Canadians Scholarship to Change Lives

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, B.C.) – The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club held its 7th Annual Scotiabank Hot Stove Luncheon on Friday, January 20th, 2017 at the Hotel Vancouver and amidst the festivities came a gesture that still has Vancouver’s philanthropic community buzzing.

As the Canadians held court with Toronto Blue Jays special guests Paul Beeston (President Emeritus), Joe Biagini (Player) and Charlie Wilson (Director, Minor League Operations), Canadians partner Jeff Mooney took to the stage and shortly after giving a powerful speech about the bright future of children from within our Foundation, stepped forward and along with his wife Suzanne Bolton generously announced the creation of a new scholarship fund in the amount of $75,000.00.

The amount goes directly to The Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast B.C. to be allocated for five (5), $15,000 educational scholarships awarded to children who showcase a desire to excel in the classroom, on the field and/or in the community.

The scholarship program is offered to children who are a member of The Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast B.C., participate in the Vancouver Canadians Youth Baseball League and apply successfully for the scholarship, selected by a panel of Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club staff, The Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast B.C. staff and an independent panel.

The vision is that these children who are just starting out in life see the opportunity that has been presented by this new program and work harder than ever before to reach for the stars and become exactly what the dream of becoming.

The Vancouver Canadians Youth Baseball League will welcome it’s 1,500th children onto the hallowed grounds at Scotiabank Field this coming summer.

To learn more about the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation, click here.

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

‘Field of Dreams’ becomes reality thanks to your generosity

At first glance, Variety Challenger Baseball Field, located in Vancouver’s Hillcrest Park adjacent to Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium, might strike you as just another baseball diamond, no different than most others found in parks and playgrounds across the city. But if you were to take a closer look you’d soon notice it’s anything but.

The first of its kind in Western Canada, this ballpark was conceived with a special purpose in mind: to accommodate the needs of cognitively and physically disadvantaged children from throughout Vancouver’s Lower Mainland who otherwise might not be able to play baseball.   Design features like wider entryways, an absence of stairs, roomier dugouts, and additional space between home plate and the backstop fence would make for a fully accessible and secure playing environment, particularly for children who use mobility aids. And the synthetic infield would eliminate the incidence of ruts caused by wheelchair tires, ensuring that these players, with the help of their able-bodied volunteer ‘buddies’, could travel smoothly and safely around the bases. In short, the concept of Variety Challenger Baseball Field gave a whole new meaning to the term ‘home field advantage’.

News of plans for what was to become a cornerstone of The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation first broke in mid-2014. Headed up by the efforts of the Foundation and its four collaborators, title partner Variety – The Children’s Charity, Jays Care Foundation (a charitable initiative of the Toronto Blue Jays), the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and the BC Challenger Baseball Program, shovels hit the dirt in July of 2015 and work to reconfigure and renovate the baseball diamond which already occupied the site was underway. And less than a year after that, on September of 2016, Variety Challenger Baseball Field officially opened its gates, set to welcome hundreds of eager young players who for the first time could get excited about spending a memorable summer playing baseball at their very own brand new ballpark.

An added-value benefit, one which may not have been anticipated during Variety Challenger Baseball Field’s planning stages, is that its very existence has gone a long way towards raising awareness that more such facilities are needed, so that all children, regardless of physical or cognitive obstacles that may stand in their way, can get the chance to successfully participate in team sports. That awareness is spreading; in the several months since the ribbon was cut at Variety Challenger Baseball Field, several cities across Canada have been inspired to take up the cause, designing and building their own fully accessible playing fields and facilities.

Meanwhile, with the dead of winter approaching, Variety Challenger Baseball Field lies quiet, nestled under a layer of snow… but don’t worry. Before you know it, that snow will melt away, the grass will turn from brown to green, and this ‘field of dreams’ will be ready to host another summer of Challenger Baseball. It’ll be ready to ring with children’s laughter. And it’ll be ready to inspire us all over again.

We can hardly wait.

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

Baseball Dinner Donates Over $127K

In the spirit of the holiday season, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced today the proceeds generated by the 2016 Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental. Through sponsorship donations, ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and raffle ticket sales, more than $127,000 was donated from the Nov. 19 event to benefit the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD), the Ted Williams Foundation, and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

“We’re honored to host this event every year, and we’re proud of the impact it makes in our community,” said Art Solomon, Fisher Cats owner and Chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation board. “The work of our Foundation is at the forefront of what we do as an organization, and we’re so thankful for the support of all of the sponsors and fans who make the Baseball Dinner successful each year.”

“On behalf of everyone at CHaD, especially the kids and families we serve, I would like to express our deepest thanks for the wonderful partnership we have with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats,” said Dr. Keith Loud, Director, Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock. “The Granite State Baseball Dinner committee, the Fisher Cats staff and the entire Fisher Cats’ organization are truly champions for kids. They make a difference for all the children of our region, but especially those who are sick and injured, and for that we are extremely grateful.”

“This announcement has become a holiday tradition for us, and it means so much to our staff and the entire Fisher Cats family,” said Fisher Cats President Mike Ramshaw. “The Baseball Dinner is the highlight of our offseason. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to donate to these great charities, and the support of our fans and partners in the community really makes a difference.”

“We are honored to participate in the Granite State Baseball Dinner every year,” said Ted Williams Foundation Executive Director Dave McCarthy. “Through our partnership with the Fisher Cats and CHaD, and the generosity of the sponsors, fans, and athletes, we can further our initiatives to honor and celebrate the game of baseball.”

Since the Fisher Cats became involved with the dinner in 2007, more than $1.5 million has been donated to the three charitable groups.

In addition to the main fundraising efforts of the event, the Fisher Cats and Primary Bank partnered to host a coat drive to benefit New Horizons for New Hampshire. Dinner patrons donated dozens of coats, which will be used by New Horizons to provide warm clothing for those in need during the winter months.

The 2016 dinner featured another unique panel of celebrity guests, including New Hampshire native and Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter and Hall of Famer Wade Boggs. Additional guests included former Red Sox Luis Tiant, Lou Merloni and Rich Gedman, along with pitching greats Denny McLain and Scott McGregor.

Several Granite Staters were also featured at the head table, including minor league infielder Michael Fransoso of Portsmouth and pitchers Carson Cross of Brentwood, and Nashua’s Kevin McGowan.

A group of New England prospects also attended the event, including Alex Powers of Hyannis, Mass. and the Cincinnati Reds farm system, Keene State standout and Orioles prospect Cody Dube, and former St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Dover, N.H.) star Ryan McKenna, who Baltimore drafted in the fourth round last year.

The Fisher Cats were honored to host two members of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, Brian Gentilotti and Matthew Pennington, as well as 2012 Paralympic gold medalist Victoria Arlen of Exeter.

The dinner tradition will continue in 2017 on Saturday, Nov. 19.

The Fisher Cats open the 2017 season on Thursday, April 6, versus the recently renamed Binghamton Rumble Ponies (AA-New York Mets). On July 12, the team will host the 2017 Northeast Delta Dental Eastern League All-Star Classic at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium featuring the top prospects from each of the league’s 12 teams.

Fisher Cats full and half-season tickets are available now and feature a wide variety of benefits, including reserved seating for the 2017 Northeast Delta Dental Eastern League All-Star Classic, up to $100 in Fisher Cash, access to exclusive events like on-field batting practice, team autograph signings and more. Visit nhfishercats.com for more information.

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

10th Annual Canadians Thanksgiving Delivers Again

Save-On-Foods Store Manager Kevin Smith delivers a family-sized turkey in advance of the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend.

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, B.C.) – The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club in co-operation with Save-On-Foods and The Salvation Army spent Wednesday afternoon helping 100 local families in need with some holiday cheer in advance of the upcoming Thanksgiving Weekend.

Save-On-Foods generously donated 100 family-sized turkeys with serving trays and instructions on how to properly cook the meal to a number of local families that had been put forth by The Salvation Army.

“We are so fortunate to have organizations like the Vancouver Canadians and Save-On-Foods come forward and make a difference with many of our families who will be able to enjoy a warm meal this upcoming weekend,” stated Salvation Army Major James Hagglund who along with his staff, the C’s and Save-On-Foods were on-hand in Vancouver to personally hand out the turkeys.

“Canadians Thanksgiving” was the first annual community initiative to be put in place by owners Jake Kerr and Jeff Mooney as this year marked the 10th anniversary of this impactful community partnership. Since 2007, the Canadians have provided more than 1,000 local families with family-sized turkeys and ways to come together to enjoy the holiday season.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club wishes to thank both Save-On-Foods and The Salvation Army for both their generosity and effort to bring these families together and make a difference in our community.

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

TD Bank Presents Kids Run the Show Aug. 19

MANCHESTER, N.H. – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced today that the team has signed 13 young fans to one-day front office contracts. Presented by TD Bank, “Kids Run the Show” will give these youngsters, ages 6-16, a chance to orchestrate the fun and excitement of a Fisher Cats game on Friday, August 19.

Key positions on New Hampshire’s staff will be filled as follows:

General Manager: Mark Basnett – Manchester, NH

Radio Broadcaster: Logan Purvis – Manchester, NH

PA Announcer: Mitchell Forman – Hudson, NH

Group Sales Manager: Aiden Daniel – Fremont, NH

Public Relations Director: Brandon Lurvey – Concord, NH

Guest Services Manager: Maddy Dionne – Henniker, NH

Promotions Assistant: Malachy Crowell – Derry, NH

Groundskeeper: Graham Kuhlmann – Manchester, NH

Scorekeeper: Owen Moushegian – Nashua, NH

Box Office Director: Zachary Levigne – Manchester, NH

Ticket Takers/Ushers:

Isabelle Henderson – Lawrence, MA

Emily King – Nashua, NH

Christian Morency – Manchester, NH

“This is such an exciting event every year, watching young kids experience a night at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium the way we do,” said Fisher Cats President and General Manager Rick Brenner. “Our goal is to create as much fun and excitement as possible for all of our fans, and partnering with TD Bank for this promotion is one of the most unique ways we do that.”

“TD Bank is proud to support the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and what better way to do so then to sponsor Kids Run the Show,” said Steve Webb, NH Market President. “The lucky kids chosen get to learn about all the details and hard work that go on behind the scenes for each and every game…and develop an even deeper love for the game of baseball.”

Friday’s game will feature live music from local artist David Anthony and a spectacular Atlas Fireworks show after the final out. The Fisher Cats will host the Altoona Curve (Pittsburgh Pirates Double-A affiliate), with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available now at nhfishercats.com/tickets.

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 8 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at approximately 1,300 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®, and vehicle financing and dealer commercial services through TD Auto Finance. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visitwww.tdbank.com. Find TD Bank on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TDBankand on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TDBank_US.

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD”. To learn more, visit www.td.com.

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

Bisons ‘Armed Forces Night’ game on May 16 to benefit Buffalo Naval & Military Park

Pre-game ceremonies include commemorative coin giveaway

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The Buffalo Bisons have teamed up again with the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park for the 2nd annual Armed Forces Tribute Night at Coca-Cola Field on Saturday, May 16 when the Bisons host the Toledo Mud Hens. The first pitch is at 5:05 p.m. with an elaborate pre-game ceremony starting at 4:30 p.m.

The Naval & Military Park are selling reserved seat tickets to the game for $10 with $5 of the advance-only sales being donated to the Park from the Bisons for the maintenance and preservation of the USS The Sullivans. Advance sale tickets may purchased on-line at www.buffalonavalpark.org or by calling (716) 847-1773 (ext. 18 or 10).

The USS The Sullivans, a Fletcher-class destroyer, was named after the Sullivan family lost five brothers (George, Francis, Joseph, Madison and Albert) ages 20-27 onboard the USS Juneau which was sunk by a Japanese submarine in 1942 during World War II. The USS The Sullivans, the USS Little Rock, the nation’s only guided missile cruiser the submarine USS Croaker, are all docked and on display at the Naval & Military Park at Canalside.

“This is a major fund raiser for the Park and we look forward to everyone coming out to show their support for the men and women of this area who are now serving or have served in our Armed Forces. Please join us in honoring our troops,” said Deborah Billoni, chairperson of the Tribute Day committee.

LOOKING FOR A VETERANS TO HOLD THE FLAG
Among the pre-game festivities is the display of a large American flag in the outfield. Veterans at the game are invited to enter the field to hold the largest American flag to ever be on display at Coca-Cola Field. Veterans (uniforms are not necessary) are to report to the Naval & Military Park’s Command Post inside the ballpark’s Washington Street gate by 4:15 p.m. and ask for Col. Bob Pecoraro.

The 30×60-foot flag that weighs 75 pounds and flies on Buffalo’s waterfront adjacent to the Naval & Military Park, will be held by more than 100 military veterans, Sea Cadets and Civil Air Patrol members.

“We need the veterans to hold the flag in center field during the ceremony to showcase the local members of the Armed Forces so the public can say, ‘Thank You,'” said Billoni. The flag will be held during the display of colors and the singing of the Canadian and American national anthems.

Other pre-game activities include the giving away of commemorative military challenge coin to the first 2,000 fans through the Swan St. Gate (open at 4 p.m.). and the 2nd annual Francis E. Mooney Comrades Appreciation Award presentations. This year’s recipients are:

The late Helen G. Jacob, a pioneer in getting women involved with the Armed Services. She joined the U.S. Army (Women’s Auxiliary Corps) and was deployed to France as an Administrative Assistant during World War II. She had a 27-year career working at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Buffalo and after retiring in 1995, she returned as a volunteer. She died on March 2nd.

The late Merrell A. Lane, who served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, was the longtime leader of a group that helped to save the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station from closing.

First Sergeant Nelson Oldfield, who served our country for 24 years in the U.S. Army, and who continues his dedication to veterans and the community through numerous volunteer activities.

Honorable Robert T. Russell, Jr., an Associate Judge for Buffalo City Court and an Acting Erie County Court Judge who created and presided over the nation’s first “Veterans’ Treatment Court.”

Captain Roger L. Woodworth, a commissioned officer with over eight years of active military service in the U.S. Army, he was appointed the first President and Chief Executive Officer and founding charter member of Veterans One-stop Center of Western New York, Inc.

Charlie Yeager was an influential local businessman who was a key member of the original organizing committee to bring the ships here in 1977. He handled the park’s insurance for over 30 years and continues to be a strong supporter of the park.

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

Pride Center of WNY partners with Bisons for ‘Out at the Ballpark’ night, July 16

Bisons host Clippers on Thursday, July 16 (7:05 p.m.)

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The Pride Center of Western New York and the Buffalo Bisons have announced Out At The Ballpark, an evening of professional baseball celebrating the vibrancy of Western New York’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Community, for Thursday July 16 during the team’s game versus the Columbus Clippers at Coca-Cola Field (7:05 p.m.).

The event marks the first time a professional sporting organization in Western New York has created an official event for the LGBTQ community. Founder of the Queen City Softball League Doug Scheidt will throw the game’s ceremonial first pitch while the national anthems will be sung by out actor Marc Sacco, recipient of the 2008 Artvoice Theater Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical. The evening will also feature entertainment and trivia by and for the LGBTQ community.

The Coca-Cola Field centerfield pavilion area will also open at 5:00 p.m. and feature live music and food and beverage specials from 5:00 p.m. to first pitch.

Fans can purchase a specially-priced $12 reserved seat ticket to Out at the Ballpark night by contacting Rob Kates at the Buffalo Bisons at (716) 846-2032 or rkates@bisons.com. Proceeds of advanced ticket sales will benefit the Pride Center of Western New York and their efforts to promote and celebrate the area’s LGBTQ community. The Bisons will also be selling ‘Out at the Ballpark’ game tickets at the Pride Festival on Sunday, June 7.

“The Buffalo Bisons approached us a few months back expressing their interest in creating an event that would celebrate our community,” said Matthew Crehan Higgins, Senior Director of The Pride Center of WNY. “Immediately it felt like something a little different and unexpected, and certainly whenever we have mentioned it to someone they smile right away.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to throw the first pitch and proud of the success of the Queen City Softball League, which has been playing every summer since 1993,” Sheidt said. “At the time, we were eight teams, mostly gay and lesbian players, and mostly at a recreational level. I never would have imagined that 23 seasons later we would still be playing, sharing the field with a lot more straight allies, and playing at a variety of levels, from recreational to competitive. It’s been great fun and I think a contribution to the social and athletic landscape of the city of Buffalo.”

The Pride Center of Western New York, Inc. (PWNY) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to work with the community to make Western New York a safe, healthy, and satisfying place for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people to live, work and establish their families.

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

Scholarship Applications Now Available

Foundation to award $30,000 in scholarships to N.H., Mass. students

The 2014 class of Fisher Cats Foundation Scholarship Winners.
The 2014 class of Fisher Cats Foundation Scholarship Winners.

New-Hampshire-Fisher-Cats-logo-2013The New Hampshire Fisher Cats and the Fisher Cats Foundation have announced the application process is now open for the 2015 Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athlete Scholarships. The Foundation will award 12 scholarships to outstanding scholar-athletes from New Hampshire and Massachusetts who demonstrate academic excellence, significant athletic achievement, and active civic involvement. Each award is $2,500 and includes recognition at a Fisher Cats game during the 2015 season.

Fisher-Cats-Foundation-logo-2013Applications are available simply by visiting the Fisher Cats’ website, www.nhfishercats.com, and clicking the heading COMMUNITY. Students can also find the application by clicking SCHOLARSHIP REGISTRATION at www.NHScholars.org.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on April 30, 2015. A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s coach, FAFSA documentation, and the student’s high school transcript in an electronic format must be uploaded with the application.  All applicants will be evaluated on academic performance, athletic achievement, and citizenship.

Candidates for the Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athlete Scholarships must be residents of New Hampshire or Massachusetts who are graduating from high school in 2015. Candidates must be planning to enroll in a four-year degree program or planning to attend a local community college or technical school in the fall. Candidates do not need to be studying in any particular field.

Three of the scholarships have additional significance. The Chris Carpenter Award is named after New Hampshire native and National League Cy Young Award-winning pitcher, Chris Carpenter. The Swymer Family Scholarship is presented annually to a student who has overcome a barrier on the way to attending college. The Easter Seals Veterans Count Scholarship goes to a student whose parent or guardian is an active, reserve, or veteran member of the United States military.

In 2015, the Fisher Cats Foundation will award a total of $30,000 in scholarships with $5,000 of that amount earmarked to a pair of scholarships for Massachusetts students. Through 2014, the Fisher Cats have presented $230,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors since 2007.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Granite State Baseball Dinner Donates $142,000

Annual charity event has donated more than $1.28 million since 2007

NewHampshireFisherCats_2014-12-17

New-Hampshire-Fisher-Cats-logo-2013In the offices of the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Manchester today, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced the proceeds from the 2014 Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental. Through sponsorship donations, ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and raffle ticket sales, $142,049 was donated to benefit CHaD, the Ted Williams Foundation, and the Fisher Cats Foundation at the annual gala on Nov. 22.

CHaD-Hospital-logo“It is with great pride that our organization gets to host this event and present this check every year,” said Art Solomon, Fisher Cats owner and Chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation board. “The work of our Foundation is near and dear to my heart, but this event in particular means so much because of the impact it is able to make. We are so thankful for the support of all of the sponsors and fans who continue to make this event so meaningful each year.”

“Each year during the holiday season we are able to make this announcement, and it means so much to our team and our staff,” said Fisher Cats President & General Manager Rick Brenner. “It takes a lot of dedicated people donating a lot of their time and resources to make this event successful, but this announcement and presentation today, and the work of these great charities, is the reward for those efforts. We know these funds will assist these groups with the important and necessary services they provide our communities.”

Since the Fisher Cats became involved with the dinner in 2007, it has generated more than $1.28 million for the three charitable groups. CHaD has received more than $558,000 to support its mission to provide world-class care to families and kids throughout the northeast. The Fisher Cats Foundation has used a similar amount to help fund more than $3.5 million in monetary and in-kind donations since its inception in 2006. The Ted Williams Foundation has been gifted with nearly $173,000 to continue its efforts to promote the history and tradition of baseball while also providing outreach to community groups and scholarships to high school students.

The 2014 dinner featured a unique panel of celebrity guests, including New Hampshire legend and Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter. Red Sox star Brock Holt co-headlined the event alongside Carpenter, as well as several popular former Red Sox, including Luis Tiant, Rich Gedman, and Lou Merloni. Other guests with major league connections included Cy Young winners Denny McLain and Dwight ‘Doc’ Gooden, All-Stars Bob Stanley and Gary Matthews, and Claudia Williams, author and daughter of Hall-of-Famer Ted Williams.

Several Granite Staters also featured at the head table, including minor league infielder Michael Fransoso of Portsmouth and pitcher Derrick Sylvester of Franklin. Miss New Hampshire Megan Coolely was joined by 2012 Paralympic gold medalist Victoria Arlen of Exeter.

The dinner tradition will continue in 2015 on Saturday, Nov. 21.

The Fisher Cats will open the 2015 season on Thursday, April 9, at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium against the New Britain Rock Cats (Colorado Rockies). Full and Half-Season Tickets are currently on sale, and feature a variety of benefits and experiences. To learn more, stop by the box office at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, call (603) 641-2005, or visit www.nhfishercats.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

C’s and Safeway bring holiday cheer to The Salvation Army

Members of the C's front office staff join Safeway Canada and Salvation Army staff to celebrate another Canadians Thanksgiving in Downtown Vancouver.
Members of the C’s front office staff join Safeway Canada and Salvation Army staff to celebrate another Canadians Thanksgiving in Downtown Vancouver.

Vancouver-CanadiansThe Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club in cooperation with Safeway Canada handed out 100 family-sized turkeys on Thursday afternoon to local families in need at The Salvation Army located at 3221 Fraser Street.

The Canadians and Safeway Canada have taken pride in working together for the past seven years to continue this community initiative that brings families from all across Vancouver together with a family-sized centerpiece in tie for the holiday weekend.

Salvation-Army“We are fortunate to have a partner like Safeway Canada who generously donates these family-sized turkeys to families in need. Through the efforts of The Salvation Army, we are able to reach those families from all across Vancouver who would benefit most from this kind of effort,” states Vancouver Canadians Director, Community Relations Jeff Holloway.

Since its inception in 2008, the Canadians along with Safeway Canada have donated more than 800 turkeys along with basting trays and cooking instructions to families from all across Vancouver.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club wishes to thank both Safeway Canada and The Salvation Army for making another ‘Canadians Thanksgiving’ possible and wish everyone a festive holiday weekend.

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

C’s Support Raise-A-Reader

Vancouver-CanadiansThe Canadians Front Office staff set the alarm clock to ‘early’ this past week to wake up and hit the streets of downtown Vancouver in support of the Vancouver Sun’s annual Raise-A-Reader program supporting Children’s literacy.

“This is a program that helps countless families from all across Canada and it is one of the events that we very much enjoy supporting,” states Canadians Community Relations Director Jeff Holloway.

“The Vancouver Sun is a publication that supports us on a number of levels well beyond covering the outcome of our games.  Our working relationship, combined with the support this charity provides to families makes this a ‘can’t miss event’ for our organization”.

Once a year, the Canadians join a number of other teams and supporters on the streets of Vancouver selling Vancouver Sun newspapers by donation to those heading into work. This program has raised millions in support of children’s literacy and once again, despite soggy conditions, was once again a great success.

The Vancouver Canadians wish to thank Rose Isla and her staff at the Vancouver Sun for their support and efforts regarding the Raise-A-Reader program. Congratulations!

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

Blue Jays honor Taylor Cole & Stubby Clapp

RHP gets commmunity service award, hitting coach wins Mattick

Dunedin-Blue-Jays-2014The Toronto Blue Jays announced their organizational award winners earlier today, and Dunedin’s RHP Taylor Cole and Hitting Coach Stubby Clapp each received tremendous honors. Cole has been named the winner of the Community Service Award, and Clapp will receive the Bobby Mattick Award for excellence in player development.

RHP Taylor Cole has been named this year’s winner of the Community Service Award. The 25 year-old right-hander was exceptionally active in the Blue Jays initiative programs serving youth. Among the programs Taylor participated in were the team’s annual Bookin’ it to the Ballpark reading program and summer Kickball Tour: a health and wellness initiative promoting an active lifestyle among kids of all ages at various summer camps. Additionally, Taylor led a group of teammates in a “Toys for Tots” shopping spree in support of the non-profit organization. Warm-hearted and selfless in his volunteerism, Taylor was always willing to answer a litany of questions from kids in an earnest manner, and took the extra time to sign last minute autographs in the classroom, at the ballpark and wherever fans could be found. In his words, “It’s our responsibility to give back, as so many have done for us.” On the diamond, Cole led all of minor league baseball with 171 strikeouts this past season.

Stubby Clapp is being recognized as this year’s recipient of the Bobby Mattick Award for excellence in Player Development. Born in Windsor, Ontario, Stubby has spent the last two seasons as the Hitting Coach in Dunedin (A). A member of Canada’s 1999 Pan American Games team, 2004 Canada Olympic team and 2006 World Baseball Classic club, Clapp spent 11 seasons playing professionally, including 23 games for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2001. Clapp started his coaching career in 2008 in the Astros system, highlighted by a division crown with Tri City (A) serving as the teams Manager. Stubby was influential in the development of several key Blue Jays farmhands over the past two seasons and his dedication each and every day makes the award richly deserved. During the past season alone, C Derrick Chung, SS Jorge Flores, 1B K.C. Hobson, 3B Gustavo Pierre, RF Matt Newman and CF Dalton Pompey all earned promotions to Double-A and beyond after working with Clapp in Dunedin.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Dunedin Blue Jays. Click here to view the original story.

Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Winners Announced

Winners to be recognized at Saturday’s game against Reading

New-Hampshire-Fisher-Cats-logo-2013The New Hampshire Fisher Cats and the Fisher Cats Foundation have named their 2014 Scholar-Athlete Scholarship winners. Ten graduates from New Hampshire high schools and two from northern Massachusetts have all earned a $2,500 scholarship based on their athletic and academic achievements in high school, and will be celebrated in an on-field ceremony prior to the Fisher Cats’ game on Saturday, August 2, against the Reading Fightin Phils at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

Fisher-Cats-Foundation-logo-2013“These students have had remarkable high school careers, and we are proud to recognize them as our Class of 2014 scholarship winners,” said Art Solomon, Fisher Cats owner and chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation board. “Not only have they excelled in school and on the fields and courts, but each has displayed a commitment to making their communities better places to live. We look forward to recognizing these students as they prepare for college at the ballpark this weekend.”

The scholarship recipients were selected based upon criteria of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and active citizenship in the community. Money for the scholarships was raised through several Foundation endeavors, most notably the Granite State Baseball Dinner, which surpassed $1 million in fundraising at its annual event last November. With these scholarships, a total of $230,000 have been awarded through this program since 2007.

The Fisher Cats Foundation will award three special scholarships among the twelve – the Swymer Family Scholarship, offered annually to a student who has overcome a barrier and gone on to college; the Chris Carpenter Scholarship, named in honor of New Hampshire native and National League Cy Young Award Winner Chris Carpenter; and the Easter Seals Veterans Count Scholarship, presented to a New Hampshire graduate whose parent or guardian is an active, reserve, or veteran member of the United States Military.

A full list of this year’s winners is below.

*Quinn Connelly (Spaulding High School/Rochester, N.H.) – Quinn was a member of the varsity basketball team and served as team captain his senior year. He played in the state semi-finals twice and graduated in the top 10 of his class. Quinn will attend the University of New Hampshire in the fall to study business administration.

*Shannon Corcoran (Londonderry High School/Londonderry, N.H.) – Shannon was the co-captain of the varsity dance team. She was also a member of Latin, French, and Math Honor Societies, as well as the National Honor Society. Shannon will attend Clemson University and plans to be a member of the Clemson dance team. She has earned this year’s Easter Seals Veterans Count Scholarship.

*Carmen Giampetruzzi (Trinity High School/Manchester, N.H.) – A three-sport standout, Carmen was a member of the varsity football, basketball, and baseball teams at Trinity. He was a member of the Principal’s List. He will pursue baseball and study biology this fall at Boston College.

*Samarth Gupta (Acton-Boxborough High School/Acton, Mass.) – Samarth was the president of his class as well as a three-season captain of the cross country and track teams. He was also a four-year letter winner in both sports. Samarth will attend Harvard University in the fall studying government.

*Sarah King (Nashua High School North/Nashua, N.H.) – Sarah was a member of the varsity volleyball team as well as a member of the National Honor Society. She plans to attend Butler University next year to study pharmacy.

*Patrick Martin (Wilton-Lyndeborough High School/Wilton, N.H.) – This year’s Swymer Family Award recipient, Patrick was named Wilton-Lyndeborough Male Athlete of the Year in 2013 and 2014. He was a member of the varsity baseball and basketball teams. Patrick will attend St. Joseph’s College of Maine where he plans to study history/secondary education.

*Molly McCabe (Bishop Guertin High School/Brookline, N.H.) – Molly was a four-year letter winner in cross country and indoor and outdoor track at Bishop Guertin. She is a member of the National Honor Society and a four-year Gold Honor Roll Student. Molly will attend Boston College in the fall.

*Abigail McDonough (Portsmouth High School/Greenland, N.H.) – Abby was a member of the varsity softball and basketball teams at Portsmouth High. There, she held high or highest honors for all four years. Next year she will attend the University of New Hampshire.

*Walters Ndi (Concord High School/Concord, N.H.) – Wally was Concord High School’s Male Athlete of the Year and an All-Conference running back. He was a member of the varsity football, wrestling and track teams. He plans to study exercise science next year.

*Dillon Sylvester (Franklin High School/Franklin, N.H.) – Dillon is this year’s winner of the Chris Carpenter Award. He served as the Valedictorian for his class as well as a member of the varsity soccer, basketball, and indoor and outdoor track and field teams. He will attend Bentley University this fall to study business.

*Morgan Wallingford (Dover High School/Dover, N.H.) – Morgan was named the MVP of Dover High School’s varsity gymnastics team for the last three years. A 2014 NH Scholar, she will attend the University of New Hampshire in the fall.

*Nicole Woods (Beverly High School/Beverly, Mass.) – Nicole played on the varsity field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse teams at Beverly High School. She was selected as one of the top 70 high school players in the country for USA Field Hockey Futures Elite Championships. She will attend the University of Louisville where she will play field hockey.

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats established the Fisher Cats Foundation to be a catalyst for the betterment of communities statewide by supporting youth programs that encourage education and promote healthy living. Through the generous support of players, employees, sponsors, and fans, the Fisher Cats Foundation continuously works to make a positive impact throughout New Hampshire and north central Massachusetts. As the primary funding source for the team’s philanthropy, the Fisher Cats Foundation supports a wide variety of non-profit organizations and coordinates several fundraising programs and events. Since its inception in 2006, the Foundation and the Fisher Cats have provided more than $3.5 million in monetary and in-kind donations to over 4,000 non-profit organizations.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Fisher Cats, Citizens Bank ‘Taking the Show’ to Manchester South

New-Hampshire-Fisher-Cats-logo-2013The Fisher Cats and Citizens Bank announced today that Manchester South Little League has been chosen as the inaugural winner in the ‘Take the Show on the Road’ promotion. Through a partnership with Citizens Bank, the Fisher Cats will bring their entertainment experience to the fields of Manchester South on Saturday, June 21. Three other leagues – Londonderry Athletic and Field Association (LAFA), Concord Little League, and Hollis/Brookline Cal Ripken – have been awarded consolation prizes based upon the sportsmanship qualities represented by their leagues.

“We received a number of outstanding entries, detailing how the leagues in New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts are not only developing outstanding athletes, but outstanding young people through their programs,” said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner. “These tales of sportsmanship and integrity highlight the best of youth sports. We are excited to bring our show to Manchester South for a great day of baseball and family fun later this month.”

“Citizens Bank was thrilled to see all the entries highlighting so many healthy, active recreational activities taking place in New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts thanks to youth baseball leagues,” said Joseph Carelli, President, Citizens Bank and RBS Citizens, New Hampshire. “We are proud to partner with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats to bring ‘Take the Show on the Road” to Manchester South Little League and look forward to the event.”

“Manchester South Little League is honored and excited to have been chosen for such a fun, unique promotion,” said Manchester South Little League President Kim Roy. “Sportsmanship and fair play are the guiding principles of our players, coaches, and parents, and to be recognized for those efforts gives us great pride. I know our league will be ready to help the Fisher Cats and Citizens Bank create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our players and fans.”

On June 21, the Fisher Cats will bring their inflatable games, mascot, PA announcer, promo team, and turf manager to the Manchester South Little League Farm League All-Star Game at Precourt Park off South Willow Street. The first 200 fans to attend the game will also receive a Fisher Cats hat courtesy of Citizens Bank.

As consolation prizes, LAFA will receive a free night in a luxury suite at a Fisher Cats game this summer. Concord and Hollis/Brookline each will receive 25 tickets to a game with a VIP Stadium Tour.

Before the Fisher Cats head to Manchester South, the team will be home for a three-game homestand June 17-19 against the Altoona Curve (Pittsburgh Pirates). The series features a baseball giveaway and an Atlas Fireworks Show after the final game on the 19th. Tickets are available by visiting www.nhfishercats.com, stopping by the box office at the ballpark, or by calling (603) 641-2005. For more information on the above events, please contact Tom Gauthier at tgauthier@nhfishercats.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Golf Classic Raises more than $56,000 for CAC

NewHampshireFisherCats_2014-06-12

 

New-Hampshire-Fisher-Cats-logo-2013The New Hampshire Fisher Cats and the Fisher Cats Foundation announced today the second annual Fisher Cats Foundation Charity Golf Classic raised more than $56,000 for Child Advocacy Centers of New Hampshire. The tournament was held Monday, June 2, at Stonebridge Country Club in Goffstown, N.H.

“This event once again demonstrates the generosity of our partners and friends, who joined us for an enjoyable day that raised money for such an important cause,” said Art Solomon, Fisher Cats owner and the chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation board. “We are very proud to be able to present this money to the Child Advocacy Centers of New Hampshire as they continue their work to support and advocate for the victims of child abuse throughout New Hampshire.”

Fisher-Cats-Foundation-logo-2013The main event sponsors, Elliot Hospital and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, were joined by dozens of generous partners and golf foursomes to support the work of CAC divisions throughout the state. In addition to sponsorship and golf entry fees, additional funds were raised through raffles, which featured a wide array of donated prizes. The event also featured a lobster-and-steak lunch preceding the awards ceremony.

On the course, the team from Brady Sullivan Properties came in first place overall with a score of 61. Individual prize winners included Matt Healey, who hit the longest drive, and Joe Morrison, who took home closest-to-the-pin honors.

Child-Advocacy-Centers-of-NHAbout the Child Advocacy Centers

The Child Advocacy Centers of New Hampshire are nationally accredited programs providing forensic interviews and coordinated support services to child victims of crime and their families free of charge. Since opening their doors, the Child Advocacy Centers (CAC) throughout New Hampshire have provided services to thousands of children. In addition, family advocacy services are provided, children and families are connected to community resources, and the CAC remains a support to families as the criminal case moves through the legal system. The CAC in partnership with multidisciplinary team members ensures a less traumatic investigative process, family connection to community resources, and higher prosecution rates.

About the Fisher Cats Foundation

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats established the Fisher Cats Foundation to be a catalyst for the betterment of communities statewide by supporting youth programs that encourage education and promote healthy living. Through the generous support of players, employees, sponsors, and fans, the Fisher Cats Foundation continuously works to make a positive impact throughout New Hampshire and north central Massachusetts. The Fisher Cats Foundation supports a wide variety of non-profit organizations and coordinates several fundraising programs and events. Efforts are focused on two cornerstone initiatives, hosting the Granite State Baseball Dinner benefitting the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD), and providing scholarship to college bound New Hampshire and Massachusetts students in partnership with the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. Since its inception in 2006, the Fisher Cats and the team foundation have provided more than $3.5 million in monetary and in-kind donations to over 4,000 non-profit organizations.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.