Ticket Donations

Donate to Help the Elkhart FOP Little League

March 19, 2012

South Bend, Indiana (March 19, 2012) – The South Bend Silver Hawks are asking the local baseball community to join them in efforts to help the Elkhart F.O.P. Little League recover from vandalism. Last week unknown vandals broke into the park and stole about 80% of their equipment.

The Silver Hawks announced today they are initiating a donation drive to help replace the little league’s stolen equipment. Anyone who makes a $10 donation or donates new or gently used baseball equipment will receive two complimentary tickets to see the Silver Hawks play the Dayton Dragons on Saturday, April 14. People can drop off donations of bats, baseballs, helmets, gloves and other equipment at the Silver Hawks’ centerfield box office Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The little league is in particular need of catcher’s equipment and helmets, but will be grateful for any help.

“This is one of the best ways kids can spend time in the summer,” said Joe Hart, President of the Silver Hawks. “More than 150 kids and teenagers participate in the Elkhart F.O.P. Little League, but without equipment they can’t play. Their season starts in only two months, so we want to do all we can to help. The Hawks are going to donate $500 to kick off the donation drive. We’ll deliver everything we collect directly to the league, so people can bring their equipment to the Cove and know they’re making a difference for these kids.”

The South Bend Silver Hawks are a Class A minor league team affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, IL.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the South Bend Cubs. Click here to view the original story.

Community Corner back for 2012

March 13, 2012

Staybridge Suites, Missoula Independent team with Osprey

The Missoula Osprey announced today that the Staybridge Suites/Missoula Independent Community Corner that recognizes the impact of local non-profits on Western Montana will return for the 2012 season.

For every regular season home game, Staybridge Suites, the Missoula Independent and the Osprey team-up to donate 20 tickets to qualified non-profit organizations.

The tickets can be used by volunteers, sponsors, staff, or those that benefit from the organization’s efforts. Due to the popularity of the program, Community Corner tickets are only available on a first come, first served basis.

“We are very excited to be able to offer this program once again in 2012,” said Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin. “With the help of our corporate partners, we are able to recognize the work of local non-profits in our community. The efforts of these groups are one of the many things that make living in Missoula special.”

Community Corner requests must be made in writing to Griffin on the non-profit organization’s letterhead by the director of each group Requests may be mailed to 140 N. Higgins Ave., faxed to 543-9463, or e-mailed to jgriffin@missoulaosprey.com.

The 2011 home opener for the Osprey is slated for Friday, June 22 versus the Great Falls Voyagers.

Season ticket packages are available for purchase by contacting an Osprey ticket representative at 543-3300, at the MSO Hub Box Office at 140 N. Higgins or on the web at MissoulaOsprey.com.

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

Liberty Bank, Naturals honor Community Heroes

March 9, 2012

Nominate your heroes for public recognition at a game

Nominate your Community Heroes to be honored at a Naturals game.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals and Liberty Bank of Arkansas are proud to introduce a new program for the 2012 season – Community Heroes – which will seek to honor individuals who have done something excellent for their hometown or organization.

Community Heroes are individuals who have gone above and beyond in terms of community service and helping others. Those that are selected will receive on-field recognition at a 2012 Naturals’ home game, four complimentary Super Premium tickets, and a “Community Heroes” award courtesy of Liberty Bank.

Eastern Elementary student wins ‘Hit the Books’ contest

February 24, 2012

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) A student at Eastern Elementary School in Scott County has won a bookmark design contest as part of the Lexington Legends/Chick-fil-A “Hit the Books” reading incentive program. A second Eastern Elementary student received honorable mention.

Fifth grade student Kim Macanang, age 10, designed the winning entry. She will receive a Legends prize pack, including Legends merchandise, a framed “Hit the Books ” poster featuring her artwork and a free membership in the 2012 Little Legends Kids Club. She also will be invited to throw a ceremonial first pitch at a designated Legends game for her school. Bookmarks featuring her artwork will be distributed to students at every school that participates in the “Hit the Books” program. More than 18,000 students from central Kentucky are expected to take part in the program, which runs through April 1.

Makayla Davis, age 11, a fifth grade student at Eastern Elementary; Jackson Gonzales, 8, a third grade student at Liberty Elementary in Lexington; and Abbi Davis, 10, a fourth grade student at Peaks Mill Elementary in Frankfort all received honorable mention for their designs. They will receive framed posters and Legends merchandise.

“The Hit the Books program has been a staple of the Legends community outreach since day one of our existence,” said Legends General Manager Seth Poteat. “I personally love every chance I get to go to all the participating schools in our community and meet the kids. The importance of childhood literacy cannot be underscored enough and this program allows us to hopefully develop readers and Legends fans for life.”

In “Hit the Books,” a baseball diamond is used to record credit for a student’s reading. For every book a student reads, a teacher places his or her initials on a base. When the student has all three bases and home plate initialed by the teacher, the student may bring a “Hit the Books” bookmark to the Legends’ box office at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to exchange it for two tickets to one of four Legends home games – April 13, 14, 27 or 28.

The school with the most bookmarks redeemed on its designated night will win a luncheon assembly provided by the Lexington Legends and Chick-fil-A.

The 2012 season is the 12th for Legends baseball, and also marks the 12th year that the Legends have been associated with the “Hit the Books” program. About 125,000 central Kentucky students have participated.

The Legends, a class A affiliate of the Houston Astros, open the home season Thursday, April 12 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Kannapolis Intimidators, an affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. For more information, visit www.lexingtonlegends.com.

###

The Legends were voted number one in family entertainment in 2011 by readers of the Lexington Herald-Leader.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends. Click here to view the original story.

Salem Red Sox to Donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia

February 1, 2012

Salem Will Donate $3,159 Raised During Annual Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame Banquet

Salem, VA (February 1, 2012) – The Salem Red Sox, Advanced Class-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, will donate $3,159 to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Roanoke, a non-profit organization that provides mentoring organizations serving children, their families, and communities. Since its inception in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters operates in all 50 states and 13 countries around the world.On Thursday, January 26, 2012, the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame held their annual banquet at the Salem Civic Center. The Salem Red Sox held an auction during the event with items donated from local restaurants and businesses, along with national organizations and sporting teams. Items included tickets to a Boston Red Sox-New York Yankees series, as well as local area gift cards, and various baseball memorabilia. Guest speaker, Billy Sample, a Salem native, was in attendance to show support for the four inductees and the cause.

“The Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame Banquet and induction ceremony was a wonderful opportunity for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia. We appreciate the great generosity from the auction proceeds and the support of the Salem Red Sox and all those who made the event very meaningful for us!” stated Marguerite Hansell, Fund Development Associate with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia.

All of the proceeds from the auction went to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia.

“The auction went off without a hitch,” said Todd Stephenson, general manager of the Salem Red Sox, “there were some high bid wars going on, all for a great cause.”

For more information about the Salem Red Sox’ various fundraising programs, visit our fundraising page.

ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the largest and most successful national network of mentoring organizations serving children, families, and communities. Our mission is to help children in southwest Virginia who are facing adversity fulfill their potential through strong and enduring professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships that provide a measurable impact and change their lives for the better. Big Brothers Big Sister of Southwest Virginia currently supports over 350 Big and Little matches. The money that is raised and donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia goes to supporting our matches in southwest Virginia. For more information visit www.bigslittles.org.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salem Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Louie Honors Reading Program Poster Winners

January 28, 2012

The Baysox lovable mascot Louie made visits to two local schools last week to congratulate some very special students. Louie wanted to congratulate the winners of the annual poster contest that kicks off the Read and Hit a Home Run Reading Program.

Caroline Kerr of Crofton Middle School in Crofton, Md. and Caroline Cooney of Whitehall Elementary School in Bowie, Md., each received special visits from Louie to receive their prizes.

Louie would also like to congratulate Southern Maryland winner Myles Williams of William B. Wade Elementary School in Waldorf, Md., who has moved out of the area and was unable to claim his prize.

The students’ poster designs were selected as the winner for all schools in their respective regions. Caroline Kerr was the winner in Anne Arundel, Howard and Queen Anne’s counties and Caroline Cooney was the winner in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.

Louie surprised the winners during special school assemblies, rewarding them with a framed poster of the design, 12 Baysox tickets and a collection of Baysox gear. The students also get a chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch before the Baysox Reading Night game for their county.

Prince George’s County winner Caroline Cooney’s parents were told ahead of time that their daughter was the winner and they were on hand for the presentation. “I am so proud of Caroline,” said Julie Cooney. “She loves drawing and to have something she has done selected is beyond words. I am so excited.”

Caroline Kerr’s Language Arts teacher Diane Wagner was thrilled that her student was the one selected to be the Anne Arundel County winner. “Caroline is an exemplary student, the kind of student that I wish I had 30 of,” Wagner said. “She is a straight A student, she is involved in athletics and she is well-liked. I can’t think of a more deserving young lady.”

The Baysox would like to thank Read and Hit a Home Run Reading Program sponsor Educational Systems Federal Credit Union for their support of the program. This is the eighth year that Educational Systems Federal Credit Union has sponsored the reading program.

In all, 224 schools are registered to participate in the reading program this year. Any student in participating schools who reads at least four books is rewarded with a free ticket to a Baysox game. Louie will be visiting students throughout the weeks leading up to the season to show them how fun reading can be.

BayBears to Honor MLK with Free Museum Admission

January 12, 2012

The Mobile BayBears, Baseball America’s Minor League Team of the Year, will grant free admission to the Hank Aaron Childhood Home & Museum on Monday, January 16th in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.

The Hank Aaron Childhood Home & Museum was opened to the public on April 14, 2010 and is located at Hank Aaron Stadium. This is the actual home that Hank Aaron and his family lived in which was built by his father, Herbert Aaron. Numerous artifacts are on display from his career including a number of items on loan from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. The Museum is a tribute to the values, ethics and passion of Mobile’s own, Hank Aaron.

To pay tribute to the efforts of Dr. King, the BayBears would like to offer our hometown the opportunity to visit the Hank Aaron Childhood Home & Museum free of charge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, January, 16th. For more information, please call 251.479.2327 or go to www.mobilebaybears.com.

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

IronPigs Charities Annual Report Released

November 18, 2011

The 201l IronPigs Charities annual report details all of the club’s initiatives from this past year. IronPigs Charities donated $106,000 to local non-profits over the last year, the highest yearly contribution to date.

Established in October, 2007, before the IronPigs ever played a game, IronPigs Charities was created to provide educational and recreational opportunities for Lehigh Valley Youth.

RoughRiders Distribute over 3,000 Tickets to Local Charities

September 15, 2011

For the ninth straight year, the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation distributed tickets and t-shirts to charities in North Texas for the Kids’ Night Out Program. This special program is funded by Whataburger, the RoughRiders Foundation and RoughRiders season ticket holders, sponsors and suite holders.

Over 3,000 tickets were distributed to underserved children and families in North Texas for the Sunday August 7th and Sunday, August 14th RoughRiders games. Each guest received complimentary tickets, parking, posters and t-shirts. After the game, all children had the opportunity to go on the field and run the bases at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

Over 50 non-profit organizations, and the people they serve, came out to enjoy the games.

“We would like to thank the RoughRiders for allowing our agency to participate; they have truly made a difference in the lives of our children and families,” Stacey Jourdain, from the Department of Family and Protective Services said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters North Texas, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and the Ronald McDonald House were also among the 50+ non-profit groups to attend the Kids’ Night Out presented by Whataburger games.

Frisco 2011-Kids and posters — Kids’ Night Out guests enjoy the game while checking out their new posters.

Frisco 2011-Kids and Ts — A couple guest during the Kids’ Night Out game on August 7th showcase their new t-shirts.

Fang’s Reading Program

September 14, 2011

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, in partnership with local schools, strive to emphasize the importance of reading by encouraging youth to read regularly. Offering an incentive- based rewards program in conjunction with great family entertainment can only enhance this education experience for students, teachers, and families alike!

This past season, over 160 schools/libraries and 38,000 students participated in Fang’s Reading Club. All students that complete the program by reaching their individual reading goals receive a free ticket to a Timber Rattlers game in April or May. Many schools choose to pick a “Family Night” where the entire school is invited out to the ballpark. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in the Goodwill Book Drive and bring any new or gently used books.

For the 2011 season, the Timber Rattlers collected 1400+ books through Fang’s Reading Club. All books donated are given to Goodwill Industries for distribution. In turn, the donations help support programs and services that enrich individual lives and our communities!

2011 Frisco RoughRiders Foundation Grant Recipients Announced

August 22, 2011

The Frisco RoughRiders Foundation awarded 5 grants to The Special Olympics, West Dallas Community School, Plano Children’s Medical Clinic, Buckner International and the Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco during the 2011 season.

“The RoughRiders Foundation is thrilled to award our five grants to these deserving organizations,” said Michael Davidow, Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “Each organization helps execute the RoughRiders Foundation’s mission of motivating and rewarding children and families in the areas of education, good health and community service activities.”

Each organization received a $1,000 grant from the RoughRiders Foundation to help continue its mission serving the North Dallas Community. 2011 marks the fourth year of the RoughRiders Foundation’s Grant Program and each of the five grant recipient organizations plan to use their grant in different ways.

“Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is truly grateful to the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation for the generous $1,000 grant,” said Margaret Larsen, SOTX President and CEO. “This funding will provide much-needed support to afford the opportunity for more than 400 local SOTX athletes to compete in an eight-week softball training program, followed by the chance to compete and go for the gold!”

Each organization that received a grant also received 4 tickets to a RoughRiders game and participated in an on-field check presentation.

Non-Profit Organizations interested in applying for a grant in 2012 can visit www.ridersbseball.com/foundation or contact Michael Davidow at mdavidow@ridersbaseball.com.

Frisco-Special Olympics Check Presentation Pic Web — (Left to Right) Special Olympics Texas Development Director and Program Director, Alice Brimelow and Cyndi Murchison, and RoughRiders Foundation Director, Mike Davidow.

Frisco-Grant 2 — Buckner International President, Dr. Albert Reyes and his wife tour Dr Pepper Ballpark before their check presentation.

RoughRiders Foundation Awards Five Scholarships

August 22, 2011

The RoughRiders Foundation awarded $10,000 in scholarship money to five graduating high school seniors in North Texas during the 2011 season.

The 2011 scholarship recipients are Rooks Patterson and Blake Harrell from Frisco, Mauro Santos and Arturo Gonzalez from Dallas, and Kenbea Walker from McKinney.

Each scholarship winner received $2,000 for their college education, tickets to a RoughRiders game, all-you-can-eat food and Dr Pepper products and a VIP tour before the game.

“The RoughRiders Foundation Scholarship Program is one of our biggest financial contributions of the season,” said Mike Davidow, Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “The RoughRiders appreciate the importance of getting a college education and are proud to help these outstanding students pursue their goals.”

Since the RoughRiders Foundation started their scholarship program seven seasons ago, they have awarded over $55,000 in scholarship monies to local students.

Over 270 applications were submitted by high school seniors around the Dallas and Fort Worth Metroplex. All applicants must have met the criteria of a minimum 3.0 GPA and participated in at least one athletic activity during their senior year. Winners were selected by the RoughRiders Foundation Board of Directors based on academic merit, financial need and athletic accomplishments.

SONY DSC — Scholarship Winner, Kenbea Walker (left), and RoughRiders Foundation Director, Mike Davidow.

Frisco 08-10-11 2 — Scholarship Winner, Blake Harrell, and his family.

Dragons ‘MVP Students’ Get The Spotlight

August 4, 2011

The Dragons MVP Program, a tool for teachers has made the popularity of the Dayton Dragons an educational tool for fourth and fifth grade teachers, helping them motivate and reward students for success in the classroom.

This program, which is in 900 Dayton-area classrooms, reaches more than 25,000 students. Each classroom teacher is given five “Dragons MVP” awards to hand out at their discretion. The awards include tickets to a sold-out Dragons game, a custom “Dragons MVP” hat, a certificate recognizing their achievement as a “Dragons MVP” and also admission to a private field day/carnival with the entire Dragons team.

These “Dragons MVP” awards, which were distributed to the teachers at absolutely no cost, were awarded to students as the teachers saw fit. In addition to handing them out for success and achievements inside the classroom, many teachers rewarded students for accomplishments in the community as well.

The Dragons also shared some of the stories of success and achievement the “Dragons MVP” students created in local newspaper ads, television and radio commercials, and also in full page ads in the Dragons game day program.

Plus, 24 winners were selected to either throw out a first pitch or participate in an on-field entertainment skit on the night they attended the sold out Dragons game.

The Dragons also made Player/Mascot visits to 12 schools that participated in the MVP Program. Two Dayton Dragons players and the mascot, Heater, went to these schools and provided an entire class with an opportunity to ask questions of the players, get autographs from the players and hugs from our mascot. Every child in these classrooms received a Dragons hat, a Dragons baseball and a Dragons pen during the visit too.

Dayton 08-04-11 1 — Dragons players and mascots visit a local classroom as a part of the “Dragons MVP” program that rewards outstanding 4th and 5th grade students.

Dayton 08-04-11 2 — An MVP poses with her favorite Dragons player at a private field day only for Dragons MVP winners.

Dayton 08-04-11 3 — A Dragons MVP winner spends time on the live radio broadcast, telling listeners about what he did to become a Dragons MVP

Timber Rattlers Celebrate Christmas in July

July 25, 2011

On July 16th, 2011, Time Warner Cable Field was morphed into the North Pole! There was snow on the ground, elves singing Christmas songs, and a festive spirit all around – it was…Christmas in July!

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers went all out for this theme night; inviting fans and all employees to dress in Christmas attire. The team also invited the Salvation Army to bring their red kettles and ring their bells for donations from fans. In addition to that, we encouraged fans to bring in baked goods for our “Bake Sale” where all proceeds would go to the Salvation Army. All fans that donated an item received our Scooter Versus Snowman bobblehead; the team thought it was rather appropriate. The kettles combined with the bake sale raised an astounding $525 for the Salvation Army!

The team had an usher volunteer to dress up and act as Santa Claus while his daughter volunteered to be Mrs. Claus. A security guard was able to provide the team with a 13 foot Christmas tree to display by our front entrance. Our customer service manager brought in décor for the stadium, lights for the Christmas tree, and costumes for some of the staff to wear.

We also changed up some of our on-field promotions and geared them towards the Christmas theme – rather than Build-A-Burger we had Decorate-A-Tree. Instead of the Mohican North Star Shot we had the Mohican North Star Snowball Shot. And finally, throughout the game, children were allowed to write “letters to the North Pole.” Each child that wrote to Santa received a letter back as well as a ticket voucher for a future game

Annual Community Events Raise Money for Ports Anchor Fund

July 22, 2011

Two very popular events for the Stockton Ports were recently held at Banner Island Ballpark. Root Beer Float Day was held on Sunday, July 10. Not only did fans get to cool down with “bottomless” root beer floats on a hot day, but the proceeds from the event went towards the Ports Anchor Fund, which in turn helps local youth centers and youth sports.

The event was sponsored by Metro PCS and all of the root beer and ice cream was generously donated by Sunnyside Farms and Super Store Industries. Metro PCS also donated all of the mugs used for the event.

Root Beer Float Day also gives fans the opportunity to interact with their favorite Ports players. Ports pitchers Scott Deal, Mike Hart, Josh Lansford, and Rob Gilliam helped out with the event by scooping ice cream and pouring root beer for eager fans. Alongside the players, the Ports had help form radio DJ Lucas from KWIN, Dinger from the Sacramento River Cats, several Sunnyside Farms employees, and of course Splash got in on the fun as well.

The Ports were also host to two sessions of a youth baseball camp. Youth camp serves a number of purposes. First, all proceeds from the camp go to the Ports Anchor Fund. Camp also gives kids, boys and girls alike, ages 5-13 the chance to learn from the pros. Campers are able to get up close and personal with the Ports players and coaches. Youth camp is all about a fun experience for the kids, but it is also organized each year to teach young kids the fundamentals of baseball. Kids look up to the Ports players, so they always enjoy learning a few new skills from them.

Session one of baseball camp was held on June 17 & 18 and session two on July 16 & 17, both from 9 AM to 2 PM. Campers started the day with a warm-up with Ports Strength and Conditioning coach Chris Borgard. After the warm-up, the kids were broken up in to six different groups, according to age. Each station was staffed with a Ports player and the kids were taught a different skill at each one. Ports Manager Webster Garrison & Pitching Coach Craig Lefferts roamed through out each station to ensure the camp ran smoothly.

Campers learned all about outfield throwing, base running, hitting, in field throwing, and pitching. The campers also got a special treat with a visit to the clubhouse. A favorite of camp was the end-of-the-day game that they played with the Ports players. The group was divided into four different teams. Two teams in left field, two in right. Each camper had a chance at bat as well as in the outfield.

Joining Webster Garrison, Craig Lefferts and Chris Borgard was Ports Hitting Coach Brian McArn. Position players Connor Crumbliss, Leonardo Gil, Ryan Lipkin, Anthony Aliotti, Michael Choice, Rashun Dixon, and pitchers Jose Guzman, AJ Huttenlocker, Connor Hoehn, Scott Deal, and Murphy Smith all helped out.

Not only did the campers receive detailed instruction and advice from the players, they were also given a camp T-shirt, were entered in a raffle to win prizes, were given a free Ports ticket, took part in our Jr. Ports program, and were provided lunch each day of camp by Subway and Pizza Guys.

If you would like any information on any of these events, or would like to donate to the Anchor Fund, please contact Community Relations Manager Margaret Sacchet at (209) 644-1900 or msacchet@stocktonports.com.