiverDogs also have a no bag policy, with the exception of medical bags, diaper bags, and clutch-style purses no larger than 6.5in x 4.5in.

RiverDogs season tickets, flexible ticket plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are now available for the 2021 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). A full schedule for the 2021 season is available at riverdogs.com.

MUSC Health to Offer Vaccines at The Joe

 

MUSC Health will offer COVID-19 vaccinations at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park during select Charleston RiverDogs games in the upcoming homestand. Fans will have the opportunity to receive a vaccination from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on each of the remaining Fridays in May.

On May 21 and May 28, the vaccines will be administered under a tent just outside of the ballpark on the walkway located along Fishburne Street. Fans are encouraged to make appointments in advance by visiting https://muschealth.org/vaccine-riverdogs. However, walk-ups will be welcome pending availability.

“If we can help encourage people in Charleston to get vaccinated by providing that opportunity at our ballpark, then we are in full support,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “Restrictions are beginning to loosen for those who have received the vaccine and we continue to work towards the gameday experience at The Joe returning to normal one step at a time.”

MUSC Health and the RiverDogs are planning to offer more vaccinations at The Joe in future months with dates to be determined. For more information about the vaccine, fans are encouraged to visit https://muschealth.org/get-vaccine.

“We are pleased to partner with the RiverDogs to offer vaccinations at their games!’ said Danielle Bowen Scheurer, M.D., MSCR, MUSC Health Chief Quality Officer. “Our goal is to make the vaccination process as accessible as possible to every South Carolinian.”

The entire RiverDogs gameday experience is cashless in 2021, including parking, the team store and concessions. Fans who do not have credit or debit cards will be able to use cash to purchase gift cards at Fan Services on gamedays. All RiverDogs tickets for the 2021 season are available for purchase online and will be delivered digitally. Once purchased, tickets can be printed at home or scanned on a phone. For answers to frequently asked questions, fans are encouraged to visit the RiverDogs Digital Ticket Guide. No bags will allowed into the ballpark.

RiverDogs season tickets, flexible ticket plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are now available for the 2021 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). A full schedule for the 2021 season is available at riverdogs.com.

About The Medical University of South Carolina

Founded in 1824 in Charleston, MUSC is the oldest medical school in the South as well as the state’s only integrated academic health sciences center with a unique charge to serve the state through education, research and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates and trains more than 3,000 students and nearly 800 residents in six colleges: Dental Medicine, Graduate Studies, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy. MUSC brought in more than $271 million in biomedical research funds in fiscal year 2020, continuing to lead the state in obtaining National Institutes of Health funding, with more than $129.9 million. For information on academic programs, visit musc.edu.

As the clinical health system of the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest quality patient care available, while training generations of competent, compassionate health care providers to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. Comprising some 1,600 beds, more than 100 outreach sites, the MUSC College of Medicine, the physicians’ practice plan, and nearly 325 telehealth locations, MUSC Health owns and operates eight hospitals situated in Charleston, Chester, Florence, Lancaster and Marion counties. In 2020, for the sixth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit muschealth.org.

MUSC and its affiliates have collective annual budgets of $3.2 billion. The more than 17,000 MUSC team members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers and scientists who deliver groundbreaking education, research, technology and patient care.

Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program

 

The Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program was established in 2015 in an effort to help defray the rising costs of higher education. Again this year, Couch Oil Company is teaming up with the Durham Bulls to award scholarships to six deserving students. This $1,000 scholarship is available to students who have been accepted into either a four-year or community college and reside in a 16-county area surrounding the Triangle.

2020’s winners were:
Amarachi Chukwunyere from Rolesville High School

Dizni DeBerry from Hillside High School

Christopher Everett from Clayton High School

Prince Linboom from North Wake College & Career Academy

Maria Quintero Ruiz from Carrboro High School

John Thurman from Chatham Central High School

“Couch Oil Company is pleased to be a sponsoring partner with the Durham Bulls this season,” said Stephen Couch, President of Couch Oil Company. “To make this endeavor complete, we are excited to once again offer the Couch Oil Cares Scholarship to benefit families in our community.”

Couch Oil Company, a family owned and operated Durham-based company, specializes in propane, gasoline, premium diesel, lubricants and tank cleaning.

The Bulls share in Couch Oil Company’s vision to aid those with aspirations of attending college.

“Our flagship community programs focus on improving the lives of children in our community,” said Durham Bulls General Manager Mike Birling. “We are thrilled to partner with Couch Oil on this endeavor to give students an opportunity to reach for higher education.”

To apply for this scholarship, please download this application or visit https://www.couchoilcompany.com/about/couch-oil-cares/. The application deadline is May 28, 2021.