10th Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk, September 30 at Coca-Cola Field

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month and the Down Syndrome Parents Group of Western New York will continue its mission of education, support and celebration with a very special 10th Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk, Saturday, September 30th at Coca-Cola Field (11:00 a.m.).

Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition in newborns in the United States, occurring in approximately one in every 700 babies. But while most people with Down syndrome have a mild to moderate cognitive or intellectual disability, the condition cannot and should not overshadow the many strengths and talents these individuals possess.

The Step up For Down Syndrome Walk aims to educate, support and celebrate those individuals and those families with Down Syndrome. The event runs from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Coca-Cola Field, beginning with a one-mile walk through the Harbor Center, led by the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, Arts-Tech Marching Band. Afterwards, all are welcome to stay in the Coca-Cola Field CF Pavilion area to enjoy great food, fun arts & crafts and games, a photo booth, raffles and educational information. There will also be special performances by individuals with Down syndrome as well as music by The Strictly Hip.

Anyone is welcome to attend the event, including day of walkups. Cost is only $10 per person and includes a free lunch. Contact Amy Monson at amonson23@gmail.com or (716)-677-0604 for more information.

The Down Syndrome Parents Group of Western New York is a 501c3 non-profit organization which was formed in 1987 by a group of parents whom connected through the common bond of parenting children born with Down syndrome. Since its inception, the group has supported hundreds of families in and around the Western New York area while promoting awareness of Down syndrome, and acceptance of individuals born with Downs. Through a series of annual events which have become a yearly tradition for many families in the area, DSPGWNY has continually expanded awareness of Down syndrome while enriching the lives of the many people whom have taken part.

For more information, visit DSPGWNY.com any questions or contact the group at (716) 832-9334.

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

DeGraaf Wins Jays Community Service Award

Dunedin Blue Jays starting pitcher Josh DeGraaf had a memorable season on the field, establishing himself as Dunedin’s ace in the second half and helping to pitch the team to a share of the Florida State League’s Championship. While his impact was great between the white lines, DeGraaf made many more memories for members of our local Dunedin community off the field. For his continued efforts to support the local community, DeGraaf was recently honored as the Blue Jays 2017 Community Service Award winner.

The Blue Jays Community Service Award has been given annually since 2012 to the Blue Jays player who best exemplifies the team’s commitment to enriching the Dunedin community through a variety of outreach programs that promote education, healthy lifestyles, and charity. Throughout the 2017 season, DeGraaf represented the Blue Jays in the community through numerous appearances away from the ballpark, supporting and encouraging local children, students, and families.

“We could always count on Josh. Hands down, no one was more eager to participate and help out throughout the season,” Blue Jays Community Relations Manager Kathi Beckman said about DeGraaf. “He was a leader and an advocate for our programs in the clubhouse all year. He was so personable with fans and the community and was an absolute natural with children and students.”

DeGraaf helped lead the 2017 Blue Jays Bookin’ It To The Ballpark Reading Program, the largest community outreach progam in the franchise’s history, reaching five hundred elementary school students in 14 Pinellas County schools. DeGraaf visited local elementary schools to support the program and promote literacy, reading to local students, answering their questions, and encouraging them in their studies. Over the course of the six-week program, local students read for 146,035 minutes, over 101 full days of reading.

DeGraaf was also active at the 2017 Blue Jays Bowling Tournament, an event that raised $12,820 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. Prior to the event, he volunteered to paint pottery to be raffled at the event and then helped raise nearly $1000 selling raffle tickets to fans at the event.

DeGraaf also took to the shopping mall to help out local families, participating in the Blue Jays Here We Grow and Toys For Tots Shopping Drives. During the Here We Grow Shopping Spree, he helped purchase school supplies and clothing for local students in need. During the Toys For Tots drive, he joined teammate Ryan Cook in selecting $1000 worth of toys and presents to be given to local children during the upcoming holiday season.

Reflecting on the myriad of events he participated in throughout the year, DeGraaf noted the time he spent with local students during the Reading Program as particularly memorable.

“I loved the kids’ questions. They always had really funny questions and sometimes very surprisingly good questions about baseball, about reading, and about life. It was fun hearing those and laughing with them. They may have been early mornings, but I enjoy working with kids.”

DeGraaf joins an impressive list of past Dunedin Blue Jays Community Service Award winners.

2012: Danny Barnes
2013: Matt Newman
2014: Taylor Cole
2015: L.B. Dantzler and Jorge Saez
2016: Tim Mayza

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

SUNDAY: Back to School Day features Celery Lunch Bag Giveaway

Kids, we know you don’t like to see summer come to an end. All that homework… getting up early every day… yuck!

But listen, we’ve got one more awesome afternoon for you at the ballpark. And we’ll even give you something that can make all your friends jealous at lunch time!

The Bisons will host Back to School Day at the ballpark on Sunday, August 20 with a 1:05 p.m. game against the Gwinnett Braves. Get to the ballpark early though as the first 3,000 fans through the Inspire Dental Gate at Swan St. will receive a very cool Celery Lunch Bag Giveaway, compliments of New York’s 529 College Savings Program (Gates 12:00 p.m.).

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Sunday’s game is also the final Kids Club Sunday of the season. One last chance to enjoy a beautiful afternoon at the ballpark! It’s also the final time kids get to Run the Bases postgame, compliments of Tim Horton’s.

Time is running out on the summer. So, before you have to hit the books, get to the ballpark for Back to School Day and snag yourself a Celery Lunchbag!

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

FIFTH THIRD BANK STEPS UP TO THE PLATE WITH BIGGER DONATIONS ON “STAND UP TO CANCER NIGHT”

LANSING, Mich. – Fifth Third Bank Western Michigan and the Lansing Lugnuts are teaming up to help fight cancer when the Bank hosts a special Stand Up To Cancer Night at Cooley Law School Stadium on Saturday, August 12. Fifth Third will offer fun, interactive fan activities during the game as part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to raise awareness and contributions to support cancer research.

Among the in-game promotions planned include:

  • A $5,300 donation to Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) that the bank will make for every strikeout that the home team accomplishes during the game. This is an increase from the $530 donation per strikeout last year.
  • Fifth Third will also donate $5.30 to SU2C for every eligible public use of the hashtag #howifight on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, up to $500,000 during the promotion period.*
  • A special mid-game stretch is planned when fans can show their support for loved ones who have fought or are fighting cancer by holding up, in unison, special customized SU2C game placards.

Since teaming up with SU2C in 2013, Fifth Third has contributed more than $7.2 million in donations to help fund innovative cancer research and support SU2C’s mission to bring new cancer treatments to patients quickly and save lives now. SU2C has helped receive two drug approvals in the last seven years, a process that can typically take between 12-15 years for just one drug.

“Stand Up To Cancer’s teams of researchers and scientists are making significant breakthroughs in cancer research,” said Tom Ruis, Vice President, Fifth Third Bank. “With the help of the Lugnuts fans, and Fifth Third customers, we hope to get one step closer to ‘striking out’ this disease once and for all.”

Tickets can be purchased at the Lugnuts website, lansinglugnuts.com. On top of the other donations, Fifth Third will also give $1 to SU2C for each person who attends the game.

Stand Up To Cancer, a division of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is a breakthrough initiative that raises funds to accelerate innovative cancer research, enabling scientific collaboration in order to get new therapies to patients quickly. Fifth Third supports this collaborative approach and is committed to finding different ways to improve people’s lives and better our communities. As such, Fifth Third began working with SU2C in 2013 when the Bank introduced its Fifth Third SU2C debit and credit cards, which raise funds to support SU2C research through every qualifying purchase made using those cards. Fifth Third Bank is the only card issuer to offer the SU2C payment cards. Visit 53.com/su2ccards for full details.

*$5.30 donation to SU2C for every eligible public post with the hashtag #howifight on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, from 7/1/17-12/31/17, up to $500,000. Only one hashtag use per username, per Monitored Social Media Site, per day will be counted.

About the Lansing Lugnuts
The Lansing Lugnuts, Class-A Affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, are in their 22nd season in Michigan’s Capital City. The Lugnuts make their home at beautiful Cooley Law School Stadium, built in 1996 with an award-winning renovation in 2015/16, and continue to be a key component in revitalizing Lansing’s downtown while providing fun, affordable, family entertainment to fans in Mid Michigan and beyond. Find them online: www.lansinglugnuts.com.

About Fifth Third Bank
Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. As of June 30, 2017, the Company had $141 billion in assets and operated 1,157 full-service Banking Centers and 2,461 ATMs in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending, and Wealth & AssetManagement. As of June 30, 2017, Fifth Third also had a 17.7 percent interest in Vantiv Holding, LLC. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of June 30, 2017, had $330 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $34 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations through its Trust and Registered Investment Advisory businesses. Investor information and press releases can be viewed atwww.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Fifth Third Bank was established in 1858. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.

About Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) raises funds to accelerate the pace of research to get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now. SU2C, a division of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was established in 2008 by film and media leaders who utilize the industry’s resources to engage the public in supporting a new, collaborative model of cancer research, and to increase awareness about cancer prevention as well as progress being made in the fight against the disease. As SU2C’s scientific partner, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and a Scientific Advisory Committee led by Nobel Laureate Phillip A. Sharp, PhD, conduct rigorous, competitive review processes to identify the best research proposals to recommend for funding, oversee grants administration, and provide expert review of research progress.

Current members of the SU2C Council of Founders and Advisors (CFA) include Katie Couric, Sherry Lansing, Lisa Paulsen, Rusty Robertson, Sue Schwartz, Pamela Oas Williams, Ellen Ziffren, and Kathleen Lobb. The late Laura Ziskin and the late Noreen Fraser are also co-founders. Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, has served as SU2C’s president and CEO since 2011.

For more information on Stand Up To Cancer, visit www.StandUpToCancer.org.

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Blue Jays Bowling Tournament Raises $12,820

DUNEDIN-FL, The Dunedin Blue Jays 2017 Charity Bowling Tournament sponsored by Achieva Credit Union raised $12,820 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. 250 local baseball fans participated in the event, joining the entire Dunedin Blue Jays team at Maple Lanes Countryside Bowling Alley in Clearwater for a day of bowling, raffles, silent auctions, and prizes during the team’s fourth annual tournament. Since 2014, the event has raised over $35,000 to support the well-being of local families through Ronald McDonald House Charities.

“The Blue Jays are incredibly grateful for the support of Achieva and the many other sponsors of the event, our players for dedicating their time to helping the local community, and most of all for the two hundred and fifty fans who helped make this year’s event a success,” Kathi Beckman, the Blue Jays Manager of Community Relations, said following the event.

This year’s event set a new record for total dollars raised, surpassing the $11,339 raised during the team’s 2016 bowling tournament. Over $4,500 of the final $12,820 total was raised by the participants of the bowling tournament, each contributing $25 for two games of bowling, a catered lunch, and the opportunity to meet and greet the Blue Jays team. 40 local businesses from the Dunedin area contributed as Lane Sponsors at the event, raising $4000 of the total. The event’s silent auction, which included packages donated by local businesses as well as apparel and memorabilia donated by teams throughout the Toronto organization, raised over $2,400. A 50/50 raffle and Opportunity To Win raffles combined to raise just under $1000.

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

SUNDAY: $5 OFF tickets, Merchandise discount with ‘Say Yes’ Dorm Room Drive Donations

Senator Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo) joined representatives from Say Yes Buffalo, the Buffalo Bisons, and local community leaders at Coca-Cola Field Friday to announce a new partnership designed to equip Buffalo’s neediest scholars with necessities to succeed as they pursue higher education. As part of the Bisons’ Sunday afternoon game against Louisville fans are encouraged to bring school supplies to donate to Say Yes’ Dorm Room Drive; for every donation made, attendees will receive $5 off each ticket purchased, along with a voucher for 20% off merchandise in either of the two Bisons gift shops.

The Bisons game against the Louisville Bats will begin at 1:05 p.m. on Sunday. Fans wishing to make a Say Yes donation can do so starting at 11:30 a.m. outside the ticket office.

Kennedy partnered with Say Yes to launch the drive in 2016 after learning that despite receiving free access to higher education, many Say Yes scholars can’t sustain enrollment due to a lack of tools needed to succeed, including school supplies, bedding, and other basic toiletries. According to Say Yes, approximately 50% of scholars have a combined family income below $25,000, and 70% are below $55,000, leaving many facing extreme poverty. Kennedy, Say Yes, and the Buffalo Bisons are hopeful Sunday’s gameday drive will help send scholars into their first semesters fully prepared.

“Say Yes has been a fantastic advocate for the students of Buffalo who do not have the means to attain a higher education. Last year, our Dorm Room Drive was met with an incredible response from the community, with hundreds of people stepping up to help our students who need it most. I’m thrilled that the Buffalo Bisons have joined our drive this year, demonstrating once again their commitment to Buffalo’s youth,” said Senator Kennedy. “The City of Good Neighbors has lived up to its name time and time again, and when it comes to supporting our students, I know this drive will be no different. Please come out and enjoy a great game of baseball with family and friends this weekend, and know that your donation will go a long way towards helping Buffalo’s next generation succeed.”

“The Bisons organization is proud to support the vital work that Say Yes Buffalo is doing to keep the future bright for so many young scholars in our area. Bisons fans have always stepped to the plate when it comes to giving back to the community and we’re looking forward to a fantastic afternoon at Coca-Cola Field on Sunday,” said Mike Buczkowski, Vice President/General Manager of the Buffalo Bisons.

“We are grateful for Senator Kennedy’s leadership in mobilizing our community to respond to the needs of our scholars,” said David Rust, Say Yes Buffalo Executive Director. “The needs of our students go beyond tuition and we are thankful to everyone who participates and donates to this drive.”

“I applaud the efforts of Mayor Brown, Senator Kennedy, Say Yes to Education and the Buffalo Bisons. They recognized an existing gap with our scholars as it relates to room and board, toiletries, and other personal items and are working to eliminate it. While unable to physically be there today, I am very supportive of this drive and have a donation collection basket outside of my office. Thank you to our sponsors and congratulations to our students,” said Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes.

The Dorm Room Drive is currently underway across WNY, and extends beyond school supplies. A full list of the type of essentials needed is included below:

Laundry Kit – Laundry soap, hangers, fabric softener, laundry bag, and laundry basket.

Personal Care Kit – Shampoo, conditioner, razors, shaving cream, soap, brush, towels, washcloths, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shower shoes, and shower caddy.

Dorm Room Bedding Kit – Bed in a Bag set (for a male or female) that includes fitted sheet, flat sheet, comforter, and pillowcases plus a mattress cover and pillow. Please note: sheet size must be Twin XL to fit a standard dorm room mattress.

School Supplies Kit – Pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, binders, USB cord adapters, printer paper, index cards, post-it notes, dividers, and a heavy-duty backpack.

Donations can also be dropped off at the following locations:

· Senator Tim Kennedy’s Office – 2239 South Park Ave.
· Say Yes Buffalo’s Office – 712 Main St.
· City Hall (Lobby & Basement) – 65 Niagara Square.
· Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes’ Office – Compass East Building Lobby 425 Michigan Ave.
· Senator Chris Jacobs‘ Office – 65 Court Street, Rm 213
· Erie County Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams’ Office – 427 William St.
· North Buffalo Community Center – 203 Sanders Rd.
· Rich Products Corporation – 1 Robert Rich Way
· Larkin Square, Main Lobby – 726 Exchange St.
· CAO: Masten Resource Center – 1423 Fillmore Ave.
· Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo – 726 Exchange St.
· Buffalo Urban League – 15 Genessee St.
· Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church – 400 Northampton St.
· St. Paul’s, Clarence – 4275 Harris Hill Rd., Williamsville
· Cazenovia Neighborhood Library – 155 Cazenovia St.
· Child & Family Services – 844 Delaware Ave.
· The Resource Council of WNY – 347 E. Ferry St.

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

Saturday’s ‘Strike Out Cancer Night’ includes FREE TICKETS to all survivors

There are heroes all around us….fighters and survivors who have taken on cancer and won! There are also those that lost their battles…taken from us too soon, but with permanent places in our hearts and our memories.

On Saturday, July 29, the Bisons will honors those heroes that have won their battles and remember those that didn’t. As the team hosts the Louisville Bats (7:05 p.m.) at Coca-Cola Field, we ask your help to STRIKE OUT CANCER, presented by WNY Imaging Group with proceeds benefiting the Breast Cancer Network of WNY and the American Cancer Society.

CLICK HERE FOR GAME TICKETS

On STRIKE OUT CANCER night, we will honor ALL CANCER SURVIVORS with a FREE TICKET to the game. Just CLICK HERE by the end of the day on Friday, July 28 to register for your free ticket. One survivor will also be chosen at random to throw out the first pitch on Strike Out Cancer Night.

On Saturday, we will also encourage all fans to WEAR LAVENDER in support of the fight against all cancers. Anyone who does will receive a FREE RAFFLE TICKET for one of a number of great gift items. Additional raffle tickets will be available at the game. You could win one of over 50 gift cards or a great piece of sports memorabilia such as a signed Rasmus Ristolainen stick, a signed Marcell Dareus helmet or a Jim Kelly signed photo and book.

We’ll also honor all of the brave men, women and children who have fought, or are currently fighting against all forms of cancer, with a PLACARD MOMENT during the game. The entire ballpark will have the chance to stand up and show us who they’re fighting for by writing that person’s name on the placard.

CLICK HERE for even more information on Strike Out Cancer Night.

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

LIMITED SPOTS REMAIN: 2-Day Youth Camp

Want to take your game to the next level and develop the skills that may one day make you a member of the Herd?

The Buffalo Bisons annual 2-Day Youth Baseball Camp, presented by ADPRO Sports, is Tuesday, July 25 – Wednesday, July 26 (9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. both day). CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

This two-day event gives you the unique chance to learn and practice your skills in hitting, fielding, pitching, catching, base running and bunting and more! And who better to learn from than Bisons Manager Bobby Meacham and other current Bisons coaches and players?!?!

For only $100, you get back-to-back days of non-stop baseball! The camp runs from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. both days as each day will end with a post-camp autograph session. Participants also get a camp T-shirt to take home and 2 tickets to a Buffalo Bisons game. This is an offer you can’t pass up!

The Buffalo Bisons 2-day Youth Camp is open to boys and girls, ages 6-14. Space is limited so don’t hesitate in signing up. You can call (716) 846-2251 to reserve your spot or CLICK HERE for the Bisons Youth Baseball page.

To insure great one-on-one teachings for those involved, SPACE IS LIMITED! So don’t wait and sign up your child today!

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

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MONDAY: Bisons to hold ‘Food Drive’ in honor of National Baked Beans Month

Fans, did you know July is National Baked Beans month? As part of National Baked Beans Month, the Bisons are teaming up with Bush’s Beans and the Food Bank of Western New York to help strike out hunger.

Prior to the Herd’s game against the Durham Bulls on Monday, July 24 (7:05 p.m.), the Bisons will be holding a Food Drive to help feed those in need in the local community.

Fans can bring their non-perishable food items to the collection bins located outside of the Coca-Cola Field Ticket Office. In return for their much-needed donations, fans will be given a coupon for Buy-One, Get-One Free Ticket coupon for Monday’s game between the Bisons and the Bulls!

The Food Bank of Western New York was founded in 1979, after a group of religious and community leaders came together to develop an effective and comprehensive way to fight hunger in the region. Today, they assist as many as 129,000 individuals in a month through our 329 member agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, youth programs, group homes and senior centers.

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

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Bisons to hold Hillside School Supply Drive before game on Sunday, August 6

The Buffalo Bisons and Hillside Family of Agencies will be teaming up to help kids in need bring in the new school year the right way with a School Supply Drive at Coca-Cola Field on Sunday, August 6.

Any fan who brings in new or unused school supplies will receive a buy-one, get-one free ticket coupon for the Bisons’ home game that day against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (1:05 p.m.). Collection bins will be located outside the Coca-Cola Field Ticket Office starting an hour before first pitch.

Sunday’s matchup against the IronPigs will also be another Buster’s Kid Club game. As part of Buster’s Kid Club Sunday, fans will be able to enjoy Carnival Day at the ballpark. Bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals and much more will be set up in the Center Field Party Area.

Kids will also have the opportunity to run the bases after the game like their favorite Bisons players.

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

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Army vs. Celebrity Softball Game Kicks Off All-Star Festivities

Manchester, N.H. – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, have announced the rosters for the Army vs. NH Celebrity Softball Game. The opening event of the Northeast Delta Dental Eastern League All-Star Classic, scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11, will be followed by the Jordan’s Furniture Tempur-Pedic Home Run Derby at 6:30 p.m. Gates and the Samuel Adams Brewhouse will open at 4:30 p.m. Tickets to Tuesday’s festivities and Wednesday’s All-Star Game are still available at NHFisherCats.com/allstar, or by calling (603) 641-2005.

Army Roster

Sergeant First Class Shaun Delbene (Player/Coach) – Chester, N.H. native who has served 11 years in the Army, including a tour in Afghanistan in 2010.

Command Sergeant Major Lore Ford – served in the Army and the N.H. Army National Guard since 1988, deployed in Operation Desert Storm, Desert Shield and Iraqi Freedom.

First Sergeant Jeremy Chaisson – Henniker, N.H. resident with over 20 years of experience as an Army mechanic. Deployed to Iraq in 2004 and Kuwait in 2010.

Staff Sergeant Sara McPherson – has served in the Army for nine years, including a tour in Afghanistan.

Sergeant Timothy Heckerman – Also known as “Smash,” he has been a soldier for nine years.

Major Brian Fernandes – Weare, N.H. native with 16 years of active service. Deployed to Afghanistan in 2004.

Sergeant Jesus Salamanca – Nine years of service in the Army.

Specialist Russell Small (Ret. Army) – Deerfield, N.H. native who served in the Army National Guard from 1993 to 2001.

Sergeant Trisha Ford (Ret. Army) – Served as a military police officer from 1994-1999.

First Sergeant Jeff Garand – Joined the Army in 1991, and was deployed to Haiti in 1994 and Iraq in 2004. Now assigned to the 12th Civil Support Team out of Concord, N.H.

Specialist Steve Delbene (Ret. Army) – Boscowen, N.H. native who served in the Army from 1981-1986.

Sergeant First Class Kevin Harvey – Has been a soldier for over 24 years.

NH Celebrity Roster

Jamie Staton – Sports Anchor at WMUR-TV

Nicole Barreira – “Chef Nicole,” Corporate Chef of T-Bones & Cactus Jack’s

Greg Kretschmar – “The Godfather” and Host of Greg & The Morning Buzz on Rock 101

Ronnie Ortegon – Fisher Cats Hitting Coach

Marga Bessette – Host of “NH in the Morning” at 95.7 WZID

Jack Heath – Host of the New Hampshire Today Radio Show on WGIR 610 AM

Andy Fermin – Fisher Cats Position Player Coach

Lauren Percy – Miss New Hampshire 2017

Greg LaRocca – Former Major League Baseball Player

Brian Pike – Fisher Cats Strength & Conditioning Coach from Gorham, N.H.

Honorary Player – Elliot Perry

After the softball game, the festivities continue with the Jordan’s Furniture Tempur-Pedic Home Run Derby at 6:30 p.m. (bracket shown below). First pitch of the Eastern League All-Star Game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12.

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

All Star Auctions: Leblebijian game-worn jersey

Bisons fans! You voted third baseman Jason Leblebijian into the Triple-A All-Star Game and now is your chance to click your way towards some great All-Star Game memorabilia.

The Tacoma Rainiers, the Pacific Coast League hosts for this year’s mid-summer classic, is auctioning off all the game-worn jerseys from this game to benefit a very worthy cause. That includes the one-of-a-kind game-worn, autographed jersey from starting third baseman, Bisons’ Jason Leblebijian.

CLICK HERE to bid on Leb’s jersey

CLICK HERE to view all the jerseys available from the IL and PCL All-Star squads.

The 2017 Triple-A All-Star Game, presented by Gildan, is on Wednesday, July 12 at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, WA. (9:05 p.m., MLB Network, ESPN 1520 AM). The jerseys from the game will be autographed by each player from both leagues and auctioned via silent auction to benefit the CHI Franciscan Foundation. The mission of the Franciscan Foundation is to support the CHI Franciscan Health system in creating healthier communities and ensuring the availability of quality health care for all, regardless of ability to pay.

All auctions will run until 9pm Pacific Standard time on Wednesday, July 12, so BID NOW and win yourself a great piece of all star memorabilia.

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

Registration Open: Run Jimmy Run Charity 5K

A race that was born in the ballpark Jimmy built!

Sunday, July 16 is the 5th annual “Run Jimmy Run Charity 5K” at Coca-Cola Field, remembering Buffalo Baseball Hall of Famer Jimmy Griffin and raising important funds for the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY.

This unique race course highlights some of the beautiful sites in our city and ends in our downtown baseball park with a family oriented post-race lunch, party and ball game. The purpose of this race is to celebrate the life and accomplishments and charitable spirit of Mayor Jim Griffin through a fitness-oriented event designed for all ages.

CLICK HERE to register today!

SPECIAL EARLY REGISTRATION RAFFLE -If you register by June 16, you’ll be eligible to win the chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a Bisons game (subject to availability) in the very ballpark that Mayor Griffin fought so hard to construct. The special early-registration raffle will also include four tickets to a Bisons game with four hot dogs, four Coca-Cola soft drinks and four Bisons caps.

If you register before the day of the race, it’s only $35 per person! ($40 day of registration). Registration includes a ticket to the Bisons game that day at 1:05 p.m. against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, a commemorative t-shirt, a chip-timed bib, and a post-race party that will serve lunch, beer and pop.

All proceeds from the Run Jimmy Run go to the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY www.alz.org/wny and stay in Buffalo and Western New York. Here in WNY the Alzheimer’s Association is committed to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Run Jimmy Run is committed to provide funds to the ALZ of WNY for support of patient programs here in our community.Jimmy Griffin was the Mayor of Buffalo who passionately supported the Bisons franchise. He was instrumental in bringing professional baseball back to the Queen city in 1979 and was heavily involved in the construction of Coca-Cola Field in downtown Buffalo.

For more information, please visit RunJimmyRunCharity5K.com

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

‘Namastadium’ yoga event returns on July 8

Namaste, Bisons fans!

Grab your yoga mats and join us on Saturday, July 8 at Coca-Cola Field for Namastadium 3. This annual event is a fun-filled day where fans of all ages can come out and practice their yoga poses in the outfield at Coca-Cola Field.

Doors open at 11 a.m. The yoga class, led by instructors from Power Yoga Buffalo, runs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. The relaxation continues after class with light food and drinks available from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The cost for adults is $35, which includes a ticket for the yoga and one Buffalo Bisons flex ticket (which can be redeemed for a ticket to any Bisons home game excluding special events). Proceeds benefit Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and Yogis in Service. Children 12 years old and younger are FREE to attend the kid’s portion, run by Yogis in Service. Advance registration is required for children.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets. You can also purchase tickets at Power Yoga Buffalo, lululemon Buffalo, or by contacting Beth Potozniak at (716) 846-2040 or bpotozniak@bisons.com.

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

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Promise Kept: C’s unveil new Challenger Baseball Field

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, B.C.) – They say that these are the reasons that you get into a career in baseball. To have a platform where you can make a difference in someone’s life.

Back when the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation was still in its infancy, team president Andy Dunn stepped forward to a number of his staff and showed a field that catered specifically to the needs of children with physical and cognitive challenges. The playing surface was synthetic to help with the wheels of a wheelchair or walker, the dugout had no steps but had doorways that were wider and for the families — well, now they had a field to call their own.

When Andy first sold the idea to the Canadians, no team in Canada had a dedicated field specifically allocated to Challenger Baseball which could have played a factor in the decision to put the pedal to the metal and make this dream a reality.

To build something of this ilk, you couldn’t have been able to finance it alone. Not in Vancouver, not in the heart of Hillcrest’s vibrant community — or at least you would have thought. But it’s amazing to see how a community can come together when the vision is clear and the benefactor are a group of children who simply needed someone to step up.

Donations began coming into the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation from all across the Lower Mainland. Some from longtime fans, others chose to keep their significant donations private. Our partners from across the country also came together as suddenly the likes of Variety – The Children’s Carity, Jays Care, Challenger Baseball and the Vancouver Board of Parks & Recreation all stepped forward and said we will help.

Not only did they help, the funded a majority of the project with Variety – The Children’s Charity offering up an amount that put our fundraising efforts over the top. The Vancouver Park Board delivered on the space which was significant as these bright, young and inspiring children now get to play their summer baseball just steps away from historic Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium. Now fans from both parks can trade roars when a big hit takes place a special moment is highlighted under the warm glow from the afternoon sun.

This was the vision all along. To bring give something to our community to say not only ‘thank you’, but that we ‘believe in you’.

Andy’s vision became our vision and our vision became yours.

We hope this summer before you enter the gates to our hallowed ballpark located at the base of majestic Queen Elizabeth Park that you take a few moments and go sit in the bleachers of what is now known as the Variety Challenger Baseball Field of Dreams. Watch these players play without challenge and understand in the blink of an eye why we made this promise to you.

They say that these are the reasons that you get into a career in baseball.

Yeah, this is definitely one of them.

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