Tarpons to Host “Back to School Splash” on Saturday, August 4th

Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons will host a “Back to School Splash” on Saturday, August 4th. The first 1,000 kids (14-and-under) will receive a free Tampa Tarpons drawstring backpack.

Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and the Tarpons will battle the Lakeland Flying Tigers beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Select Tarpons players will be signing autographs on the concourse from 5:40-6:00 p.m. The event will also feature a dunk tank and an inflatable obstacle course. After the game, fans are invited to stay for a fireworks show.

Saturday will also be a “Salute to Service Members Saturday.” All former and active military members will receive a free upper reserved ticket by presenting a valid I.D.

A Friends & Family 4-Pack ticket offer is also available to fans. The deal includes four lower reserved tickets and four Tarpons hats for $24. This offer is only good for the game on August 4th and may only be purchased online at TarponsBaseball.com.

To purchase tickets for the “Back to School Splash”, fans can visit the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office or go online to TarponsBaseball.com. Tickets start at $5 for upper reserved seating, $8 for lower reserved seating, and parking is always free.

The Tampa Tarpons are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information about the Tampa Tarpons, call (813) 673-3055 or visit TarponsBaseball.com.

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

Fireflies and BUSH’S Beans Are Teaming Up Against Hunger

COLUMBIA, S.C. & KNOXVILLE, TENN. – The Columbia Fireflies today announced they are partnering with BUSH’S® Beans and Harvest Hope Food Bank to “Team Up Against Hunger.” In its second year, this program encourages fans to bring non-perishable food donations to Spirit Communications Park for the game on Tuesday, July 31 at 7:05pm vs. the West Virginia Power (Pittsburgh Pirates). In turn, fans who donate two cans will receive buy one, get one free Palmetto Citizens FCU All-Star seats for that game in recognition of helping to feed the local community through Harvest Hope Food Bank. Ninety Minor League Baseball™(MiLB) clubs across the country will “Team Up Against Hunger” throughout the month of July. The month is significant as it marks the middle of summer break and a crucial time when millions of children are not receiving free or reduced-price meals at their schools as they do when school is in session.

“We are honored to partner with BUSH’S Beans and Harvest Hope Food Bank to bring the issue of hunger to light using our MiLB platform,” said John Katz, Fireflies team president. “This is one great way to bring the community together to show that we are united in the fight against hunger in our hometown.”

“As a family-owned food company, it is important to everyone at BUSH’S to help hungry families,” said Mike Morris, consumer experience manager at Bush Brothers & Co. “Working with Minor League Baseball and communities nationwide helps bring attention and action to a very important topic – beating hunger.”

Individual game tickets for the 2018 season can be purchased at the Fireflies box office, over the phone at 803-726-HITS, or online at FirefliesTickets.com.

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About the Columbia Fireflies

The Columbia Fireflies are the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Winners of Ballpark Digest’s Best New Branding and Logo Award in 2016, the Fireflies play games across the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, including against in-state rivals in Charleston and Greenville. The team partnered with the city of Columbia and Hughes Development to construct Spirit Communications Park, a multi-use outdoor sports and entertainment venue at the center of the BullStreet District. The Columbia Fireflies are owned by Hardball Capital, owners of the Fort Wayne TinCaps of the Midwest League and the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern League. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaFireflies.com, or follow the Fireflies on Twitter (@ColaFireflies), Facebook (facebook.com/columbiafireflies) and all popular social media platforms.

About Spirit Communications Park

Spirit Communications Park, the 2016 Ballpark Digest Ballpark of the Year, is a 365-day per year multi-use sports and entertainment venue located in the heart of downtown Columbia, South Carolina. Spirit Communications Park is the home ballpark for the Columbia Fireflies, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Designed for baseball, concerts, football, soccer and a host of other activities, the venue seats approximately 9,000 for sporting events and up to 15,000 for major outdoor concerts. With 16 luxury suites and a 7,000 square-foot Club Level Lounge, Spirit Communications Park also hosts everything from business meetings to wedding receptions, and everything in between. The venue is open 365 days a year and serves as a public park, with a wrap-around concourse representing 1/3 of a mile for walkers and joggers. For more information, visit www.SpiritCommunicationsPark.com.

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 2017, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.8 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 MiLB.com. Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About BUSH’S Beans

BUSH’S® Beans are “The Official Beans of Minor League Baseball™.” BUSH’S® is all about family, friends that feel like family, and a certain Secret Family Recipe. When you enjoy our beans (doesn’t matter if they’re Baked Beans, black beans, pinto beans, great northern beans…you get the picture), you can trust that they’re the very best. Because we wouldn’t serve your family anything less. Since we got our start more than 100 years ago in Chestnut Hill, Tenn., BUSH’S® has always maintained that quality is the best policy. We pursue excellence and exceptional taste in our beans, sauces and everything we do. That’s why, from mouthwatering Baked Beans to satisfying bean recipes, you’re cooking up the best with BUSH’S BEST®. For more information, visit www.bushsbeans.com, like them on Facebook or follow BUSH’S® Beans on Instagram and Twitter.

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

Shorebirds to Hold Collection for Brooke’s Toy Closet

SALISBURY, Md. — The Delmarva Shorebirds are proud to partner with Market Street Inn and MoJo’s again in 2018 to hold a toy drive to benefit Brooke’s Toy Closet at The Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

Brooke’s Toy Closet was started in 2014 by Brooke Mulford, a local girl who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer, in January of 2009, when she was four years old. Brooke, unfortunately, lost her battle with cancer in June of 2017. Brooke’s Toy Closet is a special cabinet filled with toys, coloring books and other goodies that PRMC’s Emergency Department and Pediatrics Unit can give to children who are hospitalized. The recipients of these gifts will be able to use them when they’re in the hospital, and take them home to enjoy when they are feeling better.

The toy drive will be held on Saturday, July 21st when the Shorebirds host their annual Christmas in July game at 7:05 PM against the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Gates will open at 4:00 PM so that fans can watch the Shorebirds and Grasshoppers take batting practice. The Shorebirds will be holding the collection in the Fun Zone outside the main gates of Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Those who make a donation will receive a ticket voucher to a future 2018 Shorebirds home game, a $5 gift card to Market Street or MoJo’s, an entry in a raffle to win another $50 gift card to each restaurant, and other prizes. The Shorebirds will accept new unwrapped toys, activity books, and other children’s toy items.

If you can’t make it to the Shorebirds game on July 21st, starting on July 1st, you can drop off your donated toys at Market Street Inn at 130 W Market Street in Salisbury.

That night’s game will also feature the Shorebirds wearing special Christmas-themed jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit the Shorebirds Fly Together Fund and a postgame Q105 fireworks show presented by MoJo’s and Market Street Inn.

For more information on the toy drive, contact the Shorebirds at 410-219-3112.

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

CT Tigers Announce ‘Hit The Books’ Summer Reading Program

The Connecticut Tigers are pleased to announce their 2018 ‘Hit the Books’ Summer Reading Program.

So what is ‘Hit The Books’ all about? The Connecticut Tigers and Liberty Bank believe reading is essential for children all year long so they are rewarding kids for reading during the summer time.

‘Hit the Books’ is a program designed to maintain children’s reading skills throughout the summer. Any student who reads four (4) books between June 1st and August 1st will be given a FREE ticket to the Connecticut Tigers regular season home game on Sunday, August 12.
CLICK HERE to download a ‘Hit The Books’ entry form.
Here’s how kids can qualify:
* Any student from kindergarten through 8th grade may submit (1) entry
* Read four (4) books between June 1 and August 1
* Complete the reading log and mail it back with a self-addressed stamped envelope to the CT Tigers by August 1st. Be sure to include an email address on the form because all notifications will be sent via email.
* Upon receipt, the Connecticut Tigers will mail the student a FREE Connecticut Tigers ticket to the home game on August 12
* Bring your free ticket to Dodd Stadium on August 12 to enjoy the family-fun environment of Tigers baseball
* All participating students will have the opportunity to be a part of the “Hit the Books’ celebration at Dodd Stadium on August 12 when they will be recognized on the field pregame for their efforts.
Any questions? Please contact the Connecticut Tigers over the phone at (860) 887-7962 or via email at info@cttigers.com.

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

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Shorebirds Summer Reading Program Begins

SALISBURY, Md. — The Delmarva Shorebirds are happy to partner with McDonald’s® Restaurants of Eastern Shore through the Shorebirds Summer Reading Program in 2018.

The Shorebirds Summer Reading Program provides incentives for over 10,000 children to participate in their local libraries’ summer reading programs. This summer, the Shorebirds and McDonald’s are partnering with over 25 public libraries by offering complimentary tickets and other offers that can be used as rewards or incentives with their existing Summer Reading Programs.

The Shorebirds will be making several trips to libraries on the Eastern Shore where Shorebirds players and/or Sherman will read to kids and talk to them about the importance of reading.

Youth that reach their reading incentives in Delaware and Virginia will be invited out to the Shorebirds game on Sunday, August 5th against the Charleston RiverDogs while participating youth in Maryland will be invited to the Shorebirds game against the Rome Braves on Sunday, August 19th.

“We know learning never stops, and providing kids an incentive to read more over the summer break will better prepare students for classes in the fall,” local McDonald’s owner/operator Tiffany Beach said. “The Shorebirds Summer Reading Program is an exciting way to encourage continuous learning and reward kids for their efforts. We are so happy to be a part of the program in 2018.”

“The Shorebirds are excited to partner with McDonald’s through our Summer Reading Program. We really believe that with the incentives that are provided by the Shorebirds and McDonald’s, along with visits from Shorebirds players and Sherman, that the children will not only realize that reading is important but also have fun in doing so,” said Chris Bitters, General Manager.

Here is the list of the appearances that have been booked so far:

June 27th-Frankford Library-2:00 PM
July 18th-Snow Hill Library-2:00 PM
July 25th-Crisfield Library-10:30 AM
August 1st-Wicomico Library-10:30 AM
August 6th-Millsboro Library-11:00 AM
August 16th-Talbot County Library-10:30 AM

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

OBI All-American Blood Drive Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and Oklahoma Blood Institute team up to host the annual All-American Blood Drive from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

 

The All-American Blood Drive is held each summer at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to help boost the supply of blood available in the state of Oklahoma in preparation for the upcoming Independence Day weekend, as holidays often put stress on the area’s blood reserve.

All healthy adults age 16* and older who donate blood during the drive will receive two tickets to an upcoming 2018 OKC Dodgers game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Their choice of games includes the Dodgers’ July 4 game against the Round Rock Express.

First-time donors will be entered into a raffle for a VIP experience with the OKC Dodgers, including four all-inclusive club tickets.

 

“The All-American Blood Drive plays a vital role in helping maintain our state’s blood supply during a busy time of year,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “We had a record turnout for last year’s blood drive and hope to match those numbers Saturday. As a thank you for their generosity, we want to treat everyone who donates to an OKC Dodgers game this season.”

Hot dogs will be served throughout the blood drive and free parking will be available for donors Saturday in the Joe Carter Lot, located just east of the ballpark at the corner of East Reno Avenue and Joe Carter Avenue. A golf cart will be available to shuttle donors back to the parking lot from the donation site along South Mickey Mantle Drive.

 

Oklahoma Blood Institute is the ninth-largest non-profit blood center in America and employs nearly 700 Oklahomans. OBI works with an estimated 1,000 volunteers and 2,600 blood drive coordinators. OBI donors provide blood utilized in more than 160 medical facilities in Oklahoma.

 

The Dodgers open a four-game home series Monday, June 25 against the Nashville Sounds at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The series continues with 7:05 p.m. games Tuesday and Wednesday. The four-game set against Nashville then wraps up with a 7:05 p.m. game on a $2 Thursday June 28, featuring $2 Pepsi products, bottled water and select beer.

 

Tickets are available through the OKC Dodgers ticket office located on South Mickey Mantle Drive, by phone at (405) 218-2182, or by visiting okcdodgers.com.

 

*Donors age 16 must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission. Donors age 17 must weigh at least 125 pounds, while donors age 18 must weigh at least 110 pounds.

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

P-Nats to Host Military Appreciation Night with Camo Koozie Giveaway on Saturday, June 16th

Woodbridge, VA– The Potomac Nationals are proud to host Military Appreciation Night, presented by Honor Brewing, at Northwest Federal Field at Pfitzner Stadium on Saturday, June 16th. It will be the second game of a four-game series against the Buies Creek Astros (Houston).

Complimentary tickets for active and retired military members and their families will be available in advance of Military Appreciation Night, but tickets must be secured before the game at various locations around Woodbridge and in Northern Virginia.

For free tickets in advance of Military Appreciation Night, active and retired military members are encouraged to contact Potomac Nationals Ticket Operations Manager, Matt LeBlanc, at 703-590-2311 ext. 225 or via e-mail at mleblanc@potomacnationals.com.

The P-Nats will wear their Military Appreciation Jerseys during their game against Buies Creek. The jerseys are presented by Reality Realty, and are worn to recognize the local military members and their families to thank them for all that they do for our country. These jerseys will be auctioned off on the final Sunday home game of the season to benefit various military-based charities.

The first 2,000 fans through the gates on Saturday night will receive a Camo Koozie, presented by Virginia Department of Social Services: Virginia Birth Father Registry.

Saturday, June 16th is also Orthopedic Night, presented by Sentara. Fans can stop by Sentara’s table on the main concourse and look out for their t-shirt giveaway during the game.

As a part of another Super Saturday, fans can watch the best fireworks show in the area, presented by Floor & Decor and WTOP.

After the fireworks, kids will have a chance to participate in Kids Run the Bases, presented by Glory Days Grill.

First pitch between the P-Nats and the Buies Creek Astros is at 6:35pm. Gates to the ballpark will open at 5:00pm.

For more information on 2018 Potomac Nationals single game tickets, please contact Director of Season Ticket and Group Ticket Sales, Alec Manriquez, by phone at 703-590-2311, ext. 221, or via e-mail at amanriquez@potomacnationals.com. Fans with questions may also contact Potomac Nationals’ Ticket Operations Manager, Matt LeBlanc, by phone at 703-590-2311, ext. 225, or via e-mail at mleblanc@potomacnationals.com.

P-Nats’ 2018 ticket plans and group outings are currently available for purchase. For more information, or to purchase any of these plans, contact Potomac Nationals Director of Season Ticket and Group Ticket Sales, Alec Manriquez, by phone at 703-590-2311, ext. 221, or via e-mail at amanriquez@potomacnationals.com.

The Potomac Nationals of the Carolina League play at Northwest Federal Field at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Virginia, and are the Carolina League affiliate of the Washington Nationals. The Potomac Nationals have claimed five Carolina League Championship titles (1982, 1989, 2008, 2010, and 2014) and nine CL Northern Division Championships. Sponsorship opportunities for the P-Nats’ 2018 season and beyond are available, as well as all-inclusive corporate picnic outings to watch the future stars of the Washington Nationals at The Pfitz. 2018 Potomac Nationals season tickets and mini plans are now on sale. For more information on Potomac Nationals 2018 season tickets, mini plans, group outings, picnic packages, fundraisers, and all things Red, White, and Blue, visit the P-Nats online at www.potomacnationals.com, follow the P-Nats on Facebook (@PotomacNationals), Twitter (@PNats42), and Instagram (@pnats42), or call the Potomac Nationals’ Extreme Custom Collision Ticket Office at 703-590-2311.

— Potomac Nationals —

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

Local Students Read For Over 290,000 Minutes During Reading Program

A record 19 local elementary schools participated in the eighth annual Dunedin Blue Jays Bookin’ It To The Ballpark Reading Program sponsored by TD Bank in 2018. Recognizing literacy as a key skill necessary for academic achievement, the Blue Jays have encouraged and rewarded local students for reading with their annual reading program since 2011. This year, over 1,500 elementary school students across Pinellas County combined to read for 296,383 minutes during the six-week program. In hours, those totals would equal 4,940 hours of reading or over 205 full days spent reading by local students.

The Blue Jays visited all 19 schools during the course of the program, bringing players and their mascot DJay to encourage students. Dunedin players read to and with the students, answered questions from students and teachers, shared their experiences on and off the field, and gave advice on school and sports.

Participating students tracked their reading on baseball-themed bookmarks provided by the Blue Jays, advancing around the bases of a baseball diamond as they read outside of class to score runs for their class. Students who scored two runs for the class by reading 20 minutes at home eight times were rewarded with a ticket voucher to attend a Dunedin Blue Jays game. At the end of the program, the Blue Jays returned with pizza and a classroom library donation for the class that read the most in each school. Of the 19 participating schools, students at Curtis Fundamental Elementary (56,363 minutes) and Lake St. George Elementary (36,920 minutes) read for the most total minutes.

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

Dayton Dragons MVPs to Celebrate at Fifth Third Field

Dayton, Ohio– The Dragons MVP Program presented by Bob Evans Farms provides thousands of area fourth and fifth grade students with “MVP Field Day” at Fifth Third Field this Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The students from Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Warren Counties were all recognized by their teachers through the “Dragons MVP Program” as having done something extraordinary inside or outside of the classroom this school year.

The Dragons MVP Program provides students, who are recognized by their teachers, with a unique opportunity to attend this special event where they will have a chance to meet the 2018 Dayton Dragons and enjoy a day of fun activities at Fifth Third Field. Among the activities scheduled are inflatable games, carnival games, mascots, a special treat from Bob Evans Farms, a free team poster, “baseball skills” stations with the Dragons players, and an autograph session.

FACTS ABOUT THE MVP PROGRAM

This is the 13th season for the Dragons MVP Program. More than 1,200 classrooms and 35,000 students participated during the 2018 season.

Each teacher selected five Dragons MVPs for their classroom, resulting in more than 6,000 students being recognized for their achievements in and out of the classroom.

The children selected as Dragons MVPs received a customized certificate and complimentary tickets to enjoy a Dragons game at Fifth Third Field with their families. At the game, they received a specially designed Dragons MVP ball cap. MVPs also received tickets to the “MVP Field Day” to be held at the stadium on June 2.

The Dragons MVP program presented by Bob Evans Farms is also made possible courtesy of CollegeAdvantage, Sinclair College, WDTN-TV and Dayton’s CW.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.­

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

Tampa Tarpons Announce HOPE Week 2018

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons will participate in HOPE Week (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) from Tuesday, June 5th through Sunday, June 10th, 2018. Throughout the week, players will visit and host families and organizations worthy of recognition and support.

HOPE Week is a community program, created by the New York Yankees in 2009, designed to bring to light five remarkable stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities. The initiative is based on the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than the recipient of the gesture. Visit www.hopeweek.com for more information.

Tuesday, June 5th – The Tarpons will visit a summer camp for underprivileged children at United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The children and their families will receive tickets and food vouchers to see the Tarpons take on the St. Lucie Mets at 6:30 p.m. at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Prior to first-pitch, the Tarpons will present a check for $2,500 to United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay.

“The mission of United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay is to guide and assist families and individuals with any disability or other barriers to achieve their full potential, resulting in community inclusion and independence.” – www.ucptampa.org.

Wednesday, June 6th – Tarpons players will visit the Children’s Home Network from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Kids and staff members will receive tickets and food vouchers to see the Tarpons battle the St. Lucie Mets later that evening. Prior to the game, a check for $2,500 will be presented to the Children’s Home Network. Select children will then take the field alongside the Tarpons as part of the Baseball Buddies program.

“We unlock the potential of at-risk children and families by providing compassionate and effective services that create opportunities for success.” – www.childrenshomenetwork.org.

Thursday, June 7th – The Tarpons will present Trinity Café with a $2,500 check and assist in serving lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Staff members and volunteers will also receive tickets and food vouchers to see Tampa host St. Lucie at 6:30 p.m.

“Trinity Café is a free restaurant, serving more than 380+ hot and hearty meals daily, at two locations, 365 days a year.” – www.trinitycafe.org.

Friday, June 8th – The Tarpons will partner with Seminole Hard Rock to host a baseball camp for the Boys & Girls Club at George M. Steinbrenner Field from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All campers and Boys & Girls Club representatives will receive tickets to see the Tarpons take on the Bradenton Marauders at 6:30 p.m. Prior to the game, a check for $2,500 will be presented to the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay.

Saturday, June 9th – Families from MacDill Air Force Base are invited to practice with the Tarpons from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Families will be playing catch as well as taking batting practice. Families will then receive tickets and food vouchers to see the Tarpons take on the Marauders at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 10th – Teenagers from “Starting Right, Now” will receive tickets and food vouchers to see the Tarpons play the Marauders at 6:30 p.m. Prior to the game, a $2,500 check will be presented to “Starting Right, Now.” The teens will then be invited to hang out with the players for an hour following the game.

“Starting Right, Now ends homelessness for youth by providing one-on-one mentoring, a stable home, assisting with employment opportunities, teaching financial literacy/life skills and promoting educational achievement.” – www.startingrightnow.org.

The Tampa Tarpons are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information, call (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tarponsbaseball.com.

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Fluor Field Hosts Blood Drive on Thursday, June 7th

The Greenville Drive and The Blood Connection are teaming up again in 2018 to hold blood drives at Fluor Field. The next blood drive at Fluor Field is scheduled for Thursday, June 7th. The Blood Connection buses will be set up outside the Main Street gates between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

Fans who stop by Fluor Field and donate blood will receive a ticket voucher to a 2018 Drive game at Fluor Field, subject to availability, and a Blood Connection t-shirt. They will also be provided with a hot dog, chips and a drink after donating.

For more information on The Blood Connection and donating blood, CLICK HERE.

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

ValleyCats, Community Resource Federal Credit Union partner to recognize Capital Region’s Community Heroes!

TROY, N.Y. – The Tri-City ValleyCats and Community Resource Federal Credit Union have teamed up again in 2018 on the “Home Run Community Heroes Starting 9” initiative, a program that aims to highlight those that go above and beyond in the Capital Region community.

A selection of nominees will be recognized in an on-field ceremony on Thursday, July 19, prior to the ValleyCats game versus the Brooklyn Cyclones.

“We are honored to join with the ValleyCats again this year to honor our Community Heroes,” said Marc DeNofio, VP of Marketing at Community Resource FCU. “Our everyday heroes are at the very core of what makes the Capital Region a great place to live. At CRFCU we enjoy supporting these selfless individuals, and offering banking services that enrich the lives of all residents.”

The ‘Cats and Community Resource FCU are encouraging fans to nominate personnel from military, law enforcement, firefighter/EMS agencies, non-profit organizations, as well as teachers, volunteers, children and everyday people that have helped make the Capital Region a better place to live.

“We are excited to partner with Community Resource Federal Credit Union to recognize the efforts of those who have had a positive impact within our community,” said ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan. “There is plenty of heroic work being done within the Capital Region that many people may not know about, so we’re glad to be able to showcase a handful of those circumstances.”

The nine nominees selected will also be treated to a luxury suite as guests of Community Resource FCU, with complimentary food and drink.

Fans who want to nominate a Community Hero can do so by filling out the form located online at tcvalleycats.com/communityheroes. The ValleyCats will be accepting nominations through Friday, June 29. Forms can be faxed with attention to Elyse Zima at 518-629-2299, e-mailed to elysezima@tcvalleycats.com, or dropped off at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.

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

Culmination of OKC Dodgers MVP Program Presented by Devon Energy Saturday

OKLAHOMA CITY – More than 4,300 third- and fourth-grade students from 172 classrooms in the Edmond, Mid-Del, Norman, Oklahoma City and Putnam City school districts participated in the second year of the Oklahoma City Dodgers MVP Program: Encouraging STEM Education presented by Devon Energy.

The free program rewards area elementary students’ achievements in science and math and encourages area students and their teachers to participate in STEM curriculum. Top-performing MVP students received tickets to an OKC Dodgers game and a commemorative MVP baseball hat.

“Devon Energy is committed to helping communities inspire young people to pursue an interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects by working with schools and community organizations to enhance access to STEM education,” said Christina Rehkop, manager of community affairs for Devon Energy. “Partnering with the OKC Dodgers for the MVP Program provided an ideal opportunity to further this goal.”

The second year of the program culminates Saturday with MVP Field Day at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – an exclusive event for MVP students and teachers, as well as their families. STEM activities will be available throughout MVP Field Day, presented by Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Memorial Museum, OERB, Engage Learning Oklahoma, Geological Foundation of Oklahoma, iFly Indoor Skydiving, Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma, and First Robotics. OKC Dodgers players will also be on hand, helping with hitting and throwing instruction, as well as signing autographs.

Participation in the program grew more than 300 percent in its second year after approximately 1,000 third- and fourth-grade students in Oklahoma City Public Schools benefitted during the program’s first year in 2017.

“We are proud to have the chance to reward MVP Program students and teachers for their hard work during the school year and encourage future participation in STEM education throughout the greater Oklahoma City area,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “We have received incredible responses from teachers and students during the program’s first two years and we look forward to providing a fun MVP Field Day Saturday.”

The OKC Dodgers MVP Program presented by Devon Energy will resume in August for the 2018-19 school year. Teachers seeking additional information about the OKC Dodgers MVP Program and how to participate in the third year of the program may contact Katy White at katy.white@okcdodgers.com or (405) 218-2105.

The OKC Dodgers open a four-game series tonight against the Nashville Sounds at 7:05 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on a $2 Thursday, featuring $2 Pepsi products, bottled water and select beer. The teams meet again at 7:05 p.m. Friday on Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night, with fireworks to follow the game, presented by Oklahoma Blood Institute. The series continues at 7:05 p.m. Saturday before wrapping up at 2:05 p.m. on a Chaparral Energy Family Sunday.

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

South Bend Cubs Co-Host Inaugural Military Honor & Appreciation Fair on Memorial Day

SOUTH BEND, IN – As a kickoff to South Bend’s “Best.Week.Ever.” festival, the South Bend Cubs will host the inaugural Military Honor & Appreciation Fair at Four Winds Field on Monday May 28. The fair is part of “Armed Forces Week”, a special week of home games dedicated to the United States military service branches starting on Monday, May 21st and culminating with Military Appreciation Days on Sunday evening and Memorial Day.

“Every year, we are honored to partner with Express Employment Professionals over Memorial Day weekend,” said South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. “This season, we have expanded the weekend to include the full eight game homestand as well as a Military Honor and Appreciation Fair to help bring awareness to issues that our active duty military and veterans are facing.”

Co-hosted by Express Employment Professionals, Military Appreciation Days on Sunday, May 27 and Memorial Day, May 28, will honor veterans and currently-serving military personnel by offering two free tickets to either the Sunday or Monday games with proof of service.

On Sunday, visitors around the Four Winds Field Plaza will be visually inspired by 50 US flags placed in-line by the Indiana Patriot Guard Riders in dedication to Vietnam veterans. This display will recognize members of the Vietnam Veterans of America. The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will also ride their motorcycles onto the field, which will be followed by a live flyover and field landing of UH-1 Huey 369, a restored Huey helicopter from American Huey 369 out of Peru, Indiana.

On Memorial Day, Express Employment Professionals and the South Bend Cubs will host the inaugural Military Honor & Appreciation Fair. The event starts at 10:45 a.m. with a special wreath-laying ceremony featuring area dignitaries that include Indiana’s 2nd District Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, 95.3 MNC’s afternoon radio host Casey Hendrickson, and South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. Other participants will include the Miller’s Vets Color Guard, area Boy & Girls Scouts, and representatives of the Indiana Army National Guard, who will perform TAPS and the National Anthem.

Following the ceremony will be the Military Appreciation Fair. Over 25 local military service organizations will be represented along with military vehicles and equipment on display. There will also be a paintball shooting booth from BlastCamp out of Hobart, Indiana. All events on Monday will take place outside of Gates A & B in the Four Winds Field plaza.

Prior to first pitch on Monday, the families of fallen service members will be recognized on the field, organized by US Army Survivor Outreach Services and Helping Hands for Freedom.

In addition to the events on May 27 and 28, the South Bend Cubs and Express Employment Professionals will host a food drive during all eight games. Nearly 25% of food insecure Hoosiers are our military veterans. All food and money collected will benefit the Food Bank of Northern Indiana and their area food agencies, who help feed hungry and food insecure families across North-Central Indiana.

About Express Employment Professionals
Express Employment Professionals is a leading workforce staffing provider in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Founded in 1983, Express Employment Professionals has nearly 800 franchise locations, including three franchise offices covering a six-county area and located in Mishawaka, Elkhart, and Warsaw, in North-Central Indiana. Express specializes in the placement of job-seekers with employers for commercial, administrative, skilled trades, and professional positions.

About the South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 30 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. This year, Four Winds Field, home of the Cubs, was named Ballpark Digest’s Best Single-A ballpark. In 2015, the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

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

Tortugas Announce Veterans Job Fair

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The Daytona Tortugas are pleased to announce their first Veterans Job Fair, which will take place at Jackie Robinson Ballpark as part of Memorial Day Weekend. The job fair is the first of it’s kind for Minor League Baseball.

The job fair is designed for local Veterans who are searching for a new job, career change, or just a chance to get back on their feet.

The Tortugas have partnered with CareerSource Volusia Flagler for the event, which will be held on Friday, May 25th, from 5:30-7:30 PM during Daytona’s Military Appreciation Weekend.

The jobs will range from entry-level positions to post-grad degree required positions. Any Veteran interested in attending is asked to enter at the East Gate of The Jack (by the tennis courts) to check in, and to bring plenty of resumes with them.

All attendees of the Veteran’s Job Fair will receive a free ticket to the Tortugas game, courtesy of Budweiser.

 

For any questions, or additional information, in regards to the job fair, please call the Daytona Tortugas at (386) 257-3172.

The Tortugas will be celebrating Veterans throughout Memorial Day Weekend, when they host the Dunedin Blue Jays Friday-Sunday. For tickets, you can call the Tortugas or visit daytonatortugas.com.

The Tortugas are also looking for candidates for their Hometown Hero Card Set. You can submit a Hero here.

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