Hooks Launch Auction Benefitting Hospitality and Tourism Employees

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Hooks are calling on the baseball community to support those in the hospitality, tourism and service industries through a game-worn jersey auction that began today.

A handful of select game-worn jerseys dating to 2014 will be sold at auction to benefit Visit Corpus Christi’s Visit CC Cares Program, which is designed to help employees in the hospitality, tourism and service industries who have experienced financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances. The Visit CC Cares Program recently launched the COVID-19 Coronavirus Hospitality Emergency Fund Campaign to provide one-time emergency funding to those directly impacted by the current pandemic.

“The hospitality, tourism and service industries have been dramatically impacted due to COVID-19,” said JD Davis, Hooks Director of Marketing. “When we started discussing ways our fans could make an impact through a jersey auction, Visit CC Cares was at the top of our list. It was important for us when deciding how to distribute the funds that through the Visit CC Cares Program, the donations go directly to the employees affected.”

Among the game-worn jerseys are Houston Astros players George Springer and Jose Urquidy (2019 Raspas), a signed Collin McHugh Coastal Bend jersey and a signed home Hooks jersey by current Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Colin Moran. A full list of available jerseys is below.

The auction is now live at cchooks.com/auction, closing Sunday, May 24 at 1 p.m. CT. Proceeds will directly support Visit CC Cares. A $9.95 domestic shipping and handling fee will apply.

Funds for the Visit CC Cares Program are raised through donations to the Corpus Christi CVB Heritage Society, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. Learn more about Visit CC Cares here.

GAME-WORN JERSEYS AVAILABLE AT AUCTION:

George Springer (2019 Raspas)

Jose Urquidy (2019 Raspas)

Seth Beer (2019 Raspas)

Cristian Javier (2019 Raspas)

Collin McHugh (2019 Coastal Bend, signed)

Willy Collado (2019 Coastal Bend, signed)

Ryan Engels (2019 Coastal Bend, signed)

Tim Lamonte (2019 Coastal Bend, signed)

Jake Meyers (2019 Dia de los Hooks)

Teoscar Hernández (2014 road gray, signed)

Colin Moran (2014 road gray, signed)

Doug Brocail (2014 road gray, signed)

Framber Valdez (2017 Christmas, signed)

Brandon Bailey (2019 pink, signed)

Granden Goetzman (2019 pink, signed)

Justin Ferrell (2019 pink, signed)

Bill Murphy (2018 pink, signed)

Omar Lopez (2018 Blue Ghosts)

Jorge De Leon (2014 home white)

Matt Heidenreich (2014 home white)

Round Rock Express to Honor Class of 2020 on Dell Diamond Marquee

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express and Dell Technologies want to tip their caps to the Class of 2020 through personalized messages on the outdoor marquee along Highway 79 at Dell Diamond. Fans are encouraged to submit names and photos of local high school graduates in the Class of 2020 to be featured by clicking here.

“Dell Diamond has been the home of countless milestone events for high school seniors over the years, including proms, graduation ceremonies, graduation parties and sports banquets. Our hearts go out to the seniors in the Class of 2020 that cannot experience these memories in the traditional sense, so with the help of Dell Technologies, we wanted to do something special for them,” Round Rock Express President Chris Almendarez said. “We look forward to sharing these messages not only with friends and family of the graduates, but with the thousands of people who pass by Dell Diamond along Highway 79 each day.”

The Round Rock Express graphic design team will create a personalized message of congratulations for each submission to be displayed on the Dell Diamond marquee on a date of the graduates’ choosing, free of charge. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25, messages will be displayed in alphabetical order by last name and will run for a minimum of 10 seconds each. The entire collection of messages for each day will run on a loop until 9:00 a.m. the following morning. A maximum of 100 messages can be displayed each day from Monday, May 25 until Friday, May 29. Additional days to honor more students will be added if demand allows.

Fans are encouraged to safely capture these moments from their vehicles in the Suite Lot at Dell Diamond and to tag the Round Rock Express when sharing on social media. The Express are asking for fans to submit the graduates’ name, high school and photo by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20 through this link. Please note, solo photos of the graduate only are preferred.

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

Round Rock Express to Donate Weekly Meal Kits to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are teaming up with RS3 Strategic Hospitality, Nolan Ryan Beef and the Nolan Ryan Foundation to donate weekly meal kits to doctors, nurses and hospital administrators at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center who are fighting the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic on the front lines.

The Express and RS3 Strategic Hospitality previously teamed up to provide family meal kits for purchase by the community through the Bullpen Bar by Dripping Springs Vodka at Dell Diamond. With the help of Nolan Ryan Beef and the Nolan Ryan Foundation, the program has expanded to include the donation of a minimum of five to ten meal kits per week to healthcare professionals through a partnership with St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center.

“We are proud to be able to assist some of our local heroes fighting the Coronavirus pandemic right here in Round Rock,” Express General Manager Tim Jackson said. “Our goal is to grow this program through additional community support so that we can help alleviate some of the stress of grocery shopping and meal preparation for our doctors, nurses and hospital administration staff.”

Donations are currently being accepted to help expand the meal kit program to even more frontline heroes. Through the help of the Nolan Ryan Foundation, businesses and individuals can purchase meal kits to be designated for donation to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center personnel when ordering online. Those interested in donating can do so by clicking here. The Express will work with St. David’s to identify healthcare professionals most in need of meal kits each week.

Prepared by RS3 Strategic Hospitality’s executive chefs at Dell Diamond, each meal kit comes complete with five unique meals with four servings each as well as several grocery staples, which may include paper towels, toilet paper, milk, bread, butter and more. Cooking and reheating instructions are also included in each kit.

Following the success of the family meal kit initiative in Round Rock, RS3 Strategic Hospitality teamed up with their partners at the Comerica Center in Frisco to offer meal kits to the North Texas community. RS3 Strategic Hospitality and Nolan Ryan Beef are proud to extend the program to include the donation of meal kits to doctors, nurses and staff at Medical City Healthcare in Frisco.

Public donations are also being accepted to assist healthcare heroes in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. More information on the meal kit program at Comerica Center and can be found by clicking here.

“Like so many of us throughout Texas, Nolan Ryan Beef wanted to give back to our local frontline heroes during this pandemic. We are honored to be able to assist in these donations,” Nolan Ryan Beef President and CEO Perry Coughlin said. “We hope that these donations can help ease some of the burdens faced by our healthcare professionals during this difficult time, and we encourage those in Central and North Texas with the means to donate to help us reach even more of these heroes.”

Just like in Round Rock, the meal kits in Frisco are prepared by RS3 Strategic Hospitality’s executive chefs at Comerica Center and include four servings of five unique meals as well as general groceries. The Comerica Center is home to the practice facility and executive offices for the National Hockey League’s Dallas Stars business and hockey operations, as well as a 6,000 seat arena that hosts the Texas Legends (NBA G League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks), concerts, family shows, corporate conferences and other sporting events. Dallas Stars staff will work in conjunction with Medical City Healthcare to identify healthcare professionals most in need of meal kits each week.

Led by Nolan, Reid and Reese Ryan and Don, Bret and Brad Sanders, Ryan Sanders Sports & Entertainment is the parent company of the Round Rock Express, RS3 Strategic Hospitality and Nolan Ryan Foundation as well as RS3 Events & Entertainment and RS3 Turf. For more information about the Ryan Sanders Sports & Entertainment family of companies, visit RS3Sports.com.

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

Round Rock Express Hosting Blood Donation Drive on May 14

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express and Brown Distributing, Central Texas’ local Anheuser-Busch distributor, are joining forces to host a blood drive to benefit We Are Blood on Thursday, May 14 inside the United Heritage Center at Dell Diamond. The drive will run from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and is by appointment only. Those wishing to donate can sign up by clicking here.

“We are grateful to the Round Rock Express and Brown Distributing for partnering with We Are Blood to host a mobile blood drive to collect critical donations at Dell Diamond,” We Are Blood Vice President of Community Engagement Nick Canedo said. “Blood donations collected at Dell Diamond are critical for patients in need at Central Texas hospitals. We are thrilled to see community partners like these joining together with generous blood donors to protect vulnerable Central Texans during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

As part of Anheuser-Busch and Budweiser’s initiative to host temporary blood donation drives at prominent sports venues across the country, the Express teamed up with Brown Distributing at the local level to share resources and benefit We Are Blood’s mission in Central Texas.

“Budweiser has been a part of American culture for generations and Brown Distributing wanted to do our part to help the people of Central Texas in a time when it’s needed most,” Brown Distributing Vice President Laurie Brown said. “Together with our many partners, we have worked as one team to extend our resources to support the surrounding areas that have been impacted as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, like blood supply.”

Additional safety measures have been implemented to protect both donors and staff. Scheduling an appointment in advance is mandatory and no walk-ins will be allowed. Donors must wait to arrive until their specified appointment time and wear a protective face covering. Donors must also agree to have their temperature checked at registration and again during their standard health pre-screen. We Are Blood staff will be providing hand sanitizer and enforcing social distancing policies during the blood drive at Dell Diamond.

“Dell Diamond has been a local landmark in Central Texas since 2000 and we are honored to be able to use our resources to help our community, especially during these difficult times. With the additional safety measures that We Are Blood has in place, we encourage those who are willing and able to donate on May 14,” Round Rock Express General Manager Tim Jackson said. “We want to thank Brown Distributing for helping us organize this donation drive to benefit the lifesaving work that We Are Blood is doing throughout our community.”

Please note, We Are Blood is unable to test for COVID-19 or COVID-19 antibodies. Diagnostic tests are unavailable to We Are Blood as they are currently administered by health officials and physicians. Antibody tests are also not available to We Are Blood at this time.

Anyone who is feeling unwell or has experienced any symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, or has cared for, lived with or otherwise had close contact with individuals diagnosed or suspected of having COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to attempt to donate. Those who have been diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 must refrain from donating for 28 days since their last symptom or potential exposure date.

We Are Blood is a nonprofit blood center that has been serving Central Texas since 1951. We Are Blood is the sole provider of blood donations to over 40 hospitals and clinics in Central Texas, including all St. David’s HealthCare locations. For more information on We Are Blood and to sign up for the May 14 blood drive at Dell Diamond, click here.

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

Round Rock Express Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are proud to join MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball in conjunction with Feeding America, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Express fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and select the Round Rock Express as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Central Texas Food Bank, the local affiliate of Feeding America. For every $10 donated, the Express will also donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“A core pillar of the Round Rock Express and Minor League Baseball is giving back to the community. Through MiLB’s CommUNITY First initiative, we look forward to making a difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout our region with donations to the Central Texas Food Bank,” Round Rock Express General Manager Tim Jackson said. “Especially during these uncertain times, it is more important than ever for all of us to come together as a community and support those in need.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

“In times of uncertainty, coming together to help others is crucial to the health, well-being and stability of our local communities,” Minor League Baseball President and CEO Pat O’Conner said. “With the support of our fans and through the Feeding America network of food banks, we want to do our part to continue the fight against hunger across America during this pandemic.”

In response, contributions from Express fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Fans can join the national campaign by donating and selecting Round Rock Express at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show support.

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

Read More:

Hooks Join MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Hooks are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball in conjunction with Feeding America, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hooks fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Corpus Christi Hooks as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Coastal Bend community. For every $10 donated, the Hooks will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“The MiLB CommUNITY First campaign is an excellent way to come together during this national crisis,” Hooks General Manager Wes Weigle said. “If able, please join us in the fight against hunger in our community by using this initiative to donate to the Coastal Bend Food Bank. I look forward to the day when we can once again rally at Whataburger Field to honor the achievements and sacrifices of our local heroes. Being able to gather at the ballpark will help us restore our way of life and hopefully begin to heal some of the wounds of this epidemic.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Hooks fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Corpus Christi Hooks at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

Chihuahuas, Bravos, Locomotive to Unify Borderplex

 

EL PASO – April 28, 2020 – The region’s three professional sports teams – El Paso Chihuahuas, El Paso Locomotive FC, and FC Juarez Bravos – announced today a plan to further unify the Borderplex community during the COVID-19 crisis.

The teams will turn on their respective stadium lights and videoboards as a symbolic gesture and to display messages to the binational region on Wednesday, April 29 and Wednesday, May 6 from 8-8:30 p.m.

The messages of strength, courage, and unity will be displayed on the videoboards at Southwest University Park and Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez in both English and Spanish. The same will also be broadcast live on each teams’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites.

“Sports has a unique way of bringing people from different backgrounds together under one banner to cheer for their team,” said MountainStar Sports Group President Alan Ledford. “In this case, and in our roles as the symbolic town squares for El Paso and Juarez, we are proud to use our status and work with the Bravos to provide this gesture of support during a challenging and unique time in our history. We all look forward to the time when we’re together again in our respective stadiums, but until then we appreciate the opportunity to do our part to bring the region together in a virtual manner.”

“Together, with strength and courage, we are united as one,” said FC Juarez President Guillermo Cantu. “By bringing the Bravos, Chihuahuas and Locomotive together, we can show the community we are united, and we look forward to the day we see our fans in our stadiums.”

Coupled with the unified messaging, the Chihuahuas, Locomotive and Bravos are asking fans to donate to the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank to help those directly impacted by COVID-19. The Foster Family Foundation & Hunt Family Foundation, via the MountainStar Sports Group Foundation, will match each dollar donated up to $1 million to assist the Food Bank. Every dollar donated feeds up to seven families.

While the region continues to practice social distancing, the Chihuahuas, Locomotive, and Bravos want the community to feel connected while in a time of isolation and show solidarity between the two cities. All three organizations encourage fans to wear their respective teams’ jerseys to show support for the effort and to hashtag: #StaySafeAtHome and #UnitedWeAreOne.

WHO: El Paso Chihuahuas, FC Juarez Bravos, El Paso Locomotive
WHAT: Series of messages to connect the Borderplex region in a time of COVID-19 crisis. Encourage support for and donations to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank.
WHEN: April 29 and May 6 from 8-8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Southwest University Park
Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez
Chihuahuas Social Media: @epchihuahuas
Bravos Social Media: @fcjuarezoficial
Locomotive Social Media: @eplocomotivefc
WHERE TO DONATE: El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (CLICK HERE)
__

EL PASO – 28 de abril de 2020 – Los tres equipos deportivos profesionales de la región – El Paso Chihuahuas, El Paso Locomotive FC y FC Juarez Bravos – anunciaron hoy un plan para unificar aún más a la comunidad Borderplex durante la crisis COVID-19.

Los equipos encenderán sus respectivas luces de estadio y pantallas LED gigantes como un gesto simbólico y mostrarán mensajes a la región binacional el miércoles 29 de abril y el miércoles 6 de mayo de 8 a 8:30 p.m.

Los mensajes de fortaleza, coraje y unidad se mostrarán en los tableros de video del Southwest University Park y el Estadio Olímpico Universitario Benito Juárez en inglés y español. También se transmitirá en vivo en los sitios de Facebook, Twitter e Instagram de cada equipo.

“El deporte tiene una forma única de reunir a personas de diferentes orígenes bajo una sola bandera para animar a su equipo,” dijo el presidente de MountainStar Sports Group, Alan Ledford. “En este caso, y en nuestro papel de plazas simbólicas para El Paso y Juárez, estamos orgullosos de utilizar nuestro estatus y trabajar con los Bravos para proporcionar este gesto de apoyo durante un momento desafiante y único en nuestra historia. Todos esperamos con ansias el momento en que volvamos a estar juntos en nuestros respectivos estadios, pero hasta que esto suceda apreciamos la oportunidad de hacer nuestra parte para unir a la región de manera virtual.”

“Juntos, con fuerza y coraje, estamos unidos como uno solo,” dijo el presidente del FC Juárez, Guillermo Cantú. “Al reunir a los Bravos, Chihuahuas y Locomotive, podemos mostrar a nuestra comunidad que estamos unidos y esperamos con ansias el día en que veamos a nuestros fanáticos de regreso a nuestros estadios.”

Junto con el mensaje unificado, Chihuahuas, Locomotive y Bravos están pidiendo a los fanáticos que donen al Banco de Alimentos de El Pasoans Fighting Hunger para ayudar a aquellos directamente afectados por COVID-19. Foster Family Foundation y Hunt Family Foundation, a través de MountainStar Sports Group Foundation, igualarán cada dólar donado hasta $ 1 millón para ayudar al Banco de Alimentos. Cada dólar donado alimenta hasta siete familias.

Mientras la región continúa practicando el distanciamiento social, los equipos deportivos Chihuahuas, Locomotive y Bravos quieren que la comunidad se sienta conectada en un momento de aislamiento y muestren solidaridad entre las dos ciudades. Las tres organizaciones alientan a los fanáticos a usar las camisetas de sus respectivos equipos para mostrar su apoyo al esfuerzo y para etiquetar: #StaySafeAtHome y #UnitedWeAreOne.

QUIEN: Chihuahuas de El Paso, FC Juárez Bravos, Locomotive de El Paso
QUÉ: Serie de mensajes para conectar la región de Borderplex en un momento de crisis por el COVID-19. Fomentar el apoyo y donaciones al Banco de Alimentos de El Pasoans Fighting Hunger.
CUANDO: 29 de abril y 6 de mayo de 8 a 8:30 p.m.
DONDE: Southwest University Park
Estadio Olímpico Universitario Benito Juárez
Chihuahuas Social Media: @epchihuahuas
Bravos Social Media: @fcjuarezoficial
Redes sociales de locomotoras: @eplocomotivefc
DONDE DONAR: El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (HAGA CLIC AQUÍ)

 

Sod Poodles To Host 2020 Team Mascot Auditions

 

Along with National Anthem auditions, the Amarillo Sod Poodles will also be hosting public team mascot auditions for the 2020 season on Saturday, March 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at HODGETOWN.

Individuals auditioning for the mascot position must be between five-foot-six and five-foot-eleven inches in height for the costume fit (please wear workout-type or athletic attire). Mascot experience with a high school, college and/or a sports team is preferred.

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

Walk-up auditions on Saturday, March 14 are welcome but are not guaranteed and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis, as time permits. To ensure a slot, contacting ahead of time is recommended since time slots are also limited.

All participants for both the Mascot and National Anthem auditions 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 2020 home opener at HODGETOWN on Thursday, April 16 against the Arkansas Travelers (Seattle Mariners Double-A affiliate) for a three-game set. First pitch for the 2020 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].

National Anthem Auditions at Whataburger Field Next Week

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – Here’s your chance to show you’ve got the voice to sing the National Anthem in front of up to 8,000 fans at Whataburger Field this season!
National Anthem auditions are planned for Thursday, March 5 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Whataburger Field. Tryouts will be held on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please use the CITGO Cotton Club entrance to register upon arrival.

Auditions are free of charge and open to all ages. Instrumental musicians are welcome.
RSVP on the Hooks’ Facebook event page for updates. Contact Amy Johnson at [email protected] with any questions.

 

2020 High School Schedule

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – The full slate of games at Whataburger Field featuring high school baseball teams from the Coastal Bend region was announced Monday.
A total of 14 games are on tap for area schools playing at the home of the Corpus Christi Hooks, including Veterans Memorial (No. 2 in 5A) and reigning TAPPS state semifinalist Incarnate Word Academy as highlights on the schedule.

Tickets for all games are priced at $6.50 for adults, $3.50 for students and free for children under four. Parking at the stadium will be $5.
High school general admission seating goes on sale at the Whataburger Field Box Office each game date at 9 a.m. Make gameday purchases by phone at 361-561-HOOK (4665).

2020 Whataburger Field High School Schedule
Monday, Feb. 24 Odem vs. West Oso, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 25 Tuloso-Midway vs. Kingsville, 7 p.m.
Monday, March 2 Aransas Pass vs. Ingleside, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 3 Moody vs. Miller, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 10 Ingleside vs. Rockport-Fulton, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 17 Beeville (A.C. Jones) vs. Ingleside, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 18 John Paul II vs. Incarnate Word Academy, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 20 John Paul II vs. Gregory-Portland, 7 p.m.
Monday, March 23 Ray vs. Carroll, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 24 King vs. Veterans Memorial, 6 p.m.
Friday, March 27 Miller vs. Carroll, 5:30 p.m. | Moody vs. King, 8 p.m.
Monday, March 30 Laredo-Martin vs. Alice, 5:30 p.m. | Veterans Memorial vs. Ray, 8 p.m.

 

Sod Poodles To Host 2020 National Anthem Auditions

The Amarillo Sod Poodles will be hosting public auditions for National Anthem performances for the team’s sequel season on Saturday, March14 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 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 2020 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. Many other individuals will be given opportunities to perform on additional game dates during the season. All participants will be contacted privately following the event.

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 Sam Wilson at [email protected].

Walk-up auditions on Saturday, March 14 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 2020 home opener at HODGETOWN on Thursday, April 16 against the Arkansas Travelers (Seattle Mariners Double-A affiliate) for a three-game set. First pitch for the 2020 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].

 

Sod Poodles Announce Reading Program Presented by Kumon

The Amarillo Sod Poodles announced today the launch of their brand-new reading program presented by Kumon Math and Reading Center of Amarillo.

The program’s mission is to help promote literacy and education among local Amarillo and Canyon students by providing incentives when they reach specific goals. The program is completely free for participating schools and is set to impact approximately 9,000 students in Amarillo and Canyon school districts in levels K-7.

“The Sod Poodles are committed to making a continued positive impact in our great community,” said Tony Ensor, President and General Manager of the Sod Poodles. “We are excited and proud to launch this motivating and fun program heading into our sequel season to promote lifelong reading and education to the future leaders of this community.”

“Kumon Math and Reading Center of Amarillo is proud to announce our new partnership with the Amarillo Sod Poodles, who share our mission to help children succeed in life!” said Vibha Patel, owner of Kumon Math and Reading Center of Amarillo. “This is a new, multi-year marketing partnership between the world’s largest after-school learning program and the first-ever Sod Poodles Reading Program. In addition to enhancing math and reading skills, Kumon helps children gain confidence and improve critical thinking skills that are essential to succeed inside and outside of the classroom. This partnership provides a unique opportunity to reach children of all ages and emphasize the importance of learning and reading through sports. By providing a fun goal for our children, reading can be made easy for the whole family and increase reading fluency by just reading 10 minutes a night! We want to encourage our children to see a whole new world through books!”

“We look forward to partnering with the Sod Poodles on this reading incentive program,” said Denise Blanchard, AISD Program Director for Community Partnerships. “The ability to read and read well is imperative to the success of our students.”

Intended as a five-week program, students are encouraged to “complete a game” by reading nine books that are appropriate to their particular level of reading comprehension.

Like a baseball game, the program is divided into a nine-inning format. For every book a student finishes, they complete an inning. After the first three innings are completed and he/she moves on to innings four through eight, the students earn incentives from program sponsors including Whataburger, Cinergy, McDonald’s, Sonic, and Gatti’s.

After a student finishes the ninth (final) inning, they receive a free voucher for a Sod Poodles game and are entered in a drawing to win a prize on behalf of Kumon Math and Reading Center of Amarillo.

All materials for the free reading program will be provided and delivered to schools by the Amarillo Sod Poodles. The program is scheduled to run from March 2 to April 3.

To kick off the program, Sod Poodles team mascot RUCKUS will be attending school assemblies to promote the program and get students excited.

For information on how to be a part of next year’s Sod Poodles reading program presented by Kumon, call the front office at 806-803-7762 or email [email protected]. The Sod Poodles host their 2020 home opener at HODGETOWN on Thursday, April 16 against the Arkansas Travelers (Seattle Mariners Double-A affiliate) for a three-game set. First pitch for the 2020 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].

 

Round Rock Express Release 2020 Community Awareness Nights

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are proud to host 13 unique community awareness nights and drives during the 2020 season, the team announced on Wednesday morning. During Round Rock’s promotional rollout for the upcoming season, the Express also announced the return of Pints & Pups and Round Rock Chupacabras, as part of Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión campaign, which will each take place once a month at Dell Diamond.

The Express kick off their 2020 community awareness nights schedule with Deaf Awareness Night, benefiting the Texas School for the Deaf on Wednesday, April 22 at 7:05 p.m. against the Omaha Storm Chasers (Kansas City Royals affiliate).

On Sunday, April 26, the team will host a book drive to benefit Carver Elementary School during the 1:05 p.m. game against the Iowa Cubs (Chicago Cubs affiliate).

A day later, on Monday, April 27, the Express will host a special 11:35 a.m. Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Day benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Round Rock’s annual Cancer Awareness Day is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. on Sunday, May 17 against the San Antonio Missions (Milwaukee Brewers affiliate). St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will be both the presenting sponsor and beneficiary on the special afternoon when the team honors all those impacted by cancer.

On Monday, May 18, the Express will host a backpack drive to benefit Foster Angels of Central Texas during the 7:05 p.m. game against San Antonio.

Next up, on Wednesday, June 3, Round Rock will host its inaugural Diabetes Awareness Night, benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, during the team’s 7:05 p.m. game against the Nashville Sounds (Texas Rangers affiliate).

On Sunday, June 7, the E-Train will hold a toy drive to benefit the Salvation Army during the 6:05 p.m. game against Nashville.

Autism Awareness Night, benefiting the Autism Society of Texas, returns to Dell Diamond on Wednesday, June 17 for the 7:05 p.m. game against the Las Vegas Aviators (Oakland Athletics affiliate).

The Express will be accepting donations of school supplies to benefit the Round Rock ISD Partners in Education Foundation on Sunday, July 5 against the Oklahoma City Dodgers (Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate).

Round Rock’s first-ever Cerebral Palsy Awareness Night is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5 at 7:05 p.m. The night will benefit Cerebral Palsy Awareness Transition Hope during the game against the El Paso Chihuahuas (San Diego Padres affiliate).

On Thursday, August 20, the Express are teaming up with Texas Humane Heroes to hold a pet supply drive during the 7:05 p.m. game against Oklahoma City.

Later that month, Round Rock will host Alzheimer’s Awareness Night to benefit Alzheimer’s Texas on Monday, August 31 at 7:05 p.m. as the Memphis Redbirds (St. Louis Cardinals affiliate) come to town.

Finally, during the last home game of the season on Monday, September 7 against the Missions, the Express will hold a children’s coat drive benefiting Coats for Kids, presented by the Junior League of Austin. Fans who donate a coat will receive a general admission outfield lawn ticket to that day’s game.

Fans who donate to one of Round Rock’s other five drives throughout the season will receive a voucher for two reserved tickets to a future Sunday-Thursday regular-season game in 2020, subject to availability and some exclusions apply.

A full list of Round Rock’s community awareness nights and drives is below:

 Date Game Time Opponent Community Awareness Night or Drive
April 22 7:05 p.m. Omaha Storm Chasers
(Kansas City Royals affiliate)		 Deaf Awareness Night

benefiting the Texas School for the Deaf
April 26 1:05 p.m. Iowa Cubs
(Chicago Cubs affiliate)		 Book Drive

benefiting Carver Elementary School
April 27 11:35 a.m. Iowa Cubs
(Chicago Cubs affiliate)		 Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Day

benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Society
May 17 1:05 p.m. San Antonio Missions
(Milwaukee Brewers affiliate)		 Cancer Awareness Day

benefiting and presented by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
May 18 7:05 p.m. San Antonio Missions
(Milwaukee Brewers affiliate)		 Backpack Drive

benefiting Foster Angels of Central Texas
June 3 7:05 p.m. Nashville Sounds
(Texas Rangers affiliate)		 Diabetes Awareness Night

benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
June 7 6:05 p.m. Nashville Sounds

(Texas Rangers affiliate)

 Toy Drive

benefiting the Salvation Army
June 17 7:05 p.m. Las Vegas Aviators

(Oakland Athletics affiliate)

 Autism Awareness Night

benefiting the Autism Society of Texas
July 5 6:05 p.m. Oklahoma City Dodgers

(Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate)

 School Supply Drive

benefiting Round Rock ISD Partners in Education
August 5 7:05 p.m. El Paso Chihuahuas

(San Diego Padres affiliate)

 Cerebral Palsy Awareness Night

benefiting Cerebral Palsy Awareness Transition Hope
August 20 7:05 p.m. Oklahoma City Dodgers
(Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate)		 Pet Supply Drive

benefiting Texas Humane Heroes
August 31 7:05 p.m. Memphis Redbirds

(St. Louis Cardinals affiliate)

 Alzheimer’s Awareness Night

benefiting Alzheimer’s Texas
September 7 11:35 a.m. San Antonio Missions

(Milwaukee Brewers affiliate)

 Children’s Coat Drive

benefiting Coats for Kids
presented by the Junior League of Austin

Once a month in 2020, Dell Diamond is going to the dogs! Fans are invited to bring their dogs to the ballpark for Pints & Pups night, presented by Supercuts, on April 23, May 7, June 4, July 16, August 20 and September 3. Each event coincides with discounted draft beer specials as part of Firetrol Protection System’s The Original Thirsty Thursday. Back in 2020, The Original Thirsty Thursday features 24 oz. domestic beers for $5 as well as 24 oz. craft beers for $6.

As part of Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión campaign, the Round Rock Chupacabras are set to make six appearances throughout the season. The Express will transform into the Chupacabras on April 26, May 5, June 18, July 19, August 7 and September 4. For more information on Round Rock’s fearsome alter ego, visit RRChupacabras.com.

The full list of Pints & Pups as well as Round Rock Chupacabras dates are below:

Date Game Time Opponent Event
April 23 7:05 p.m. Omaha Storm Chasers (Kansas City Royals affiliate) Pints & Pups
April 26 1:05 p.m. Iowa Cubs (Chicago Cubs affiliate) Round Rock Chupacabras
May 5 7:05 p.m. Memphis Redbirds (St. Louis Cardinals affiliate) Round Rock Chupacabras
May 7 7:05 p.m. Memphis Redbirds (St. Louis Cardinals affiliate) Pints & Pups
June 4 7:05 p.m. Nashville Sounds (Texas Rangers affiliate) Pints & Pups
June 18 7:05 p.m. Las Vegas Aviators (Oakland Athletics affiliate) Round Rock Chupacabras
July 16 7:05 p.m. Iowa Cubs (Chicago Cubs affiliate) Pints & Pups
July 19 6:05 p.m. Iowa Cubs (Chicago Cubs affiliate) Round Rock Chupacabras
August 7 7:05 p.m. El Paso Chihuahuas (San Diego Padres affiliate) Round Rock Chupacabras
August 20 7:05 p.m. Oklahoma City Dodgers (Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate) Pints & Pups
September 3 7:05 p.m. Memphis Redbirds (St. Louis Cardinals affiliate) Pints & Pups
September 4 7:05 p.m. San Antonio Missions (Milwaukee Brewers affiliate) Round Rock Chupacabras

Fans can now purchase tickets to each of the 23 dates featuring a community awareness night or drive, Pints & Pups event or Round Rock Chupacabras appearance online at RRExpress.com.

Round Rock’s promotional rollout continues on Thursday, February 13 with the announcement of nearly two dozen Express theme nights, then concludes with the unveiling of nightly promotions that fans can enjoy during each Express home game in 2020. Corresponding groups of single game tickets will be on sale each day during the promotional rollout.

Single game ticket pricing for the 2020 season is as follows:

Ticket Type Sections Advanced Purchase* Day-of-Game Purchase*
Diamond Reserved 114-124, Rows 1-10 and Section 119 Starting at $20.00 Starting at $22.00
Infield Reserved 114-124, Rows 11 & up Starting at $18.00 Starting at $20.00
Reserved 110-113, 125-128 Starting at $16.00 Starting at $18.00
Home Run Porch 206-209 Starting at $12.00 Starting at $14.00
Lawn General Admission Starting at $9.00 Starting at $10.00
Rockers Under Home Run Porch Starting at $20.00 Starting at $22.00
4 Topps Top of Section 123 Starting at $120.00** Starting at $120.00**

* plus tax                             ** includes seating for four

The Express kick off the 2020 season on Thursday, April 9 against the newest member of the Pacific Coast League, the Wichita Wind Surge (Miami Marlins affiliate) at 7:05 p.m. at Dell Diamond. Select single game tickets as well as full season and mini season membership plans are on sale now. For more information on the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Elmore Sports Group, Bowie State University Form Partnership to Promote Diversity in Minor League Baseball

 

San Antonio – The Elmore Sports Group, owners of the San Antonio Missions, have partnered with Bowie State University to diversify the front office staffs of its teams. The partnership is the first of its kind for Maryland’s oldest historically black university and is designed to create a college-to-career pipeline for students with an interest in a career in sport management.

Two seniors in Bowie State’s sport management program landed paid, nine-month internships with the Elmore Sports Group, which are providing them with valuable hands-on experience in their field. Dionte Johnson is a sales and game-day operations intern with the Missions while Danielle Lang has been hired as a sales/social media intern with the Inland Empire 66ers in San Bernardino, California.

“I want to own a sports facility, so starting at the bottom will teach me how everything operates, and once I know how to operate the building, I’ll be able to own the building,” said Johnson. “I’ll work my way up. Stadium operations is what I want to do. Working here gives me the opportunity to learn.”

Elmore Sports Group, a family-owned company that owns several Minor League Baseball teams and other sports clubs, has a track record of hiring collegiate interns as full-time employees. The company anticipates hosting more Bowie State interns who are ready to turn their classroom knowledge into real-world experience.

“I’d like to be able to have jobs set for our graduates in the industry, and the new relationship with Elmore Sports Group is definitely leading us in that direction,” said Dr. Joseph Spears, coordinator of Bowie State’s sport management program. “We are looking forward to working with the Elmore Sports Group over the long term in the recruiting, retention and preparation of our students.”

All Bowie State sport management students complete full-semester internships for credits during the final semester of their senior year to complete the bachelor’s degree program; in fact, about 15 students are working in industry internships each semester. While many of the graduates do find successful careers in sport management, partnerships, like the budding relationship with Elmore Sports Group, will smooth the transition for students looking to enter the field directly after graduation.

“The Elmore Sports Group is proud to partner with a great institution like Bowie State,” said DG Elmore, president of Elmore Sports Group. “Bowie State has a history of producing outstanding students who are ready to make an impact in the world of sports management. As MiLB and Elmore Sports Group seek to build diversity into the front office of Minor League teams, we hope that this partnership serves as a model for other clubs.”

 

About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.

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

Missions to Host Job Fair on Saturday, February 15

 

San Antonio – The San Antonio Missions and their catering service, Diamond Creations, will host a job fair on Saturday, February 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Nelson Wolff Stadium.

The Missions are looking to fill numerous 2020 seasonal positions in the following categories: bat boys/clubhouse attendants (ages 16-20 only), ticket office employees, production team members (film crew/camera operators), game operations crew, team store associates, seasonal grounds crew assistant, fun zone attendants, parking attendants, receptionists, hosts, and hostesses.

The club will also be looking to hire a Clubhouse Assistant (ages 18-25). This person is responsible for assisting the Clubhouse Manager with set up and cleaning of the clubhouse and dugout on a daily basis when the Missions are in town. This includes assisting with laundry, errands, and special requests from the players, transport of the team to and from the hotel, and coordinating equipment transfers to and from the airport.

The facilities team is hiring cleaning crew members for both their day crew (4 p.m.-12 a.m.) and their overnight crew (10 p.m.-6 a.m.).

Diamond Creations will be taking applications for the following hourly positions: concession stand attendants/cashiers, cooks, dishwashers, kitchen preparation staff, picnic area attendants, runners, suite/patio servers and warehouse. Please have your ID, SS card, TABC and Food Handlers Card ready when interviewing.

All interested candidates can apply at the Missions’ Administrative Office on the first base side of Wolff Stadium. Please enter the stadium on the first base/Hwy 90 side.

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