Shoeboxes for Children Claw Club Sale

‘Dads team with Elevation Church & Hickory Soup Kitchen

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads are partnering with Elevation Church and the Hickory Soup Kitchen to offer fans a half-priced 2015 Claw Club membership in exchange for donating select items that can be included in special Shoeboxes for Children this Holiday season.

Fans have until December 15th to donate to the Shoeboxes for Children program and receive a Claw Club membership for only $19, half the normal price. The program provides a special shoebox filled with warm weather essentials, school supplies, hygiene kits, and small toys to every child at the Hickory Soup Kitchen on Christmas. Hickory-Soup-KitchenAcceptable items for fans to donate include:

  • Brush/Comb sets
  • Kids sized sunglasses (non-gender specific)
  • $5 gift cards to McDonald’s
  • Pairs of socks
  • Small, low-priced toys (non-gender specific)

Elevation Church is also requesting children’s Bibles, while the Crawdads will be making and accepting hand-made Christmas cards to include in the shoeboxes as well. Both items will be accepted for a half-priced Claw Club membership. Donations can be made to the ‘Dads front office at L.P. Frans Stadium, along with a completed Claw Club Form.

For more information regarding the Hickory Soup Kitchen visit www.hickorysoupkitchen.org. More information about Elevation Church can be found at www.elevationchurch.org.

The Claw Club is the official kids club of the Hickory Crawdads. A membership includes:

  • One ticket to ALL 70 Crawdads home games in 2015
  • Official Membership Card
  • One Complimentary Speed Pitch, Carousel, & Bounce House Voucher each Saturday
  • One Complimentary ticket for Dad on Father’s Day
  • One Complimentary ticket for Mom on Mother’s Day
  • Special Events during the off-season and regular season
  • Claw Club Newsletter via E-Mail
  • 15% Discount at the Crawdads’ Team Store!
  • $30 Discount on a Birthday Party

For more information on the Claw Club or the Shoeboxes for Children sale, call the Crawdads Front Office at (828) 322-3000 or email Director of Community Relations and Events, Megan Meade at mmeade@hickorycrawdads.com.

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

Classroom Connections Claw Club Sale

Donate school supplies for half-priced Claw Club membership

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads are partnering with Classroom Connections in the month of October to help collect much needed school supplies for area teachers, while giving fans the opportunity to purchase a 2015 Claw Club membership for half price.

Fans have until October 31st to donate school supplies for Classroom Connections in exchange for a $19 Claw Club membership, half the normal price. Donations can be dropped off at the Crawdads front office at L.P. Frans Stadium, along with a completed Claw Club Form.

The Claw Club is the official kids club of the Hickory Crawdads. A membership includes:

  • One ticket to ALL 70 Crawdads home games in 2015
  • Official Membership Card
  • One Complimentary Speed Pitch, Carousel, & Bounce House Voucher each Saturday
  • One Complimentary ticket for Dad on Father’s Day
  • One Complimentary ticket for Mom on Mother’s Day
  • Special Events during the off-season and regular season
  • Claw Club Newsletter via E-Mail
  • 15% Discount at the Crawdads’ Team Store!
  • $30 Discount on a Birthday Party

Classroom Connections is a store where teachers from schools with high percentages of students with free and reduced lunch can shop for free school supplies. The program works to have a continuous impact on meeting teachers’ needs for classroom materials for every student by supplying classroom resources such as pencils, paper, glue, pens, poster board, notebooks, workbooks, rulers, calculators, graph paper, copy paper etc.

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

Grand Strand Happening name Pelicans “Best Family Outing”

Readers voted Pelicans to top spot in inaugural list

MyrtleBeachPelicans_2014-09-18

 

Myrtle-Beach-PelicansGrand Strand Happening announced the winners of their “Happening List,” and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans were named the “Best Family Outing” in the first ever incarnation of the award.

The Happening List is a people’s choice award list of Grand Strand Happening readers’ favorite people, places, events, and businesses on the Grand Strand. The publication handed out over 100 different awards from “Best Day Spa,” to “Best Sushi,” and “Best Senior Living.” The Pelicans beat out fellow finalists Brookgreen Gardens and Ripley’s Aquarium for the Best Family Outing label.

All of the winners will be honored at the first Grand Strand Happening List Bash on September 25.

To view details on the event as well as the finalists and award winners, visit the Grand Strand Happening website.

The Pelicans have provided top-flight family entertainment at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark since the team’s inaugural season in 1999. Stadium Journey ranked the Pelicans in the Top 25 Stadium Experiences in all of sports in 2012 and 2013 as well as third in Minor League Baseball in 2013. The club has been nominee for the Golden Bobblehead Awards, which honors the best promotions in Minor League Baseball, in three seasons, and the Pelicans have three nominees for the 2014 season.

Focused on entertainment, the Pelicans are also committed to the community and, this season, won the Community Service Award from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. After donating $397,187 to the community in monies and man-hours in 2013, the Pelicans surpassed $465,000 this season.

The Pelicans return to TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark in 2015 for their 17th season, and first as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, looking to defend their Southern Division Championship. For information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2015, please call (843) 918-6002, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, or visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Ege wins second annual Bruce Dal Canton Service Award

Award given to player with significant contributions to community

MyrtleBeachPelicans_2014-09-02

 

Myrtle-Beach-PelicansThe Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are pleased to announce that left-hander reliever Cody Ege was named the second-ever recipient of the Bruce Dal Canton Service Award for his efforts in the community this season. He was given the award before the Pelicans regular season finale on Monday at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. Catcher Pat Cantwell won the award in 2013.

The award is presented to a player that has demonstrated significant contributions to the Grand Strand community, the Carolina League and the baseball industry as a whole. Cody showed an ongoing commitment to charitable service throughout the season with his involvement in the Pelicans 3-Day Youth Clinic as well as school and summer camp appearances, just to name a few.

“Cody has been an excellent influence on all of the young children that he has worked with this season,” explained Pelicans Senior Director of Marketing Jen Borowski. She went on to add, “most importantly, from our end, he has helped us with every activity that we have asked of him and done it with a smile on his face. I am sure that, if the award was not involved, he still would have been willing to help out; that’s the kind of personality he has-always willing to help out, and he’s a great community leader.”

This award is named after the late Bruce Dal Canton. Bruce Dal Canton was the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Pitching Coach from the inaugural season in 1999 until his passing in 2008. Before joining the Pelicans, Dal Canton was a Major League pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves and Chicago White Sox. He coached for 26 years, including ten with the Pelicans, until he prematurely passed away due to esophageal cancer on October 7, 2008. Dal Canton was heavy involved in charitable endeavors and constantly striving to make the community a better place to live, work and play. In 2009, the Pelicans named the home clubhouse after him and retired his number 43, one of just two past Pelicans retired numbers.

Ege was not alone. The Pelicans players and coaches donated countless man-hours in the community with events like the Home Run for Autism Camp, a day with Grand Strand Miracle Leagues, the 3-Day Youth Clinic, the Sanofi Healthy Living outings to two local YMCAs and the Boys and Girls Club of the Grand Strand, as well as food packing initiatives with the Lowcountry Food Bank and the Help4Kids’ Backpack Buddies program.

On a nightly basis, Pelicans players volunteered time before the games to sign autographs to fans behind home plate and caught ceremonial first pitches prior to each Pelicans home game. The Pelicans front office is grateful for all their hard work. Although Ege’s accomplishment is an individual award, the impact that the 2014 Pelicans achieved in the community mirrored the tremendous success of the group on the diamond.

On the field, Ege sported 3.88 ERA and a 4-1 record in 37 outings out of the bullpen for the Pelicans during the regular season. He punched out 76 batters and walked just 17 and had a 46-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio during the second half. He did not allow a run in 10 1/3 August innings.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Crawdads Serve at Hickory Soup Kitchen

Dads players helped prepare and serve food over two days

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads recently lent a helping hand at the Hickory Soup Kitchen, with the ‘Dads players helping to clean, prepare, and serve food on August 7th & 8th.

Six players and one front office member volunteered over four separate shifts during the two-day span. The Crawdads helped out with everything from peeling potatoes and bagging groceries, to serving food and interacting with the guests.

Hickory-Soup-Kitchen“We are always happy to help out in the community when we get a chance,” said Crawdads General Manager Mark Seaman. “It was a good opportunity for the players to give back and see first hand some of the challenges that our fellow citizens face on a daily basis.”

The Hickory Soup Kitchen began in 1983 with six downtown churches before moving to its current location in 1990. HSK serves an average of 152 people per day and more than 70,000 people every year. The kitchen is open weekdays from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm.

For more information regarding the Hickory Soup Kitchen, contact Executive Director Austin Pearce at (828) 327-4828 or email hickorysoup@embarqmail.com.

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

Weekend Proves Successful for Charities at Pelicans Ballpark

Fierce Fallon & Pink in the Park Combine for a $10,000 Weekend

MyrtleBeachPelicans_2014-08-07

 

Myrtle-Beach-PelicansThe reason behind Vice President & General Manager Andy Milovich’s in-game prostate exam on July 24 came full circle this past Saturday with Coaches vs. Cancer Night. Milovich agreed to the exam if the team could raise Fierce Fallon’s Facebook Page to 10,000 ‘Likes’. Saturday night acted as a fundraiser for Fierce Fallon and featured a mini-football giveaway, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and more with all proceeds benefiting Fallon. All-in-all the night raised over $6,500. The highlight of the night however, came before the anthem was even sung.

Coaches-vs-CancerFallon made her grand entrance to the ballpark with family and friends in the back of a pick-up truck as her favorite song, Katy Perry’s Roar, boomed throughout the stadium. Once arriving to the home dugout she made her way to the pitcher’s mound for a ceremonial first pitch. Moments later, after player introductions, Pelicans starter Chad Bell took his place on the mound and prepared to face the first hitter of the night, Fierce Fallon. One pitch from Bell was all it took as her baseball debut went down in the books as a solo home run and one of the most memorable knocks at TicketReturn.Com Field. She took her victory lap around the bases to a standing ovation and roaring crowd.

A video of Fallon’s first pitch and home run can be seen below or on the Pelicans’ YouTube Channel.

“She is such a fighter and has inspired so many people over the past ten months,” stated Milovich. “The fact that we had the opportunity to not only help raise money but provide her with a memorable night is very special to me and our entire staff.”

The Saturday night post on Fallon’s page included a video of her home run with the comment, “Fallon had the most amaz-wing time tonight at the Myrtle Beach Pelicans game. Here she is hitting a HOME RUN at her first ever at bat! Thank you to everyone that made this possible!!!” Fallon also told her mother that “It was the best day of my life.”

Mary-Kay-Foundation-logo150Saturday was only the start of the Pelicans’ charitable efforts this past weekend. Sunday was Pink in the Park with a focus on breast cancer awareness. The night featured a mini-base giveaway with the words “Save 2nd Base” to the first 1,000 ladies. Additional highlights included a silent auction with pink bats and bases. All proceeds from the auction, 50/50 raffle sales and more benefited the Mary Kay Foundation. That number exceeded $4,000.

Sunday also marked the end of the Pelicans Strike Out Cancer Series. The series featured one night each month, April through August, and highlighted five different forms of cancer (esophageal, skin, testicular, prostate and breast). On each night the team dawned special jerseys which have been up for auction all season at myrtlbeachpelicans.com. The auction concludes next Friday, August 15th at 5:00 PM. The auction includes jerseys worn by Joey Gallo, Jorge Alfaro, Manager Joe Mikulik and more.

For tickets to Pelicans home games please call (843) 918-6002, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com, or visit the Pelicans box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Crawdads Help Out NC Boys Academy

‘Dads players/coaches help prepare campus for grand opening

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads recently teamed up with the newly formed North Carolina Boys Academy, with several ‘Dads players and coaches helping to prepare the NCBA’s Lake Hickory campus for its first ever class of boys this fall.

The entire Crawdads team spent time on July 17th helping to paint several buildings on the campus. The ‘Dads also had a chance to showcase their skills in a whiffle ball game with the boys from Camp David, NCBA’s corresponding summer camp.

Teen-Challenge-International“We were more than happy to spend our time helping out such a good cause,” said Crawdads Manager Corey Ragsdale. “It was good for our guys to be a part of something like that. We also learned that they’re all better baseball players than painters.”

The North Carolina Boy’s Academy is a therapeutic Christian boarding school for teenage boys struggling with life-controlling problems. The program exposes students to godly male roles models in a 12-15 month process that includes 3 phases, P1- Wilderness, P2 – Advanced, P3 -Leadership.

The NCBA’s campus was originally opened as a leadership-training center for Duke Power Co. in 1959. The Boy’s Academy purchased the facility in December of 2013, with the inaugural class scheduled to start this September. The Campus contains 12 buildings and 28 lodging rooms spread across a 16-acre campus on Lake Hickory.

For more information regarding the North Carolina Boys Academy, visit their website at ncboysacademy.org, or contact camp facilitator John Steigerwald at (828) 256-2126.

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

Birds rally on Prostate Cancer Awareness Night

Pelicans GM gets prostate exam while serenading the fans

Myrtle Beach Pelicans General Manager Andy Milovich during his prostate exam while singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." (Graham Jenkins / Myrtle Beach Pelicans)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans General Manager Andy Milovich during his prostate exam while singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” (Graham Jenkins / Myrtle Beach Pelicans)

Myrtle-Beach-PelicansThe Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, won the series finale with the Frederick Keys 5-4 on Thursday night at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. Pelicans Vice President and General Manager Andy Milovich sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” while receiving a prostate exam during the seventh inning stretch in front of a sellout crowd of 6,599 to raise awareness of the need for annual prostate exams.

The Pelicans (18-17, 62-41) struck first in the bottom of the first inning. With one out, Chris Garia singled and advanced to second on a Nick Williams walk. In the next at-bat, Royce Bolinger scored Garia with an RBI single to center field. Pelicans led 1-0 after the first.

In the bottom of the fourth the Birds increased their lead to 2-0. After Edwin Garcia grounded out, Christopher Bostick singled to center field. With two outs, Luis Mendez drove a double to center field, allowing Bostick to score from first. Mendez was thrown out trying to advance to third on the hit by right fielder Chih-Hsien Chiang to end the inning.

The Keys (16-17, 48-52) scored two runs in the top of the fifth to tie the game. After Joel Hutter walked and Tucker Nathans doubled to begin the inning, Johnny Ruettiger scored Hutter and advanced Nathans to third base with an RBI fielder’s choice. Two batters later, Trey Mancini hit an infield single to the shortstop, scoring Nathans. Pelicans starter Luis Parra walked Chiang to put runners on first and second with two outs, but escaped the inning when Chiang was thrown out in the ensuing play. Jason Esposito singled on a line drive to left field, but Chiang was caught in between second and third base when Garia’s throw came to Mendez, who ran and tagged Chiang trying to retreat back to second.

Frederick took the lead in the sixth inning. With two outs, and Wynston Sawyer and Nathans on base, Ruettiger lined a triple down the right field line, scoring Sawyer and Nathans to give the Keys a 4-2 lead.

Myrtle Beach answered with a run of its own in the bottom half of the sixth on an RBI infield single by Mendez.

In the bottom of the seventh the Pelicans took the lead for good, scoring all of their runs with two outs. After Garia and Williams flew out, Bolinger and Preston Beck walked to put runners on first and second. In the next at-bat, Garcia slammed a 1-0 pitch off the left field wall, scoring Bolinger and Beck. The Pelicans took a 5-4 lead.

After pitching a scoreless eighth, Pelicans reliever Abel De Los Santos (8) came back out for the ninth to complete the two-inning save.

Cody Ege (4-1) allowed the go-ahead runs in the sixth but earned the win in relief. Keys reliever Jimmy Yacabonis (0-3) took the loss, allowing the go-ahead double from Garcia in the seventh.

Andy Milovich passed his prostate exam with no problems.


Video of the event, including his rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” is available on YouTube.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Express to Host 2nd Annual “Triple-A For a Day”

E-Train Brings Dell Diamond Experience to RBI Austin Championship Game

Round-Rock-Express-2014The Round Rock Express is taking the show on the road. For the second year, the Rangers Triple-A affiliate has partnered with RBI Austin for “Triple-A for a Day.” The Express promotional staff is turning Downs Mabson Field into Dell Diamond of the South for the RBI Austin Kid Pitch Championship game on Saturday, July 26.

RBI-logoJoining the Express promo crew will be Spike, the lovable mascot, Ballpark Rob and the Party Patrol. Every player and coach from both teams will be introduced as they stand on the foul lines for the singing of the National Anthem, a tradition seen at professional ballparks throughout the country. In between innings, fans will compete in a variety of games seen at Dell Diamond similar to the dizzy bat race and the Great Texas Chicken Race.

The Express hopes this game will provide RBI Austin Kid Pitch athletes, their families and the community the opportunity to watch baseball in a fun and unique setting they would not normally experience.

“We’re proud to partner with RBI Austin again this year for their championship game,” Express General Manager Chris Almendarez said. “It’s an absolute honor to be able to give these kids a memory they’ll never forget.”

Downs Mabson Field is located at 2812 E. 12th St. in Austin. Pre-game activities will begin at 6:40 p.m. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The championship will feature the 9 and 10-year-old age division. Admission to the game is free.

Click here to view last year’s “Triple-A For A Day.”

For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook and Twitter!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.

Express to Host Military Appreciation Night

E-Train to Honor All Branches of Military during Express Game

Round-Rock-Express-2014On Thursday, July 17, the Round Rock Express will honor and support the brave men and women that serve or have previously served in the United States Armed Forces by hosting Military Appreciation Night at Dell Diamond, presented by Budweiser and USAA.

There will be special military-themed promotions and recognitions throughout the evening as the E-Train takes on the Iowa Cubs. Military vehicles will be on display outside of Dell Diamond for fans to observe as they enter the stadium.

Two generations of heroes will be involved in the night’s ceremonial first pitch. A veteran of World War 2, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, Rufus Dye Jr. will be joined by his son Colonel Michael Dye. Michael currently serves in the Texas Army National Guard as the Director of Army Aviation for Joint Forces Headquarters.

Joining the Express on the field for the National Anthem are the children of troops deployed from the 3rd Calvary Regiment out of Fort Hood. The Anthem will be performed by country music artist Jenna McDaniel.

Wish-For-Our-HerosDuring the game, each branch of the military – Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard – will be recognized individually along with a Marine Corps swearing-in ceremony. Silver Star recipient SSG Matthew Kinney, Gold Star Mother Tami Sims and SGT Travis King, who is scheduled to deploy in the coming weeks, will be among those honored during the game. Express players and coaches will wear commemorative patriotic jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game with proceeds going to WISH for OUR HEROES. Additionally, there will be a wish granted during the game in conjunction with the Wish for Our Heroes initiative.

For the seventh-inning stretch, country music artist and songwriter Ryland Edwards will be on hand to sing “God Bless America”.

All military personnel receive half-price tickets to all Express games by presenting their military ID.

For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook and Twitter!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.

‘Dads Host “Kiss a Cow” Fundraiser

Contest aims to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads are excited to host the “Kiss a Cow” fundraiser for the Catawba Valley Habitat for Humanity on Friday, July 25th. The fundraiser pits six local community leaders against each other in an effort to raise the most money for HFH, with the “winner” having to kiss a cow.

The six community leaders participating in the fundraiser include Rudy Wright, Mayor of Hickory, Steve Underdown, Vice-President of HSM, Dr. Dan Brigman, CCS Superintendent, Mitzi Gellman, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, and Crawdads own General Manager Mark Seaman and All-Star relief pitcher Ryne Slack. The contest concludes with the overall winner kissing a cow on the field at LP Frans Stadium immediately following the ‘Dads game and before the post-game Fireworks.

Habitat-for-Humanity-logo2The Crawdads are also conducting a secondary challenge between the organization’s two contestants. In addition to the regular “Kiss a Cow” contest, the ‘Dad that has the most donations given in their name will also get a pie in the face following the Crawdads game on Saturday, July 26th.

Donations can be made online at www.habitatcatawbavalley.org by clicking on the “DONATE” button. Donors are asked to place the name of the contestant they wish to donate on behalf of in the additional comments section of the form. Donations may also be made at L.P. Frans Stadium for the two Crawdads contestants by visiting the Dale Earnhardt Customer Care Booth during any ‘Dads game.

For more information regarding the Habitat for Humanity “Kiss a Cow” night, contact the ‘Dads front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

Slugging ALS Night at Dell Diamond June 20

2014 Marks 75th Anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s Inspiring Speech at Yankee Stadium

Round-Rock-Express-2014A pitcher can’t strike out just anyone, but Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS, can. The Round Rock Express, along with the ALS Association Texas Chapter and MJ’s Army, will co-host Slugging ALS Night at Dell Diamond on Friday, June 20 as the Express take on the Sacramento River Cats. The event will further raise awareness about the disease that knows no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries in hopes of finding a cure.

ALS-logo2Express players and coaches will wear commemorative pinstripe jerseys with the name Gehrig on the back and a #4 patch on the sleeve. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s heart wrenching retirement speech at Yankee Stadium that brought this disease to the medical forefront. In 1941, following his death from ALS, the disease became more commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” The game-worn, commemorative pinstripe jerseys will be auctioned off as part of a special silent auction during the game with proceeds benefitting the ALS Association Texas Chapter and MJ’s Army. The auction will also include one-of-a-kind autographed baseball memorabilia.

To further raise awareness with a focus on Gehrig’s iconic jersey number, general admission/berm tickets are available at a discounted price of $4 for this special game.

“We are thrilled to host Slugging ALS night at Dell Diamond,” Express Sr. Vice President of Marketing Laura Fragoso said. “Bringing attention to this disease and keeping the fight started by Lou Gehrig alive is something that we are proud to be a part of.”

MJ’s Army will also be hosting the inaugural Slugging ALS Texas Timber Wood Bat Baseball Tournament from June 20-22 in the greater Austin area to generate more support for ALS research. The event is open to any amateur team wishing to play with divisions starting as young as age eight and 100% of the tournament’s proceeds will go towards MJ’s Army.

For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook and Twitter!

About ALS
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Early symptoms of ALS often include muscle weakness that gradually becomes worse over time. Most who are diagnosed with ALS are only given between 3-5 years of life expectancy.

About MJ’s Army
Shortly after being diagnosed with ALS in June of 2011, Michael Jaillet (MJ) formed MJsARMY.org with the help of family and friends. MJ’s Army is a non-profit organization based out of Austin,TX whose mission is threefold: 1) to raise awareness about ALS, 2) to volunteer locally to assist families affected by ALS and 3) to raise much needed research dollars to fund treatments, and ultimately, a cure for ALS.

About the ALS Association
The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. ALSA covers all the bases – research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy – in providing help and hope to those facing the disease. The ALS Association (National Office and the Texas Chapter) operates under a shared mission: to help people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and to leave no stone unturned in search for the cure.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.

YMCA Night at L.P. Frans Stadium

Hickory’s Biggest Cycle Class to happen during the game

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads and the YMCA are teaming up to host Hickory’s Biggest Cycle Class during YMCA Night at L.P. Frans Stadium on Tuesday, June 3rd.

Open to both members and non-members of the YMCA, Hickory’s Biggest Cycle Class will take place during the Crawdads game against the Charleston RiverDogs beginning at 7 pm. Stationary bikes will be positioned throughout the ballpark, allowing fans to participate in the event while still watching the game. Participants in the class will receive free admission to the game.

YMCA-blue-&-purpleThere are three riding options for the class participants, including one rider for all two hours, a team of two riders for one hour apiece, or a team of four riders for 30 minutes each. Those wishing to register for the class can do so by visiting or calling any of the YMCAs of Catawba Valley.

YMCA baseball and softball players are encouraged to wear their jerseys to the game, or wear blue or purple in support of the Y.

Tuesday is also Dollar Day at the ballpark presented by 1290 WHKY. Fans can buy one ticket and get the second for $1, with $1 hot dogs and Pepsi products available as well.

For more information regarding YMCA Night and Hickory’s Biggest Cycle Class, call Naomi Mitchell at (828) 464-6130.

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

Pitch For The Cure Returns to Avista

Indians partner with Susan G. Komen to help fight breast cancer

Participants from around Eastern Washington can help raise Breast Cancer Awareness,
Participants from around Eastern Washington can help raise Breast Cancer Awareness,

Spokane-IndiansThe Spokane Indians annual Pitch for the Cure Breast Cancer Walk presented by Mike’s Hard Lemonade returns this August!

Click here to register online now!

Sunday, August 3rd, at Avista Stadium, will mark the eighth year that the Indians and the Susan G. Komen Foundation have collaborated on the event, with proceeds benefiting the Eastern Washington Chapter of the Komen Foundation.

Susan-G.-Komen“The Spokane Indians have not only helped us raise much needed funds to screen, educate and get services to women in Eastern Washington, they have help raise awareness and share hope that we will find a cure,” said Claudia Bell, executive director of the Eastern Washington’s Komen Chapter. “The Eastern Washington affiliate looks forward to this fun-filled evening every year!”

The short one-mile flat walk begins at 3:00 PM and circles around Avista Stadium before finishing on the field where the participants will be recognized in a special pre-game ceremony. The game against the Hillsboro Hops begins at 3:30 PM as Spokane players will wear limited edition pink jerseys that will be auctioned off to support the cause.

Last year, the Indians helped raise $5,529 for the Komen Foundation.

The cost for the walk is $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. Participants will receive a technical T-shirt, a donation in their name to the Eastern Washington affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and a ticket to the Spokane Indians baseball game that night against Hillsboro

Deadline for early registration is Friday, July 18th, with a late registration fee of $5 after this date. Participants have until the day of event to sign-up. Packet pick-up is scheduled for Friday, August 1st from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Spokane Indians Team Store located at Avista Stadium (602 N. Havana) and the day of the walk starting at 2:30 PM at Avista Stadium.

Click here to download a printable registration form. For more information on the Pitch for the Cure, please contact Walk Director Elise Rooney at (509) 343-6811, or email at erooney@spokaneindians.com.

This year, the Indians would also like to invite health care professionals to join breast cancer survivors and their supporters in the Walk. Brave women and men who face a diagnosis of breast cancer do not embark on the journey alone – dedicated doctors, nurses and staff members make it their mission to provide the best possible treatment and care to their patients.

In addition to Mike’s Hard Lemonade, supporting sponsors for this year’s Pitch for the Cure include Itron, Odom, Pepsi, Window World, Team Pilates, Coordinated Care, Rockwood Health Systems, Ross Printing, Rock 94 ½ and KXLY NewsRadio.

The Spokane Indians open the 2014 season on Friday, June 13th, against the Eugene Emeralds, and will be televised on SWX-TV.

The Spokane Indians would like to thank all of our fans for their support during the record-setting 2013 season. The Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. Ticket packages are on sale now for the 2014 season, and start as low as $63. Click here for the 2014 schedule. Reserve your seats today by calling the Avista Stadium Ticket Office at (509) 343-OTTO (6886). Parking at all 38 Indians home games are FREE!

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

Crawdads to Host Taste of Hickory

‘Dads partner with Hickory Elks for May 18th event

Hickory-CrawdadsAre you a self-professed foodie? Do you enjoy tasting new and local beers and wines? What if you could come to one event and taste all the food, wine and beer from area restaurants, breweries and wineries, and support community outreach programs and children’s charities at the same time?

Welcome to the Taste of Hickory! Taste. Well Crafted. The Hickory Elks Lodge is excited to announce their new partnership with the Hickory Crawdads offering the much needed space to accommodate the growth of this year’s Taste of Hickory while presenting the beautifully renovated L.P. Frans Stadium. The Hickory area is alive with talented chefs, bakers, brew masters, wine makers, and more, and the Hickory Elks in partnership with the Hickory Crawdads are thrilled to host the 3rd Annual Taste of Hickory on Sunday, May 18th.

Elks-USAThe Taste of Hickory is sponsored this year by James Oxygen & Supply Company, Ashley’s Heating & Air, Holbrook Landscaping, Republic Services, Colin Brady, Community One Bank, Prime Benefits Insurance, United Beverage, Hickory Convention & Visitors Bureau, and City of Hickory’s “Life. Well Crafted.” brand. The event will showcase locally owned restaurants, Carolina breweries and wineries, and other local vendors. Stroll through the stadium tasting and sipping while enjoying familiar tunes by Hickory’s own “America’s Got Talent” star Ulysses Long.

There will be competition for the “Best of Hickory” in several categories with raffles and door prizes during the event. Proceeds from the event will go to the many community outreach programs that the Elks sponsor including Veterans Programs, Youth Activities and Scholarships, Catawba Valley Backpack Program, the Helping Hands Program, and the many Children’s Charities supported by the Lady Elks.

The event will be held at the Hickory Crawdads Stadium, Clement Blvd, on Sunday May 18, 2014 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will be indoors and outdoors. Tickets are limited to 500 and will be available for sale on Friday April 4th. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. No one under 21 will be admitted and proper ID must be presented. For more information, to sponsor the event, to become a vendor, and to purchase tickets visit the Taste of Hickory Facebook page and call The Hickory Elks Lodge at (828) 322-2527.

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