Texas – Page 10

Round Rock Express Wins John Henry Moss Community Service Award

November 9, 2016

Click here to read our full 2016 Community Impact Report detailing all the ways we gave back this year.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Minor League Baseball today named the Round Rock Express the recipient of the fourth annual John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The award was created in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of the late John Henry Moss, who founded what would become the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007. The Express will receive their award at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Sunday, Dec. 4, at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

“The Round Rock Express is honored to be named the winner of the 2016 John Henry Moss Community Service Award as one of our core values is to passionately give back to the community and it is something our staff proudly promotes and practices throughout the year,” said Express President Chris Almendarez. “We are able to make Central Texas a better place to live and play through this great game of baseball and this year, we were able to make an impact on an international level with the founding of Jana’s House, a home being built for orphaned girls in Zambia in honor of my wife, Jana. Receiving this award is a testament to the hard work of our staff, players and coaches and the community itself for continuing to support us in our charitable efforts all year long.”

“The Round Rock Express continue to be a model franchise when it comes to community service and engagement,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “Despite working through an incredibly tough and emotional year, the club managed to do so much good in and around its community, and of course with their efforts to make Jana’s House a reality. Their efforts were second to none and it is my honor to present them with this award.”

In addition to the award, Minor League Baseball Charities will make a $2,500 donation on behalf of the Express to the Nolan Ryan Foundation in Round Rock, which supports youth, education and community development in Central Texas.

The Round Rock Express engage in a wide variety of community service initiatives to provide assistance to area programs, charities and educational organizations in Round Rock and the surrounding communities. The Express have more than 75 community partners, 13 youth programs, 11 military appreciation initiatives, 25 in-game fundraising and awareness events and 10 community outreach initiatives.

This year, the Express took the field in specialty jerseys six times to benefit community charities. In total, specialty jersey nights provided $36,884 to charitable organizations. Together, with their hospitality sister company, Ryan Sanders Sports Services (RS3), the Express raised over $600,000 through in-stadium events such as auctions and raffles. The franchise donated a grand total of over $788,000 in 2016.

The 2016 season brought considerable sadness to the Round Rock baseball family with the passing of Jana Almendarez, creating a renewed sense of purpose. Rallying around one another, the Express staff adopted a yearlong motto of “One Team” that transcended the front office to the players and coaches, sponsors, fans and the entire Central Texas community. In the months that followed Jana’s passing came record-breaking attendance numbers, inspired events like Military Appreciation Day and Cancer Awareness Night, and the undertaking of Jana’s House, a home under construction in Zambia that will house 12 orphaned girls in Jana’s honor.

The Express go to great lengths to serve the youth of their community by hosting year-round baseball and softball camps, partnering with libraries for reading competitions, holding Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts nights at the ballpark and much more. The Round Rock mascot, Spike, made over 117 appearances throughout the season at fundraisers, assemblies, youth sporting events and other community gatherings. Additionally, the Express made players available for public speaking events and autograph sessions.

PREVIOUS JOHN HENRY MOSS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD WINNERS

2013 Grand Junction Rockies, Pioneer League

2014 Pawtucket Red Sox, International League

2015 Fort Wayne TinCaps, Midwest League

About Minor League Baseball

Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada, and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2016, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.3 million fans to its ballparks to see

the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information, visit www.MiLB.com.

Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Round Rock Express Baseball

Round Rock Express Baseball Club is in its 17th year and its sixth as Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The franchise was founded by Ryan Sanders Baseball – an ownership group spearheaded by Reid Ryan, son of Baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan and is now led by CEO Reese Ryan. The Express began as the Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros in 2000 and moved to the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 2005, remaining an Astros affiliate through the 2010 season. Round Rock has established numerous attendance records at Dell Diamond and has remained in the top five in total attendance in all of Minor League Baseball 16 of the past 17 seasons. The Express won the 2011 PCL American Southern Division title and the 2015 American Conference championship.

Round Rock Express Backs the Blue This Sunday

July 30, 2016

ROUND ROCK, Texas – For 72 games a year, the Round Rock Express rely on the help of local law enforcement, the Round Rock Police Department, to keep Dell Diamond and their fans, staff, players and coaches safe.

With the recent attacks on law enforcement and the shooting of Round Rock citizen and Travis County Sheriff Deputy Sgt. Craig Hutchinson, the Express are backing the blue this Sunday, July 31 and encouraging fans to wear blue in a stand of solidarity with local law enforcement. The Express will raffle off a team-autographed blue jersey with all proceeds from raffle ticket sales going to the family of Sgt. Hutchinson and local law enforcement agencies.

“These officers protect us every single day at the ballpark and in the community,” Express Manager Jason Wood said. “They’ve become family and when one of our family members is attacked, we rally around them. We want them to know that we stand with them and appreciate the work they do in putting on that uniform every day.”

The Express players and coaches will also wear blue uniforms on Sunday in a show of support as they take on the Memphis Redbirds at 7:05 p.m.

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

Chihuahuas Launch Volunteer Initiative

April 22, 2015

The Chihuahuas Volunteer Pack To Participate in Rebuilding Together El Paso’s National Event Day on April 25th

Join “The Pack” — CLICK HERE

EL PASO – April 22, 2015 – The El Paso Chihuahuas proudly announce the launch of the Chihuahuas Volunteer Pack, an El Paso-wide volunteer force created to give back to the Sun City and surrounding region.

This Saturday, April 25, “The Pack” will participate in their first event – Rebuilding Together El Paso’s National Event Day – at 6344 St Lo Rd from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m. or until the job is done with some special guests arriving around 10:00 a.m. “The Pack” will help with some home improvements such as painting and yard maintenance.

“We are extremely proud to create a community group that can join together and give back to our great city,” said Brad Taylor, Chihuahuas general manager.

Joining together with non-profit organizations and community partners, “The Pack” is made up of Chihuahuas fans, players, coaches and staff with the mission of making a positive impact in our community.

“Rebuilding Together improves the homes and lives of low income elderly and/or disabled homeowners, with the intention to provide them a prolonged decent life in their own home,” said Roger de Moor, President Rebuilding Together. “We do this free of charge with the help of volunteers and the community.”

If you are interested in joining the Chihuahuas Volunteer Pack and helping with future volunteer opportunities, please visit http://bit.ly/All_Paws_In. Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come first-serve basis.

Join The Pack and make a difference! #AllPawsIn

Chihuahuas Season Seats, Pawtial Plans, Individual Tickets and Hospitality Areas are on sale now! Call (915)-533-BASE for more information or visit epchihuahuas.com.

Fetch the Fun!

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

Chico Makes 500th Community Appearance!

March 27, 2015

As Chico entertained the students at Dr. Green Elementary School’s State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Pep Rally, the Chihuahuas mascot recorded his 500^th community appearance since he wandered onto the steps of Southwest University Park less than one year ago.

“_______________________________________,” said Chico. “_____________________ _____________________________!”

The Chihuahuas debuted a silent Chico on their flagship radio station, Team 600 ESPN El Paso on April 14^th, 2014. Since his introduction Chico has become the face of the Chihuahuas brand.

Chico’s 500 appearances included school visits, military Welcome Home ceremonies, grand openings of businesses, parades and birthday parties to name a few.

Aside from baseball, Chico is an advocate of education having assisted in such programs as Read Across America, Red Ribbon Week, Anti-Bullying Week, STAAR Testing Rallies and more.

In February 2015, Chico was invited to represent El Paso in Austin, Texas for El Paso Days, a series of meetings between local leaders and state officials, becoming a true ambassador for the city.

“We are proud to hit this community milestone so quickly with our goodwill ambassador, Chico,” said Chihuahuas General Manager Brad Taylor. “He is the one member of our team that will be here year after year while supporting all of the great groups in our region.”

If you are interested in having Chico at your next event, go to www.epchihuhauas.com under the ‘Community’ tab and fill out the online ‘Mascot Appearances Form.’

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

Chihuahuas and Gatorade Announce “Gatorade GO PLAY” Community Initiative

March 20, 2015

Promotes and celebrates kids living an active lifestyle

Athletes of the Miracle League of El Paso were treated to a surprise last night as Chico, the Chihuahuas mascot, and Andy Imfeld, the Chihuahuas on-field emcee, launched the Gatorade GO PLAY Community Program. Along with a visit from Chico the athletes received Gatorade donated by Pepsi.

“The surprise visit was a huge hit and our athletes had a blast,” said Sandie Olivar, founder and executive director of the Miracle League of El Paso. “The disabled community normally lives a very sedentary lifestyle that does not get the opportunity to get outside and play. The Miracle League gives them the outlet to be active and play baseball while having some fun too.”

Gatorade GO PLAY’s mission is to celebrate and promote kids living an active lifestyle. Chico and Andy will be going around the Greater El Paso Area to surprise kids who make the choice to be active rather than live a sedentary way of life.

“Along with Gatorade and Pepsi, we are proud to work with the inspirational athletes in the Miracle League. These kids exemplify desire and determination,” said Brad Taylor, general manager of the El Paso Chihuahuas.

Included in the Gatorade GO PLAY program is a social media component. The Chihuahuas are asking how kids “GO PLAY”. Fans are encouraged to take a picture of themselves or their team being active and share it on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram using the markers #GatoradeGoPlayEPC and @epchihuahuas.

The best pictures and examples of living an active lifestyle will be featured by the Chihuahuas on their social media sites.

Chico will continue to make surprise visits over the next few weeks. Children are encouraged to remain active and keep an eye out for him.

Olivar concluded, “Last night was an incredible evening for our four competitive teams – Yankees, Longhorns, Fearless and Young Guns. Thank you to the Chihuahuas and Chico for a memorable night.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the El Paso Chihuahuas. Click here to view the original story.

Sign up for the 2015 RoughRiders Baseball Academy

March 13, 2015

Sign your kids up to learn from the pros!

Do your kids need to sharpen their baseball skills and want to learn from Frisco RoughRiders coaches and players? This is their chance!

The 2015 Frisco RoughRiders Baseball Academy will be held June 9-11 for children ages 9-12.

At the RoughRiders Baseball Academy, your child will get a chance to play like a big leaguer with the professionals at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

Click here for more information on the event, and click here to register your child.

For more information or to register your child, contact Kristin Russell at (972) 334-1947 or krussell@ridersbaseball.com. Spots are limited, so sign up today!

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

Help Us Honor Fallen Heroes

January 15, 2015

The 2015 season is almost upon us and we are excited for what it will hold. The Midland RockHounds will host Military Appreciation Weekend sponsored by ProPetro Services on May 14th-18th. Throughout that weekend, the RockHounds players will be wearing specialty jerseys that will show the names of fallen heroes from around our community. These jerseys will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to a local charity, which will be determined at a later date.

We would like for our fans to submit names of family members or friends that have died honorably protecting our country, so that we can honor them by placing their names on the jerseys. Names will appear on the jerseys in the locations where “SOLDIER” is located on the above jersey artwork.

Please send all names and information to Courtnie Golden at cgolden@midlandrockhounds.org, no later than February 28, 2015 (limited to the first 50 names submitted). If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 432-520-2255.

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

Need a Unique (Fun)draiser?

January 14, 2015

The Hooks Can Help Your Group!

Does your club, association or organization need to raise money?

Once again, the Corpus Christi Hooks, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Kleberg Bank are offering a unique and simple fundraising program.

Groups can sell 2015 Kleberg Bank College Classic tickets and keep half the proceeds!

Sam Houston State, Missouri and Purdue join the Islanders February 19-20-21-22 at Whataburger Field. The Bearkats and Islanders received votes in Collegiate Baseball’s preseason ranking of the Top 40 NCAA Division I teams.

Daily adult tickets are $10, $5 for children 4-12; organizations retain $5 and $2.50. To get your Kleberg Bank College Classic fundraiser started, contact Jeff Mackor of the Hooks ticket office at 361-561-HOOK (4665), or e-mail jmackor@cchooks.com

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The 2015 Kleberg Bank College Classic schedule:

Thursday, February 19
Missouri vs. Islanders, 6 p.m.

Friday, February 20
Sam Houston State vs. Missouri, 3 p.m.
Purdue vs. Islanders, 7 p.m.

Saturday, February 21
Sam Houston State vs. Purdue, 11 a.m.
Purdue vs. Sam Houston State, 3 p.m.
Missouri vs. Islanders, 7 p.m.

Sunday, February 22
Missouri vs. Purdue, 11 a.m.
Sam Houston State vs. Islanders, 3 p.m.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Corpus Christi Hooks. Click here to view the original story.

Local Charities to Benefit from Days of Giving

December 16, 2014

With the holiday season approaching the Chihuahuas are keeping with the holiday spirit, as they are proud to present the Days of Giving to take place starting today and will run through Dec. 23, benefiting six local charities.

Each charity is assigned a day in which the organization will receive 10% of the Chihuahuas net sales in the Chihuahuas Team Shop. In its inaugural season, the Chihuahuas raised more than $6,700 for local organizations.

The selected charities and days are as follows:

STARS – Tuesday, Dec. 16

Alzheimer’s Association – Wednesday, Dec. 17

YMCA – Thursday, Dec. 18

El Paso Border Youth Association – Friday, Dec. 19

Make-A-Wish North Texas – Saturday, Dec. 20

Salvation Army – Monday, Dec. 22

Armed Services YMCA– Tuesday, Dec. 23

The Chihuahuas Team Shop is located at Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza on the corner of Franklin Ave. and Durango St. The shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It is closed Sundays.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the El Paso Chihuahuas. Click here to view the original story.

Paws for Presents

November 20, 2014

El Paso Fire Department and the Chihuahuas Team Up for Toy Drive

The El Paso Fire Department and the El Paso Chihuahuas have teamed together to make the holiday season brighter for children as they proudly present “Paws for Presents”, a toy drive benefiting the Child Crisis Center.

The drive continues through Saturday, Dec. 13. The Chihuahuas and EPFD request all gifts be new and not gift wrapped for children up to the age of 13. The team will categorize and deliver to the Child Crisis Center.

“Being the recipient of these donated gifts allows us to provide Christmas for children that are most needy,” said Al Velarde, Executive Director of the Child Crisis Center. “Last year, our center was able to provide 740 gifts to children in the El Paso Community. Not only did we provide for the children and families we served, we were able to work with other non-profit organizations who had identified families that needed assistance during the holidays.”

The Child Crisis Center of El Paso protects children from abuse and neglect by providing shelter, advocacy, and family support services.

Donations can be dropped off at the 35 El Paso neighborhood fire stations or the Chihuahuas Team Shop located at 1 Ballpark Plaza on Durango St. The Team Shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The store is closed on Sundays.

“We hope our great community will join the El Paso Fire Department and the Chihuahuas in bringing gifts and joy to the local children this holiday season. Please participate,” said Chihuahuas general manager, Brad Taylor.

“The El Paso Fire Department and its membership are excited to partner up with the Chihuahuas for this worthwhile cause,” said Lieutenant James Schaerfl. “We hope the toy drive helps the Child Crisis Center bring joy to the lives of the children it serves during this Holiday Season. I’m positive that the community will give from their hearts and this event will be a great success.

For more information, call (915) 242-2025.

WHAT: “Paws for Presents”, a toy drive benefiting the Child Crisis Center. Toys must be new and unwrapped for children up to the age of 13.

WHEN: Now through Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014.

WHERE: El Paso Fire Department’s 35 stations and the El Paso Chihuahuas Team Shop on Durango.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the El Paso Chihuahuas. Click here to view the original story.

Hooks Earn Community Service Nomination

September 25, 2014

The Hooks have earned the Texas League’s nomination for the John H. Moss Community Service Award, presented annually to a minor league team for its commitment to charitable service and support within the community and baseball industry.

In 2014, the Hooks continued their long-standing community initiatives and took on new initiatives. Whataburger Youth Sports Day stood out as the newest addition. At every April and May Sunday game, youth baseball leagues from around South Texas received free game tickets and participated in a pre-game parade around the warning track. Over 4,100 tickets were distributed among eight organizations.

Some of the longer running programs that continued in 2014 included the Get Hooked on Reading program, the Stripes Diamond and the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet.

“One of the telling indicators of a club’s successful integration in their community is their commitment to good works,” Texas League President Tom Kayser said. “The breadth of the Hooks giving in the greater Corpus Christi area is stunning. With the willing cooperation of the Houston Astros, the Hooks have long been known to involve their players in a wide range of wonderful causes. Additionally, the Hooks and their staff have worked with a variety of causes, organizations and institutions that has resulted in wide ranging benefits to untold numbers of area residents.”

The team’s oldest initiative is the Get Hooked on Reading program, started in 2004 and sponsored by Flint Hills Resources, which encourages children in grades one through eight to read during the summer months. The Stripes Diamond gives youth teams a chance to play at Whataburger Field. Located beyond the center field fence, the diamond has hosted over 540 squads, including 36 in 2014.

The largest off-field baseball event in the Coastal Bend, the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet serves as the unofficial “first pitch” to high school baseball each winter. The event features recognition for high school baseball and softball players, college baseball players, pros and a lifetime achievement award recipient. Growing year after year, the annual dinner attracted over 700 attendees in 2014.

In addition to these community projects, the Hooks also participate in several fundraisers throughout the year, including AT&T Shirt off the Back Night and the Grande Grand Prize Game.

Shirt off the Back Night takes place during the final homestand of each season and postgame player jerseys are raffled off to fans, who receive one ticket upon entry with the opportunity to purchase more. The money raised from additional raffle ticket purchases is then distributed to a non-profit organization.

The Grand Prize Game, sponsored by Grande Communications, occurs once a month during the season. By purchasing a baseball for one dollar, fans have a chance to win or share $1,000 if they can chuck the ball into a wine barrel from the stands. Like Shirt off the Back Night, proceeds from this promotion also benefit a non-profit.

Each minor league may nominate one of its teams for the award and the nominees are then reviewed by the MiLB Awards Committee, with recommendations being presented to MiLB senior management for a final decision.

The community service award’s namesake, John H. Moss, founded the South Atlantic League in 1957 and served as its president for 50 years. The Grand Junction Rockies earned the inaugural honor last season.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Corpus Christi Hooks. Click here to view the original story.

Community Contributions Exceed $65,000 in 2014

August 20, 2014

RockHounds Release In-Season Cash Contributions

A Calling to Serve

RockHounds Announce Summer Donations to Local Charities

For more than four decades, the core commitment of the RockHounds franchise has been to provide West Texas families with fun and entertainment throughout the summer and offer a place for the community to gather in fellowship through the game of baseball.

This mission, however, is not restrained by the physical boundaries of Security Bank Ballpark. Rather, the impact of the organization is felt throughout the Permian Basin, as the franchise remains a vanguard of community stewardship in the region.

Since the RockHounds’ Opening Day (April 3), the team has donated more than $65,000 to local charities.

“At its core, our work is not only about baseball; it is about bringing families and friends together in a fun, safe, and entertaining atmosphere,” said RockHounds general manager Monty Hoppel. “Through our efforts in the Permian Basin, our goal is straightforward: we want to make a tangible, positive difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors.”

The Club has established strong partnerships with several prominent groups, such as the Y MCA, Unite d Way, Gifts of Hope, High Sky Children’s Ranch, and Big Brothers Big Sis ters of Midland. Additionally, the team incorporates new organizations into its philanthropy each year.

During the RockHounds’ regular season, the team hosts several annual events that benefit local charities and civic organizations. The highlight of these, for many, is the Summer Concert Series event, which brings a country music star to the ballpark for a live concert; past performances at Security Bank Ballpark have included Dierks Bentley, Eli Young Band, and Brad Paisley.

The chart below outlines the RockHounds’ primary cash contributions this summer; it does not include in-kind and other forms of charitable giving.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

RockHounds Summer Event Cash Contributions

Event (Charity) – Contribution
Eli Young Concert (YMCA) – $34,000
Victory Run (Gifts of Hope) – $10,000
Golf Tournament (Scott Seator Foundation) – $6,500
Gold Star/Military Appreciation Night (Permian Basin Honor Flight) – $4,200
RockHounds Scholarship Program (Permian Basin Graduating Seniors) – $4,000
Specialty Jersey Auctions (High Sky Children’s Ranch) – $2,000
Jersey Auctions / Dunk Tank (Nino Rodriguez Family) – $1,643
Matt Maher Concert (Permian Basin Mission Center) – $1,050
Miscellaneous Functions (Various) – $3,830

TOTAL ROCKHOUNDS IN-SEASON CASH CONTRIBUTIONS: $67,223

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

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

July 16, 2014

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

The 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.

Joining 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. 12^th 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

July 16, 2014

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

On 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 3^rd Calvary Regiment out of Fort Hood. The Anthem will be performed by country music artist Jenna McDaniel.

During 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.

Slugging ALS Night at Dell Diamond June 20

June 12, 2014

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

A 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.

Express 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 75^th 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.