Cardinals, Mercy, S-GC Health Department, KY3 offering free COVID-19 vaccines May 18-23 at Hammons Field

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Cardinals, Springfield-Greene County Health Department, Mercy Hospital Springfield and KY3 are teaming up to offer free COVID-19 vaccines during Cardinals home games from May 18-23 against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Hammons Field.

Those who pre-register for a vaccine date at Hammons Field will receive a FREE General Admission ticket to that game. Fans already in the stadium who do not pre-register will receive a free General Admission ticket to a future game of their choice. 100 free tickets are available per game. Additional information can be found at www.ky3.com or health.springfieldmo.gov/cardinals.

NATURALS TO HOST JOB FAIR FOR PART-TIME, GAME DAY POSITIONS ON FRIDAY, MAY 21ST

The Naturals will be accepting applications and conducting interviews at Arvest Ballpark from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals have announced that they will be hosting a Job Fair on the concourse at Arvest Ballpark on Friday, May 21st from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. for part-time, Game Day positions that are available for the 2021 season. Interested applicants can enter the ballpark through the main gates while the interviews will be conducted on the concourse, weather permitting.

Beginning at 4:00 p.m. on May 21st, the Naturals organization will be taking applications and conducting on-site interviews for part-time, Gameday associates who, if selected, will be instrumental in assisting the front office during this season of Naturals baseball at Arvest Ballpark.

The organization is seeking individuals that, if hired, will continue the tradition of providing top-notch customer service to each and every fan that visits Arvest Ballpark during the season. Applicants that attend the Job Fair are encouraged to fill out applications for the Naturals and Patina Restaurant Group, the official ballpark caterer, to increase potential for hire this season.

Details of some of the available positions are listed below and additional information can be obtained by calling (479) 927-4900. People that are unable to make the job fair on Friday, May 21st can stop out at our Administrative Offices at Arvest Ballpark between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday to fill out an application.

Parking Attendants

Naturals Parking Attendants are the front-line employees of our Gameday Associate Customer Service Team. Parking attendants are asked to process cash transactions and make change as needed.

Ticket Scanner

Ticket Scanners are the second interaction a fan has and should welcome the fans with enthusiasm. All Ticket Scanners will be trained in the use of the hand-held scanner and Naturals Policies. Applicant must be able to stand for long periods of time.

Kids Zone Attendant

The Kids Zone area is for kids 12 years and younger. Attendants are responsible for ensuring all children play safely while having fun. Area includes inflatables, kids train, mini-golf course and wiffle ball field.

Mascot

Engaging, enthusiastic individual that will act out the character of the Naturals mascots “Strike” and “Sinker”. Perform at all (or majority of) home games at Arvest Ballpark and some community appearances, as requested. Must be able to be active for 2-3 hours in costume and have a willingness to show your personality through the characters. Training and a script for each game is provided, and a handler is also assigned to help with crowd control and getting mascots from place to place.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. They play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information, including ticket options, promotions, groups, visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

Missions and Chamberlain University Partner for Healthcare Heroes 

 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions baseball club is proud to announce a partnership with Chamberlain University and the commencement of the Healthcare Heroes program.

The Missions will honor one Healthcare Hero during each home game during the 2021 season. Fans can nominate a Healthcare Hero through the Missions’ Facebook and Twitter accounts by mentioning that person in the comment sections. Individuals who are chosen as a Healthcare Hero will receive an instant message acknowledging their selection.

The Healthcare Hero and their guests will receive: 4 premium box seats, VIP parking, and $10 Diamond Dollars per person to spend throughout the ballpark. The Healthcare Hero will also be recognized on our video board during a designated inning break. Their outstanding service will be presented to the crowd during that inning break.

“We appreciate the opportunity to support the Mission’s efforts to salute Healthcare Heroes this season,” said Dr. Kelley Pennell, the President of Chamberlain University – San Antonio. “The recognition of personal sacrifices dedicated healthcare workers demonstrate on a daily basis is a positive outcome of the tough year experienced across the globe due to the pandemic. We salute all of you.”

The Missions first home game will be on Tuesday, May 18th at 7:05 p.m.

Sod Poodles, City Federal Credit Union Provided Area Baseball League Uniforms For 2021 Season

 

The Sod Poodles in conjunction with City Federal Credit Union proudly sponsored the Texas Panhandle Youth Baseball Foundation again this 2021 Spring season by providing team uniforms and hats.

As part of this collaborative effort, each child received a free uniform and hat of different colors bearing the “Sod Poodles” name this 2021 Spring season.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to be able to continue to contribute to such a great, local youth sports organization,” said Sod Poodles President and General Manager Tony Ensor. “This league provides a wholesome, healthy activity for children, of all skill levels, using baseball as a classroom to instill discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play. We are excited to continue partnership with City Federal Credit Union to assist our community through sports and are happy to see that a successful 2021 season has been underway!”

“City Federal Credit Union believes that every hit is the foundation of creating future all-stars,” said Frank Frazzitta, City Federal Credit Union Chief Executive Officer. “As the leading Credit Union in Amarillo, we are pleased to take the field with our Youth Baseball Family. Please join us and the Sod Poodles in rooting for your kids, our kids.”

The Texas Panhandle Youth Baseball Foundation is a draft league program of up to 600 participants per season between the ages of 3 and 13. The Texas Panhandle Youth Baseball Foundation ensures that every child who is registered will be drafted and will play baseball regardless of skill level. The league promotes qualities of good sportsmanship, honesty, courage, and respect.

For the most up-to-date news on the Sod Poodles, follow the team on social media @sodpoodles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.SodPoodles.com.

Wind Surge and Fidelity Bank Partner for Home Runs for Charity

 

$100 Donation for each Wind Surge home run hit at Riverfront Stadium in 2021

The Wichita Wind Surge and Fidelity Bank will partner for the Home Runs for Charity program in 2021, benefitting local non-profit organization League 42. For each home run hit at Riverfront Stadium by the Wind Surge this season, Fidelity Bank and the team will donate $50 each to League 42.

“We are so excited to be a part of this partnership, and work with both Fidelity Bank and League 42,” said Wind Surge general manager Jared Forma. “Baseball gives us the opportunity to give back to the community in many different ways, and when we can support an organization like League 42 who fosters the love of baseball in the youth of our community, it is such a wonderful fit.”

The Wind Surge kick off their home season on Tuesday, May 11th vs. the Amarillo Sod Poodles. Every home run hit by the Wind Surge during their 60 home games this season will count towards the Home Runs for Charity program, and the donation from both the Wind Surge and Fidelity Bank will be totaled up and made at the end of the 2021 season.

“Baseball is more than America’s Pastime,” said Aaron Bastian, president and CEO of Fidelity Bank. “Playing the game helps develop the mind and the body, imparting life lessons along the way. League 42 not only understands this, but they also believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to get out and play. We’re proud that League 42 will benefit from Home Runs for Charity. Together with the Wind Surge, we are honored to help share the love of the game.”

League 42 was founded in July 2013, to fill a void so that Wichita’s urban children could have an opportunity to play baseball without the exorbitant costs of playing in organized or even recreational leagues. From 16 teams with 200 players the first season, League 42 has blossomed to more than 500 kids and 44 teams in 2020.

“League 42 is honored to be chosen as the recipient for Fidelity Bank’s Home Runs for Charity promotion this season at Riverfront Stadium,” said Bob Lutz, Executive Director of League 42, “Thanks to the Wichita Wind Surge for also acknowledging the work we’re doing with more than 550 kids in the Wichita area as we continue with our 2021 season. We’re hoping the ball flies this season — and that it does most of its flying for the Wind Surge in their inaugural season. Those of us involved with League 42, like so many others, are thrilled to have this great organization and this spectacular stadium in our city.”

To keep track of the Home Runs for Charity program all season long, visit milb.com/wichita/community/homerunsforcharity.

Sod Poodles Open 2021 “Launch-A-Ball” ProgramFor Local Non-Profit Groups

 

The Amarillo Sod Poodles released today the details of its 2021 “Launch-A-Ball” program presented by KTBlack Services to benefit local non-profit organizations by providing 50% of the nightly jackpot to the organization with the other half going to the winner.

“KTBlack is proud to sponsor Launch-A-Ball again this year at HODGETOWN,” said Allie Morales, KTBlack Marketing Project Manager”. “It’s a fun way for our fans to get involved in supporting local non-profits.”

Launch-A-Ball is a great way for area non-profit groups (schools, churches, etc.) to raise money during a Sod Poodles home game. Each game, one organization receives numbered tennis balls to sell (3 balls for $5) from a table on the concourse. Groups can also walk around the ballpark and sell them in the stands and at the Suite Level. The non-profit group receives 50% of gross sales for their night.

Each organization also receives in-park recognition via live public address announcements on their night and can display promotional materials at their table to promote their cause.

Fans who purchase from Launch-A-Ball groups will have the opportunity to toss their numbered tennis ball(s) into targets in left-field after the game for a chance to win the grand prize of 50% of the nightly jackpot or a prize from one of many local businesses partnered with the Sod Poodles.

For more information or to get involved with Launch-A-Ball during the Sod Poodles 2021 season, organizations can email [email protected].

The Sod Poodles host their 2021 home opener at HODGETOWN on Tuesday, May 18 against the Midland RockHounds (Oakland Athletics Double-A affiliate). First pitch for the 2021 home opener is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

For the most up-to-date news on the Sod Poodles along with detailed information on promotions, follow the team on social media @sodpoodles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For questions and more information, call 806-803-7762 or email [email protected].

Cardinals Teacher of the Month: Morgan Hooker, Cedar Ridge Primary

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce Morgan Hooker of Cedar Ridge Primary school in Branson as our final Teacher of the Month winner.

As a preschool teacher, Morgan has faced and met the countless challenges that have come from coupling the importance of early childhood education with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mrs. Hooker is one of those teachers who was born for her job of imparting life skills and early education to form a solid foundation of knowledge to her students so they can go on and add to their knowledge in later grades,” Morgan’s Teacher of the Month nominator wrote. “She is continuously and tirelessly and energetically prepared for her lesson plans and she always focuses her attention on the care and teaching of her little precious students.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has created new sets of rules and expectations to keep students healthy across the country, but those rules can be especially difficult for a younger child to understand–but Morgan hasn’t let that stop her.

“She teaches a classroom full of young students to be independent and to learn to draw shapes, numbers, letters, sounds and so many other important life skills,” her nominator wrote. “Her students are 3-4 years old and need extreme attention every minute of every school day. She tirelessly does her duties because she truly enjoys her career and teaching the next generation.”

Morgan Hooker with her students at Cedar Ridge Primary in Branson, Mo.

A College of the Ozarks alumni, Morgan has executed numerous safety guidelines while still following through with the lessons that are necessary for young students to grow, placing sanitizer stations around her classroom, having students wash their hands with soap and water upon arrival to school, encouraging masks during recess, nap times and meal times, sanitizing surfaces between uses, encouraging students to only use their own materials, and more.

“She spends extra time preparing for virtual learning by making alternate lesson plans if the school or classroom should ever be shut down due to COVID exposure,” her nominator wrote. “Mrs. Hooker practices Google Meets for when she does virtual learning. Her children and their parents respect and adore her tremendously. We all have a purpose and I truly believe her purpose is to instill knowledge to the next generation. Mrs. Morgan Hooker does a fabulous job.”

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, Morgan and all of our Teacher of the Month winners will receive one Cardinals luxury suite rental, one ceremonial first pitch, recognition on the Cardinals video board and Cardinals caps for their group, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is an opportunity for the Southwest Missouri community to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since the Lottery began 35 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

Sod Poodles Announce 2021 Carpet Tech “Small Business Spotlight” Program

 

The Amarillo Sod Poodles are proud to announce that they have partnered with Carpet Tech to showcase local Amarillo and Texas Panhandle small businesses throughout the 2021 season at HODGETOWN.

The Carpet Tech “Small Business Spotlight” program will provide local organizations with an opportunity to market themselves at HODGETOWN during the 2021 season and FREE of charge.

“We are extremely excited about our new partnership with Carpet Tech in Amarillo!”, said Sod Poodles President and General Manager Tony Ensor. “This great program gives the exposure our local small businesses deserve and helps with their marketing efforts. These local businesses are an integral part of this community and we are proud to lend a helping hand in their efforts.”

“As a local business who relies on partnerships with other local businesses, Carpet Tech is excited to be the Small Business Spotlight Sponsor,” said Stephanie Henderson, General Operations Manager, Carpet Tech. “It’s been a mission of ours to help business reopen and stay open safely this past year by educating and promoting the value of clean to the local business community. As a cleaning and disinfecting company, we have been able to be a resource for business owners and offer effective and affordable services to keep employees and customers safe. Carpet Tech owes so much to our commercial customers; therefore, we are excited and grateful for this opportunity with the Sod Poodles to connect with the locate business community. Carpet Tech, a local floor care, disinfecting and restoration company has been serving commercial customers in the Amarillo area for over a decade.”

Throughout the season, the Carpet Tech “Small Business Spotlight” program will provide local small businesses with the following marketing package at one of 35 individual Sod Poodles/Sod Squad home games:

  1. A marketing table in the main concourse to showcase their organization
  2. Four (4) tickets to the game
  3. Public address announcement and live in-game scoreboard recognition
  4. A ceremonial first pitch
  5. In-stadium pre-game interview

Any small business wishing to be considered for the program can fill out the form HERE. For additional assistance, please contact Austin Jackson at [email protected].

The Sod Poodles host their 2021 home opener at HODGETOWN on Tuesday, May 18 against the Midland RockHounds (Oakland Athletics Double-A affiliate). First pitch for the 2021 home opener is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

For the most up-to-date news on the Sod Poodles along with detailed information on promotions, follow the team on social media @sodpoodles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For questions and more information, call 806-803-7762 or email [email protected].

Delaware North, Hammons Field job fair Saturday, April 24

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Delaware North — Hammons Field’s food-and-beverage company — will host a job fair on Saturday, April 24 to fill seasonal part-time gameday positions for the 2021 Springfield Cardinals season. The fair will take place from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. inside the Cardinals Team Store. Complimentary ballpark food, snacks and beverages will be provided.

Interviews will be held for a number of positions including Suites Sous Chef, Line Cooks, Concession Attendants, Warehouse Porters and Retail Associates.

Applicants should be energetic, friendly and dependable, and look forward to contributing to the welcoming atmosphere of Hammons Field. If those interested would prefer to apply online, they may do so at www.hammonsfieldjobs.com.

Positions with Delaware North pay above minimum wage and include weekly attendance bonuses of $50. Receive a free meal during your shift and 35% off items in the Springfield Cardinals Teamstore. Delaware North offers an exciting work environment, rewards and recognition, plus a flexible schedule and opportunities to advance your skills.

Cardinals Teacher of the Month: Dave Davis, Hillcrest High School

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce Dave Davis of Hillcrest High School as our March Teacher of the Month.

Dave, who has been teaching at Hillcrest since 1983, started a Broadcast Journalism class at the school in 1989. Since then, the school’s student-produced show, HTV Magazine, has gone on to become one of the country’s most-honored high school broadcasts and is the longest-running student newscast in the nation.

The 2009 Springfield Public Schools Teacher of the Year award winner also led Hillcrest’s baseball program to two state titles early in his teaching career.

“His students have blossomed under his guidance,” one Teacher of the Month nominator wrote about Davis. “They have won numerous national awards and many of them now have careers in journalism and broadcasting. With the lives he’s touched…I can’t think of a more deserving teacher.”

Davis pictured with Hillcrest High School broadcast journalism students.

In 2019, five Hillcrest students from HTV Magazine received the Robert F. Kennedy Book & Journalism award in Washington, D.C. for their “Wildfire” episode of the program’s Bay 11 Podcast. That award marked the ninth time that students from HTV Magazine earned the award.

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, Dave and each future Teacher of the Month will receive one Cardinals luxury suite rental, one ceremonial first pitch, recognition on the Cardinals video board and Cardinals caps for their group, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is an opportunity for the Southwest Missouri community to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since the Lottery began 35 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

Hooks Job Fair is April 7-8

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Hooks Baseball Club is hosting a Job Fair Wednesday, April 7 and Thursday, April 8 at Whataburger Field. Both sessions are from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

All applications must be completed online before attending the Job Fair. Listings can be found here. Paper applications will not be available. Interviews will be completed on the Whataburger Field concourse, and face coverings or masks must be worn at all times.

Openings include retail associate, field crew, sales & marketing associate, Box Office associate, parking attendants, greeters and ushers, clean team members and more.

Aramark, Whataburger Field’s concessionaire, is also taking applicants.

The Hooks open the season on Tuesday, May 4 at 6:35 p.m. against the San Antonio Missions at Whataburger Field.

Sod Poodles To Host 2021 National Anthem Auditions at HODGETOWN

 

The Amarillo Sod Poodles will be hosting public auditions for National Anthem performances for the team’s 2021 season on Saturday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at HODGETOWN. Soloists, duets, and trios are invited to audition “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” for a chance to perform during the 2021 season.

Two winning participants will be determined by a panel of guest judges and will be given an opportunity to perform on either Opening Night or Independence Day (July 4). Many other individuals will be given opportunities to perform on additional game dates during the season. All participants will be contacted following the event.

Face coverings will be required for individuals two years or older at all times during the event. Face coverings may be removed temporarily when an individual has entered the audition room before singing/performing.

All vocal performances must be a cappella or accompanied by a personal instrument and only traditional renditions of songs will be considered for selection. Each performer may audition for either “The Star-Spangled Banner” or “God Bless America” and will be considered for either song. Auditions will be performed in front of judges in a private, closed-off area during scheduled time slots.

To request an audition time or for additional information, participants can email Austin Jackson at [email protected].

Walk-up auditions on Saturday, April 10 are welcome but are not guaranteed and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis, as time permits. To ensure a performance slot, contacting ahead of time is recommended since time slots are also limited.

All National Anthem participants can enter through the Sod Poodles Team Shop at 715 South Buchanan next to the HODGETOWN box office. Sod Poodles team members will direct all individuals to the check-in and audition area. Entrance to the audition area will begin at 9:45 a.m.

The Sod Poodles host their 2021 home opener at HODGETOWN on Tuesday, May 18 against the Midland RockHounds.

For the most up-to-date news on the Sod Poodles along with detailed information on promotions, follow the team on social media @sodpoodles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For questions and more information, call 806-803-7762 or email [email protected].

RoughRiders looking for additions to in-game entertainment team

 

FRISCO, Texas (March 22, 2021)– Come one, come all! The Frisco RoughRiders are seeking fun-loving, energetic personalities to be a part of our game days during the 2021 season. The positions include public address announcer, in-game host and in-game crew members.

Those who love entertaining and have a contagious positive attitude can click here to apply online. Please include your resume, a reel and tell us about yourself!

After all submissions have been made, our staff will select the top 10 in each category and invite those individuals to audition on Wednesday, March 31 (in-game host and crew) and Thursday, April 1 (public address) during the evening. The application will be closed on Friday, March 26 at 5 p.m.

We are looking for (PA announcer):

  • Strong vocal control
  • An energetic personality
  • Ability to multi-task in a stressful environment
  • Comfortable announcing to large crowds on a microphone
  • Comfortable announcing complex names from a variety of ethnic backgrounds
  • Available to attend all (or a majority of) 60 RoughRiders home games in 2021 and playoffs (if necessary)
  • Strong knowledge of baseball rules and positions
  • Receptive to both positive and negative feedback
  • Ability to speak without a script and banter
  • Experience working as a PA announcer in sports, television or radio is preferred
  • The ability to have FUN

We are looking for (in-game host):

  • High-energy personality
  • Comfortable in front of large crowds on a microphone
  • Available to attend all (or a majority of) 60 RoughRiders home games in 2021 and playoffs (if necessary)
  • Ability to speak without a script and banter
  • Experience working in baseball or in front of camera preferred
  • The ability to have FUN

We are looking for (in-game crew):

  • High-energy personality
  • Comfortable in front of large crowds
  • Available to attend all (or a majority of) 60 RoughRiders home games in 2021 and playoffs (if necessary)
  • Ability to speak without a script and banter
  • The ability to have FUN

The RoughRiders start off the season at home on May 4 against the Oakland A’s affiliated Midland RockHounds. For more information and to stay up to date on all things Frisco RoughRiders, visit RidersBaseball.com or call (972) 731-9200.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 15 seasons (2005-2019). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg. Since then, the new ownership group, together with the City of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise enhancements, investing over $8 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store and the world’s largest water feature in a sports facility, the massive Lazy River. These enhancements earned the Riders and the City of Frisco Ballpark Digest’s prestigious “Best Ballpark Renovation” award for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). More than 160 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including current MLB players Elvis Andrus, Nomar Mazara and Joey Gallo. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact [email protected].

Drillers Uniforms to Feature Special Patches to Help Raise Awareness of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial

 

The Tulsa Drillers, in conjunction with the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission, have announced plans to wear a special patch during the first month of the 2021 season to raise awareness and encourage Drillers fans to educate themselves about the massacre while honoring its victims and their families.

The Drillers received permission from Major League Baseball to feature the patch on the fronts of their home jerseys. It will be located just above the Drillers logo that runs across the jersey fronts.

The Drillers will wear the jerseys for all home games during the month of May. At the conclusion of the month, the jerseys will be available for purchase using an auction process. Proceeds will benefit the programs and operations of the Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center (“Greenwood Rising”), currently under construction. Greenwood Rising will be a state-of-the-art history center located at the southeast corner of Greenwood Avenue & Archer Street, the gateway to “Black Wall Street.” This museum-grade facility will showcase all aspects of Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District, triumph, tragedy, and everything in between, from its origins to the present day.

Phil Armstrong, Project Director for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission, shared his excitement about the added exposure the uniform patch will bring.

“Having this logo on the Tulsa Drillers jerseys gives us the opportunity to enlighten and educate baseball fans who may have thought they were just out for a day at the ballpark,” said Armstrong. “We are loading the bases for awareness of Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District, a history of tragedy and triumph, punctuated by reminders about the indomitable human spirit, in this space the Tulsa Drillers call home.”

The Drillers have called Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District home since moving to ONEOK Field for the 2010 season.

“We are honored and fortunate to have our home, ONEOK Field, in Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District,” said Drillers General Manager Mike Melega. “The ability to wear these special patches is a small way that the Drillers organization can help to raise awareness of the tragic events that took place in 1921. We appreciate the willingness of Phil Armstrong and the other members of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission to give us this opportunity.”

The jerseys with the patches will not be the only commemorative attire for the Drillers during the upcoming season. In honor of this year’s Juneteenth celebration, the Drillers players will wear throwback T-Town Clowns jerseys for three games, June 11-13. The T-Town Clowns, a popular team from the historic Negro Baseball Leagues era, played in Tulsa for many years.

The Drillers first wore replicas of the T-Town Clowns original jerseys during the 2011 season. The jerseys from this year will also be sold through an auction process, with those proceeds going to the Lacy Park baseball field renovation project. The original baseball diamond at Lacy Park, located at 2134 N. Madison Place, served as the home of the T-Town Clowns from 1952 through 1965.

Earlier this year, the Drillers and the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce announced plans for a large, Jackie Robinson mural to be added to the back of one of the historic Greenwood buildings that faces ONEOK Field. Work on the permanent mural has just been completed.

Cardinals Teacher of the Month: Kevin Zimmerman, Harrison Elementary School

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce Kevin Zimmerman of Harrison Elementary School as our February Teacher of the Month.

Mr. Zimmerman is an amazing art teacher! Students love coming to his class and look up to him as someone they would like to be when they grow up. On “normal” school years Mr. Zimmerman leads a running club for students which has a huge turn out. During these times he has still found a way to host an Art Club which provides students with a great after school activity.

Kevin has been an art teacher at Harrison Elementary since 2009 and was one of five finalists for the 2019-20 Springfield Public Schools Teacher of the Year award, where he described his views on his profession:

“Making connections is expressed in two ways for me, the personal, human connection that I develop with my students and the cross-curricular connection my art content makes with all other disciplines. When I say I ‘teach’ art, I really wish to say I teach a bit of everything. The more pathways the brain makes to a piece of information, the better the recall and the longer the information is held.”

A St. Louis native, Kevin attended Drury University. Beyond the classroom, he leads an art club and a running club at Harrison Elementary that provide students with after-school activities and growth opportunities.

“Mr. Zimmerman is an amazing art teacher,” one Teacher of the Year nominator wrote. “Students love coming to his class and look up to him as someone they would like to be when they grow up.”

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, Kevin and each future Teacher of the Month will receive one Cardinals luxury suite rental, one ceremonial first pitch, recognition on the Cardinals video board and Cardinals caps for their group, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is an opportunity for the Southwest Missouri community to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since the Lottery began 35 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

To nominate a teacher for Cardinals Teacher of the Month, you can visit www.springfieldcardinals.com/molotteryteachers today.