Virginia Eagle supports military families

The Pulaski Distributing company donates $1,000 to the Military Family Support Center

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PULASKI, VA – The Pulaski Mariners are pleased to announce that Virginia Eagle Distributing has donated $1,000 to the Military Family Support Center of Salem, Virginia. Both organizations have partnered with the Mariners during the 2012 season.

The donation was a result of the Mariners Homerun Promotion, in which Virginia Eagle and Budweiser made a donation of $50 for each homerun hit by the Mariners at Calfee Park. The 2012 Mariners hit a combined 17 homeruns during the season to reach an $850 total, and Virginia Eagle donated an extra $150 for a grand total of $1,000.

The Military Family Support Center is located in Salem, Virginia, and focuses on the welfare and needs of military families of service men and women. They provide goods, information, and socialization for military families of active and reserved service men and women in the area. For more information on how to help, see the Military Family Support Center’s website at milfamily.org.

For any questions, please contact the ballpark at 540-980-1070 or email the Mariners at info@pulaskimariners.net.

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

‘Cats Clutch in Breast Cancer Awareness Win

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A thriller on the 6th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night saw the Hillcats take their second consecutive game from the Winston-Salem Dash, 7-5. A season-high 4,788 saw Edward Salcedo come through with two clutch hits to give the ‘Cats the lead. Lynchburg closer, Juan Jamie, shut the door with two on in the ninth with back-to-back strikeouts.

It had all the makings of a pitchers’ duel early on at Lynchburg City Stadium. The 6th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night began with both Dash righty Matt Heidenreich and J.R. Graham tossing two no-hit innings. However, the Dash struck first in the top of the third.

Miguel Gonzalez got the game’s first hit with a single under the glove of Hillcats’ shortstop Nick Ahmed. Jake Oester executed a perfect hit-and-run with Gonzalez on the move just one batter later. Gonzalez advanced to third with the league’s hottest hitter due up. Marcus Semien extended his league-best hit streak to 18 games with a single between the third baseman and shortstop, Oester advanced to second base and Gonzalez scored to make it 1-0. Dan Wagner laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Semien to second and Oester to third. The number three prospect in the White Sox organization, Trayce Thompson was up next. He laced a double into the left-center field gap. Both Semien and Oester scored to give the Dash a 3-0 lead. With one out, Hillcats’ third baseman, Edward Salcedo made an amazing play to rob Dan Black of a certain double. A ball was on a line when Salcedo dove to his left in full extension. After making the catch, Salcedo threw from his knees to second baseman Tommy La Stella to get Thompson, who was racing back towards second.

Heidenreich, continued his perfect game bid through four. It wasn’t until the bottom of the fifth that the Hillcats could do any damage. Tim Smith took a pitch off the right shoulder to end the perfect game. Garcia got the first hit off Heidenreich between the first and second baseman to advance Smith to second. Mycal Jones, laid down a bunt intended to be for a hit and it was exactly that down the third base side. The bases were now loaded for Braeden Schlehuber after the Robby Hefflinger strikeout. Schlehuber hammered a double over Brady Shoemaker’s head in left. Smith and Garcia cruised home, but an errant throw by Shoemaker was recognized by Jones at third and he broke for home. Semien gathered the ball and threw home to Gonzalez, but Jones went head first with a hook slide to the back part of the plate. He reached his left hand around and touched home before Gonzalez could get to him. The score was tied 3-3.

A two-run rally would give the Hillcats the lead in the sixth. Smith got his fourth double of the season with two outs. Sacledo came through in the clutch with a single just one batter later to give the ‘Cats their first lead of the game, 4-3.

The Dash answered back in the top of the seventh. Gonzalez hit a slow roller over to Salcedo at third, Salcedo made a running throw, but it was off-target and got past Garcia at first. Gonzalez advanced to second base on Salcedo’s 12th error of the season. Oester was the next batter. He hit a hot shot down the right field side, but it was snagged by a diving Garcia on a hop. Gonzalez advanced to third for Semien. A liner up the middle by Semien scored Gonzalez to tie the game at four.

Lynchburg began the bottom of the eighth with walk to Matt Lipka by Nick McCully. La Stella added a one out single to right, the ball was bobbled by Nick Ciolli, Lipka broke for the third and La Stella broke for second on the Ciolli throw to third; each player was safe. The Dash intentionally walked Smith to load the bases for Salcedo. For the second time in the game, Salcedo came through in the clutch with a single up the middle to score Lipka and give the Hillcats a 5-4 lead. With the bases loaded, Garcia entered the box. He hit a high-chopper over Black at first, Black combined with Semien to get the lead runner, but McCully broke late to first and couldn’t get Garcia in time and dropped the Semien throw. Recognizing the mistake, Smith raced home and scored the second run of the play to give the Hillcats a three run cushion.

Lynchburg brought in the first of its closer duo, Matt Chaffee. The inning started with as solo blast by Michael Early to cut the lead to 7-5. Chaffee walked the next batter before a high fly ball was lost by Lipka in center field. Runners were at first and second for Semien, who tried to sacrifice himself, but couldn’t get the job done and eventually went down with the bunting strikeout. That would be the end of the night for Chaffee and part two of the closer duo, Juan Jamie entered. Wasting no time, Jamie came he challenged the Carlos Sanchez and Trayce Thompson with the gas. Neither could hit it and the Hillcats walked away with a thrilling victory in front of a packed house.

Chasen Shreve improved to 2-0 on the season. He went 1.2 innings, surrendering one and fanning one. Nick McCully fell to 2-2 after giving up three runs–two earned–in just 0.2 of a inning. He also walked two and struck out one. Juan Jaime got his fifth save of the season.

The series finale is slated for 2:05pm. The Hillcat’s will look for their third series sweep of the season. Aaron Northcraft (4-1, 2.12) will look to close out the Dash. Righty Jake Petricka (2-3, 5.63) will try to salvage the series for Winston-Salem. The Faith Night Sunday festivites will begin when the gates open tomorrow at 1:00 pm at Lynchburg City Stadium. If you can’t make it to the park, tune in and listen live to all the action on 105.5 FM KD Country and online at lynchburg-hillcats.com starting with the Hillcats On-Deck Show coming on the air at 1:40pm with Erik Wilson and Mike Viso.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lynchburg Hillcats. Click here to view the original story.

First Annual SCLC Golf Tournament a Success

The Pulaski Mariners help raise over $6,400 for Billy Wagner’s SCLC foundation

SCLC Tournament Winners(L-R): Matt Williams, Butch White, Kenny Myers, and John Hawley. (Bryan Pruitt)
SCLC Tournament Winners(L-R): Matt Williams, Butch White, Kenny Myers, and John Hawley. (Bryan Pruitt)

PULASKI, VA – Last Friday at the Pulaski Country Club was a jam-packed, fun-filled day of golf, silent auctions, food, and chances to interact with standout athletes with roots in Southwest Virginia. Billy Wagner and Shayne Graham were on hand throughout most of the morning to promote the Second Chance Learning Center (SCLC) charity and to meet-and-greet with participants in the morning and throughout the early afternoon.The winning team from the entire tournament consisted of Kenny Myers, Matt Williams, Butch White, and John Hawley. The foursome finished with a score of 56 to win the tournament, but the biggest win of the day was raising over $6,400 for the Second Chance Learning Center.

“The day was an all-around success,” said Mariner’s GM Abby Lyman. “We achieved much more than we anticipated, but more importantly we raised awareness for a great cause.” Lyman went on to say, “We appreciate Billy and Shayne’s participation, and look forward to partnering with them and the SCLC in the future.”

The tournament featured two separate tee times, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Great weather allowed for an outside silent auction that featured items from the Pulaski and Seattle Mariners, all of the other Appalachian League teams, memorabilia from Billy Wagner, and other assorted items.

Wagner, a Southwest Virginia native, played in the Major Leagues for 16 seasons with five different teams and was a 7-time All-Star. Graham, as a placekicker, played collegiate football for Virginia Tech and also graduated from Pulaski County High School. He has played in parts of 11 seasons for seven NFL teams, most notably the Cincinnati Bengals.

The SCLC currently features locations in Bluefield and Tazewell, with plans for a future Pulaski location being discussed. The SCLC offers free tutoring, mentoring, and counseling for middle and high school students with educational and social needs.

The Pulaski Mariners would like to thank all participants, sponsors, and everyone who donated to the tournament that helped make the day’s events possible and such a tremendous success.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pulaski Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

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

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.

Celebrating a Centennial of Naval Aviation

On July 9 we celebrated the Centennial of Naval Aviation at Harbor Park. Wings Over America is a non-profit scholarship foundation that raises money for children of pilots, the crew, and mechanics of air wings to apply for scholarships for there children to attend college. They raised over $1800 for the foundation that night by selling tickets.

Two helicopters also participated in the event. The first one was a helo that hovered at about 30 feet above centerfield and dropped six Navy Seals out of it with the game ball being brought in to Rear Admiral Ted Branch. The second helicopter flew over with the American Flag for the National Anthem and one of the navy gentleman sang the National Anthem.

During the seventh inning stretch we had all the crew and seals back to the field to be honored for volunteering there time that night.It was a great night all around and also helped a worthy cause raise money and awareness at Harbor Park.

HSC-26 & Navy Seals wow the crowd while repelling out of the plane! (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan McLearnon)
Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Rear Adm. Ted Branch throws the Ceremonial First Pitch. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan McLearnon)
Honoring the crew from the helicopter squadrons at the 7th inning stretch!

Mariners announce “100 Bike Giveaway” in honor of Bike Virginia

The Pulaski Mariners, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, and LewisGale Hospital – Pulaski announce bike giveaway to benefit NRV Christmas Stores

(L to R) Wayne Carpenter, Angie Covey, Mona Whitteker, Mark Nichols, and Abby Lyman
(L to R) Wayne Carpenter, Angie Covey, Mona Whitteker, Mark Nichols, and Abby Lyman

PULASKI, VA – The Pulaski Mariners, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce and LewisGale Hospital – Pulaski wish to honor the Bike Virginia participants by starting a “100 Bike Giveaway” donation to benefit local Christmas stores in the New River Valley.

The goal is to donate 100 bicycles to children or adults in need. Residents are encouraged to donate new and used bikes that will be divided between each of the Christmas Stores of the New River Valley.

Walmart stores in the region have taken the initiative of donating the first 10 bicycles to the “100 Bike Giveaway”. The Walmart stores of Wytheville, Galax, Christiansburg, Pearisburg, Stuart, and Martinsville have each generously donated a bike. And the Walmart stores of Dublin and Fairlawn have each donated two bikes.

Cash donations are also welcomed and can be made out and sent to the Pulaski Christmas Store, P.O. Box 2464 Pulaski, VA 24301. The Pulaski Christmas Store will be the coordinating charitable recipient and donations may be tax deductable. Cash donations can also be sent to any of the three title sponsors of the “100 Bike Giveaway”. In general, a $50.00 donation is sufficient to buy a new child’s bicycle.

The deadline to donate bikes for the “100 Bike Giveaway” will be on Friday, June 24th, 2011. Bike totals will be announced at Calfee Park on June 25th before the Pulaski Mariners take on the Princeton Rays at 6:00 pm.

Bikes may be dropped off at the Southwest Times, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, or Calfee Park during regular business hours.

For any questions about the “100 Bike Giveaway”, please contact Peggy White at 540-674-1991 or Abby Lyman at 540-980-1070.

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

Squirrels Double Efforts for Toys for Tots

Team Collects Nearly 17 Bins of Toys at 2nd Annual Holiday Party

Parney the Elf, Santa Claus, the United States Marine Corps and the Richmond Flying Squirrels collected nearly 17 bins full of new, unwrapped toys during the 2nd Annual Holiday Party at The Diamond on Saturday. Many gracious fans braved the elements as the team collected more than double the amount of toys (eight bins) that the Inaugural Holiday Party netted in 2009.

“We have a phenomenal base of fans and community supporters,” said Parney the Elf. “We are continually amazed at their generosity and are grateful that we are able to stage events like this that allow them to participate and get involved in a fun way.”

During the event, party-goers visited Santa Claus and had their pictures taken by Real Life Studios, enjoyed Christmas crafts, warmed up with hot chocolate and Christmas cookies and enjoyed a baseball-themed raffle.

Flying Squirrels fans filled nearly 17 bins to aid Toys for Tots. (Photo courtesy of the Richmond Flying Squirrels)

Students Score Big with ‘Score an A’ Program

The Richmond Flying Squirrels‘ Score an “A” Free Ticket Program presented by Union First Market Bank was a huge success in its inaugural year, and the program will be available once again during the Flying Squirrels’ 2011 season.

The value of tickets redeemed during the 2010 season was over $18,000.

“The Flying Squirrels are always striving to make an impact in the Richmond community in a positive manner, with the school systems being one of our main focuses,” said Flying Squirrels Vice President & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “The ticket program is a way for us to reward those students who push themselves to excel in academics.”

Every “A” on a student’s current K-12 report card during the third and fourth marking periods earned them a FREE General Admission ticket to a Richmond Flying Squirrels home game. Each “A” was good for one ticket per game–for example, if a student earned 8 A’s they would receive 8 General Admission tickets to 8 different games.

“The ‘Score an ‘A’ Free Ticket Program’ is a fun way to reward hard work and achievement or to provide that little extra incentive to push for a higher grade,” said Harry A. Turton, Jr., Richmond President of Union First Market Bank. “Union First Market Bank is headquartered in Richmond and is the largest community bank serving the Richmond-area. We are a proud sponsor of the program and hope the students will enjoy watching the Flying Squirrels as much as our teammates enjoy watching them play.”

Students cashed in on nearly $18,000 worth of tickets in 2010.

Squirrels Salute the Troops!

On Saturday, June 19, the Flying Squirrels partnered with Budweiser to honor the troops for Military Appreciation Night. Hundreds of soldiers and military personnel enjoyed a game at The Diamond.

Support US Armed forces collected donations by offering acorn cut outs to fans to show their support of the troops and raised over $1200 dollars that was used to make care packages for the troops overseas!

The Squirrels also held a “Camo Jersey off the Back” Auction raising over $1,390 with all proceeds benefiting the Robert E. Lee Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) that supports soldiers at Fort Lee and throughout central VA.

Fans were entertained by WWE Hall of Fame Wrestler Sergeant Slaughter and were given a camouflage baseball cap as they entered the gates, courtesy of Budweiser.

SGT. Slaughter leading the crowd in Take me out to the Ballgame!

Pulaski Mariners Join Fine Arts Center Benefit Concert

On Friday, June 18, the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley presented a benefit concert by Elvis impersonator Ryan Pelton. The Pulaski Mariners concession staff manned the concession area and donated their time and the profits from sales to the Fine Arts Center. An estimated crowd of 2,500 people watched the show in the downtown Jackson Park.

Pulaski is a town of only 10,000 population. The benefit to the Fine Arts Center from Pulaski Mariners was thirty-five man hours and $750 cash. A return visit has already been schedule for “Elvis” which deems this initial concert a success.

Students “Go Nuts for Reading!”

In the Flying Squirrels Inaugural Season, we also launched our inaugural reading program, “Go Nuts for Reading!”. Elementary school students throughout the Greater Richmond Area participated by reading eight books over two months to earn a ticket to a Flying Squirrels game this past spring. While at the game, students were recognized by participating in a pre-game parade around the warning track led by Nutzy!

To encourage the children to read, Nutzy and his friends went out to the schools and put on assemblies talking to the students about the benefits of reading, our reading program and Nutzy even acted out “Casey at the Bat”! The classroom that read the most books total from each school district was rewarded with a pizza party and visited by a Flying Squirrels player and Nutzy!

In our first year, over 32,100 students participated within nine school districts!

Nutzy and kids after on-field parade to celebrate reading program
Nutzy at a reading assembly acting out “Casey at the Bat.”

CPR “Certified” Fun at The Diamond!

On Saturday, May 29, the Richmond Flying Squirrels teamed up with the Richmond Chapter of the American Red Cross for CPR Grand Slam!  Residents in the Greater Richmond area took an online class and then finished their CPR certification training in the outfield at The Diamond! Participants were greeted by Nutzy as they checked in, then taken down on to the field to finish training.  Once the course was completed, the newly certified patrons earned a ticket to that night’s Squirrels game and were recognized for attending the life saving training! The youngest participant certified was 13 years old–he tossed out the ceremonial first pitch!

Red Cross CPR training on the outfield
Nutzy and our first pitch winner after completing CPR training at only 13!

Tribute to the Peanut Night Supports Central Virginia Food Bank

On Tuesday, May 18, the Richmond Flying Squirrels teamed up with the VA Peanut Growers to raise awareness about peanuts and the need for peanut butter for the Central Virginia Food Bank. People that brought a jar of peanut butter to the game to donate to the Central Virginia Food Bank were entered into a drawing to win an authentic Flying Squirrels practice jersey. Along with raising awareness about a great organization that is in constant need of support, we had a lot of fun as well as we were not only joined by two peanut mascots (one from the Virginia Peanut Festival & one from VA Diner) but also Peanuts characters Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy! Samples of peanuts were distributed to our fans as fun was had by all in a tribute to one of Virginia’s most well known foods, the peanut!

Two happy Squirrels fans donating for a great cause!
Peanut Mascots helping with an on-field contest-Peanut Ring Toss!

A Field of Dreams for Middle School Clubs

On Tuesday afternoon, two local middle school teams from Prince William County took to the field to live out one of their lifelong dreams of one day playing their favorite game on a professional baseball field.

That dream was realized when St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School took on Manassas Christian School in front of hundreds of family and friends from G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium, the home of the defending Carolina League champion Potomac Nationals.

As an added bonus, the participating players got to watch some of their favorite P-Nats players prior to their game as the Nationals hosted the Salem Red Sox in a Business Persons’ special that featured an 11:00 a.m. start time.

Aquinas jumped out to an early lead scoring a 1st inning run and the score would remain 1-0 until the bottom half of the 4th. The bats then came alive for Manassas Christian as they scored eight times in that frame and wound up pulling away with an 8-2 victory over their neighbors from Woodbridge.

In the end, the final score wasn’t the most important set of numbers that were posted on the scoreboard. As part of a fundraiser set up by each institution, the players involved sold a total of 250 tickets (125 each) to their loved ones so that they could share in the experience of seeing their sons and daughters play our national pastime on the same field where future Nationals’ all-stars are born.

The Potomac Nationals offer several ticket deals that accommodate groups of 20 or more. P-Nats Ticket Fundraisers are an excellent way to generate revenue for your non-profit organization. Organizations such as Little Leagues, civic organizations, churches, schools and charities will enjoy great benefits such as: video board and public address recognition, group names printed on tickets, and at least 50% profit on each ticket sold. For more information, call (703) 590-2311.

Regardless of the outcome, both teams were happy to play their favorite game at Pfitzner Stadium. (Potomac Nationals)