Columbus Litter League Is Back to Strike Out Litter in City Neighborhoods

Opening Day for season two of Columbus Litter League is June 1, and volunteers can join the lineup to help strike out litter in neighborhoods throughout the city.

Individuals, community groups, nonprofit organizations and businesses can form teams of up to 20 players for division competition in the baseball-themed litter abatement effort managed by the City of Columbus Keep Columbus Beautiful program.

Litter League season runs from June 1 through August 31, and teams will score one run for each full bag of litter collected during cleanups.

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther has a friendly wager with Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz on which city’s Litter League program will collect more tons of debris this season.

“Litter is a serious quality of life issue affecting the safety and health of residents and the environment,” said Mayor Ginther. “With teamwork, our community can solve this harmful problem. Thank you to all Litter League players and supporters working to defeat litter in our community. We will score a victory against litter in Columbus, and a win versus Toledo Litter League, too!”

Huntington is the presenting sponsor of Columbus Litter League and is working with the Columbus Clippers, also a sponsor, to support the competition and hold special Litter League team nights at Clippers’ games this summer.

“Grounded in our corporate values that drive our everyday actions, we are committed to creating an environmentally sustainable future through focused environmental management efforts and continued colleague engagement,” said Sue Zazon, President of Huntington’s Central Ohio Region.

“The Litter League allows our community the opportunity to have a fun time with a serious issue. First impressions are made on how clean a city is; and this initiative allows us to form teams to challenge each other and make our city even better than what it is,” said Ken Schnacke, Clippers President & GM.

Division teams that collect the most litter by the season’s end will play in a Wiffle Ball tournament at Huntington Park.

Sign up for Litter League and see league rules here. Visit KeepColumbusBeautiful.org after the season starts for information on division team standings and Litter League events at Clippers games.

Keep Columbus Beautiful is a City of Columbus community improvement program and a national affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. Keep Columbus Beautiful focuses on public education and volunteer service related to quality-of-life environmental issues including litter, recycling and beautification.

Hot Rods Chosen to Receive Truist Spirit of Community Award 

*Bowling Green, Kentucky *– On Sunday, the Volunteers in Action executive committee recognized the Bowling Green Hot Rods as their 2022 Truist Spirit of Community Award winner. The Hot Rods join other local businesses and organizations that have won the award including Tony Rose, Crocker Law Firm, Houchens Industries, Chick-Fil-A, and American Legion – Post 23.

Eric C. Leach, Hot Rods General Manager and COO, and Kyle Wolz, Assistant General Manager, received the award at the Warren County Public Library on behalf of the Hot Rods organization on Sunday. The team has been involved in various community initiatives since its start in 2009. The Hot Rods have volunteered and partnered with local organizations like Boyz to Men, the Stuff the Bus Foundation, Kids on the Block, Norton Children’s Hospital, Down Syndrome of Southern Kentucky, Norton Children’s Hospital, and numerous other charitable organizations.

Most recently, the Hot Rods jumped in to aid the community after the devastating tornados that laid waste to Bowling Green and the surrounding areas. The front office assisted in cleaning up from the storm’s damage while also spearheading a charity auction featuring items from all over the country that were donated by various sports teams, colleges, and organizations. On April 10, the team also had #BGStrong day where the Hot Rods wore special jerseys on the field which were auctioned off following the game. All of the proceeds went to continued tornado relief efforts in the area.

“The community of Bowling Green has given us so much since we opened our gates in 2009,” Leach said. “We’ve been able to develop a beautiful ballpark downtown thanks to this amazing city and all the people in it. We’re incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award. It’s a testament to the hard work everyone at our organization has done and continues to do, to make sure we’re always trying our absolute best to be an active member of the community.”

The Hot Rods have also taken on various causes at Bowling Green Ballpark during the season, including hosting an annual Easter Egg Hunt, hosting a community organization of the night at each game, and introducing the Bolidos de Bowling Green alternate identity to celebrate Hispanic heritage in the community.

The Hot Rods proudly accept the 2022 Truist Spirit of the Community award and can’t wait to continue their partnership and work with the South Central Kentucky community!

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*Hot Rods Baseball *


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Bats Outfielder Rey Volunteers at Youth Clinic

DAYTONA, FLORIDA — Just before departing for Spring Training, Louisville Bats outfielder Brian Rey volunteered at a youth baseball clinic in Daytona.

Rey worked with the youth ballplayers on fundamentals during the camp on March 2, but when he addressed the group after the workout, he stressed the importance of having fun while learning baseball.

“As you guys learn this game some of this could get frustrating,” Rey told the youth players. “(Eventually) you will get the hang of it, I promise…but the number one thing for you guys right now is to have fun.”

[WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE]

Rey made his Triple-A debut with the Bats on Sept. 29 last season and logged five hits with three RBIs in four games. Following the regular season, he starred in the Winter League in Puerto Rico, hitting .362 with a .455 OBP in 14 games for the Indios De Mayaguez

RiverDogs Partner with CCSD for Sixth Year of “Reading Around the Bases”

 

The Charleston RiverDogs and the Charleston County School District have announced plans to commence the sixth year of their literacy initiative, “Reading Around the Bases.” The program began during the 2016-2017 school year to promote having fun while reading with second graders throughout the county.

Starting on Tuesday, January 25, second graders from over 20 elementary schools in CCSD will begin a 10-week baseball-themed incentive program. Every student will receive a Reading Challenge packet that includes a scorecard and tracking sheet. To move around the bases on the scorecard, a student must read a certain number of pages: 100 pages for a single, 200 pages for a double, 300 pages for a triple, and 500 pages for a home run.

This year’s kickoff event for “Reading Around the Bases” will be at Murray-LaSaine Montessori School on James Island on January 25 at 9:00 a.m. RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols, other members of the front office staff and Charlie T. RiverDog will participate in the event. Media outlets are welcome to attend.

“The RiverDogs are proud to continue the outstanding relationship with the Charleston County School District that has existed since I have been a part of the organization,” added RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “Literacy and education are vital for the development of young members of the Charleston community, and we are excited to continue impacting students in the sixth year of this tremendous program.”

Special guests from the RiverDogs will visit schools in CCSD over the course of the next few months to provide encouragement and engage the students as volunteer readers.

“We continue to be impressed with and grateful for the effort the RiverDogs put into in this initiative, and for their continued support of our district,” said CCSD’s Chief Academic Officer, Karolyn Belcher. “Credit goes to Christy James and our teacher-librarians as well. They do so much work behind the scenes to make this a memorable and enjoyable program for our students.”

The top-25 second graders from each participating school will be honored at a select RiverDogs game during the upcoming season.

The RiverDogs will open the 2022 season at home against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Friday, April 8. Season tickets, flexible ticket plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are available at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The Segra Club is also open for events year-round. Visit segraclub.com for more information.

Delmarva Shorebirds 2021 Holiday Community Impact

 

After the silver anniversary season of Delmarva Shorebirds baseball, the ‘Birds were eager to join together with community leaders to keep the good times rolling with an emphasis on creating a positive impact in our community. From packing boxes for those in need, to holiday gift drives, parades, and more,

After the silver anniversary season of Delmarva Shorebirds baseball, the ‘Birds were eager to join together with community leaders to keep the good times rolling with an emphasis on creating a positive impact in our community. From packing boxes for those in need, to holiday gift drives, parades, and more, the Shorebirds carried their mission through the beginning of the offseason to lend a helping hand and spread some holiday cheer to those on Delmarva this holiday season.

Thanksgiving for Thousands

The Delmarva Shorebirds kicked off the holiday season by participating in Mountaire Farms annual Thanksgiving for Thousands. The Shorebirds have been involved with Mountaire Farms Thanksgiving for Thousands for many years now and helped Mountaire pack over 10,000 Thanksgiving boxes for families in need across Delmarva. This event is a favorite of the Shorebirds front office and was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season.

Salvation Army Bell Ringing

An annual tradition, the Delmarva Shorebirds’ front office staff partnered with the Shorebirds’ Fan Club to participate in Salvation Army’s Bell Ringing in front of the Salisbury Walmart this holiday season. By participating in bell ringing, the Shorebirds were able to help the Salvation Army raise holiday funds for families in need in our community, while sharing a smile and holiday cheer with customers and Shorebirds fans.

Santa’s Letters

Next, Sherman and the Shorebirds visited Santa’s Letters in Dagsboro, Delaware to help ring in the Christmas season. This event spread Christmas cheer by allowing kids to play in the winter wonderland, drink hot chocolate, and put their letter to Santa in Santa’s mailbox. Sherman was very excited for Santa to read his letter! Sherman and the Shorebirds enjoyed helping Santa’s Letters spread the joy of the holiday season for those young and old. Despite the cold, Sherman’s feathers kept him warm!

Home Instead’s “Be a Santa to a Senior” Program

At the beginning of December, the Delmarva Shorebirds partnered with Home Instead for their “Be a Santa to a Senior” program. The Shorebirds decorated a Christmas tree in their front lobby and put ornaments from Home Instead that were labeled with gifts that seniors could use this holiday season. With the help of our amazing fans, the Shorebirds were able to give many presents to the seniors in our community through the “Be a Santa to a Senior” Program. Plus, Sherman visited the MAC Center with Home Instead to spread holiday cheer to the seniors as they received their gifts. This wonderful community initiative is something the Delmarva Shorebirds welcomed for the first time this season and plan to join forces with Home Instead for the years to come.

Holiday Parades

Sherman was a very busy bird this holiday season as he attended seven (7) Christmas parades across Delmarva. On November 29th, the Shorebirds started their parade route by attending the Pocomoke Christmas Parade followed by the Berlin Christmas Parade a few days after on December 2nd. Sherman and the Shorebirds had a double header on December 4th as Sherman shook his tailfeather at both Ocean City and Seaford Christmas parades. Sherman flew closer to the nest on December 5th as he spread holiday cheer at the Salisbury Christmas Parade giving his hometown fans a reminder that baseball will soon be back at Perdue Stadium. The Shorebirds ended the parade route with the Rehoboth Christmas Parade on December 6th and the Bridgeville Christmas parade on December 12th.

Halo Trees of Hope Festival

The Shorebirds donated a Shorebirds themed Christmas tree decked out with various memorabilia including Shorebirds bobbleheads, upper reserved tickets to a Shorebirds game, and a Shorebirds Suite Night, all valuing at $1000 to Halo’s first Trees of Hope Festival. The Shorebirds’ Christmas tree along with many other trees donated by organizations across Delmarva were auctioned off with the proceeds benefiting Halo Ministry and their mission of helping those experiencing homelessness in the area.

Jaycees Christmas Shopping Tour

Sherman and the Shorebirds helped the Jaycees with their annual Christmas Shopping Tour where they spread the Christmas cheer and gave out Christmas gifts to children in the area at the Salisbury Elks Lodge #817. The Jaycees do amazing work in the community each year, and the Shorebirds are always excited for the opportunity to join forces with such a wonderful organization.

Penguin Swim

Sherman attended Atlantic General Hospital’s annual Penguin Swim in Ocean City on New Year’s Day! He cheered on attendees as they dipped their tail feathers in the ocean. Sherman was a warm, friendly face for the participants who dunked themselves in the frigid waters. The proceeds of the event benefited the hospital and their mission of providing quality care to their community, and Sherman and the Shorebirds were proud to support such an incredible event.

The Delmarva Shorebirds were able to join forces with incredible community members this holiday season to give back to our supportive community and spread holiday cheer. The Shorebirds participated in recurring events that are beloved by the team as well as new ones that the Shorebirds hope to continue year after year. With the 2022 Delmarva Shorebirds’ season quickly approaching, the team will continue to fulfill its mission of making a positive impact on the community as well as gearing up for an exciting 2022 season of Shorebirds baseball that is bound to be one of the best years yet!

MODESTO NUTS RELEASE 2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT

 

MODESTO, CA – The report covers the 2021 fiscal year and discloses the Nuts contributions of over $170,000 to community related programs.

“It was an absolute honor to return in 2021 and offer Stanislaus County a safe, affordable place to enjoy friends, family & co-workers,” said Zach Brockman, General Manager of the Modesto Nuts. “We are supremely confident that our organization will complete that comeback in 2022 and get back to hosting more fans and attending more community events. Donations, in-kind services & direct support for quality-of-life projects in the Modesto area will return in full. We couldn’t be more excited for the future!“

With the help of The Parks Group and Mocse Credit Union, the Modesto Nuts began the Health and Wellness Program with over 10 schools enrolled and about 10,000 students participated. The Health and Wellness Program motivated children to focus on mental health, physical health, and cleanliness by offering performance-based incentives from Save Mart, Health Plan of San Joaquin, and The Modesto Nuts.

Non-profit organizations and little leagues used the Modesto Nuts ticket fundraising program to generate much needed funds. Additionally, the Nuts donated gift baskets which included game tickets, premium suites & autographed memorabilia.

Modesto front office donated their time generously to different organizations throughout the community. From school career fairs, to little league opening days, and much more; the Modesto Nuts were able to teach important values such as chasing dreams, having integrity and working hard for what they want.

In back to back years, the Modesto Nuts have doubled their community appearances. For more information on how you can have a Modesto Nuts representative at your event, please head to our Community Appearance Page.

CLICK HERE for the full 2021 Community Impact Report

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About the Nuts:

The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball team is the Class A Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. For more information visit modestonuts.com or call 209-572-HITS (4487)

Wind Surge Give Back 2021

 

2021 was a year full of firsts for the Wichita Wind Surge. In addition to bringing affiliated baseball back to Wichita, the inaugural season was also an opportunity for the Wind Surge to give back to a community that has rallied so much support around the new stadium and new team. Various programs and partnerships were put in place to help support several non-profit and philanthropic organizations around the Wichita and Sedgwick County community.

Cancer Awareness Night

The first of many valuable partnerships involved the Wind Surge joining forces with Central Kansas Cancer Center and McPherson College. This alliance was aimed at raising funds and awareness for the battle against cancer. The Wind Surge designed a unique Cancer Awareness Jersey that was worn by each player during the 2021 Cancer Awareness Night at Riverfront Stadium. After the game, these game- worn jerseys were auctioned off to raise money for the American Cancer Society. We were happy to donate $4,375 to the American Cancer Society to aid in their fight to find a cure for cancer.

Schwechheimer Family Foundation

The Schwechheimer Family Foundation also made its debut during the 2021 season. A 501(c)(3) organization, the Schwechheimer Family Foundation aims to support and foster underserved community members and bring the history of Wichita baseball back to life. The corporation seeks to provide opportunities for the general public to increase their understanding of Wichita’s baseball history and community pursuits. Fundraising efforts for the foundation included a 50/50 raffle during all home games, auctioning off specialty military appreciation jerseys, and the sale of 2021 inaugural season patches which featured late managing general partner, Lou Schwechheimer.

Home Runs for Charity

During the 2021 season, Wind Surge fans also witnessed our collaboration with Fidelity Bank and League 42 in our Home Runs for Charity fundraising sponsorship. League 42 is a non-profit organization, founded in July 2013, that has a goal of ensuring that urban children can have an opportunity to play baseball without the exorbitant costs of playing in organized leagues. Through this sponsorship, each time a Wind Surge player hit a homerun during a Wind Surge home game, Fidelity Bank and the Wind Surge would donate $100 to League 42. During the 2021 season, Fidelity Bank and the Wichita Wind Surge proudly donated $6,900 to League 42 in order to assist the organization in fulfilling their mission.

Outside the Ballpark

Our passion for giving back to the community did not stop with the end of the baseball season in late September. During the off season, many members of the Wind Surge front office continue to volunteer their time and efforts in the community. Staff have participated in many ways, including volunteering with the Kansas Food Bank, Salvation Army, Toys for Tots and Operation Holiday Wearhouse.

Planning for the 2022 season is well underway, and that includes the integration of community partnerships and collaboration. The 2022 season will feature many new community partnerships, and we are looking forward to continuing our mission of giving back to Wichita and surrounding communities.

To learn more about our community initiatives email Our Community Engagement Coordinator at [email protected] Want to request a Wind Surge donation gift for your next charity event? Click here to fill out a request!

Timber Rattlers Give Back Announces Donation Match for Salvation Army Kettle Campaign This Friday

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Timber Rattlers Give Back will participate in the Salvation Army’s Donation Match Program on Friday, December 17. The official charitable foundation of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers will match up to $2,500 of donations to Salvation Army kettles in the Fox Cities Region this Friday.

Timber Rattlers staff members will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army Fox Cities at the Festival Foods located at 1200 West Northland Avenue from 8:00am to 4:00pm on December 17 with appearances from Fang and Whiffer during the day.

Give Back is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2019 and dedicated to making a positive difference in our community. It aims to provide financial support and help raise awareness of charitable causes in the Fox Valley community in the areas of education, youth sports, and basic needs.

OKC Dodgers Give Back

 

From sorting holiday gift donations to playing with puppies waiting for a home, and from preparing meals for those in need to organizing donated sports equipment, members of the Oklahoma City Dodgers front office staff dispersed throughout the metro area earlier this month to assist several non-profit organizations during a day of service.

The OKC Dodgers Foundation set up a variety of volunteer opportunities that allowed Dodgers staff to give back to the community that generously supports the Triple-A baseball team. The Dodgers and OKC Dodgers Foundation provide support to 150 Oklahoma non-profit organizations throughout the year and each December, four are selected to benefit from a staff day a service.

About 30 front office staff members from the Dodgers and Professional Sports Catering recently split into small groups to assist OK City Center, City Rescue Mission, Oklahoma Humane Society and Cleats For Kids.

Click here to read the rest of this article on the digital publication _Beyond the Bricks_.

Blue Wahoos Partner To Help Provide Holiday Meals For Those In Greatest Need 

 

A volunteer enthusiastically greeted Angie Ishee, the executive vice president of the Waterfront Rescue Mission, while she stood on the sidewalk entrance to Blue Wahoos Stadium.

“This kicks off a right kind of Thanksgiving, doesn’t it?” Ishee said.

A nod of approval became the common theme.

For the first time, the Blue Wahoos played a significant role in helping feed thousands of needy people on Thanksgiving Day as part of the facility’s “Feeding Of The 5,000” quest.

After executive chef Travis Wilson and sous chef Carl Sackman prepared more than 50 turkeys, a team of volunteers worked Thanksgiving Day morning to add complete dinner meals, then box the food into Styrofoam containers for delivery into the community.

“This is basically using our resources for the greater good,” Wilson said. “We have the high powered ovens, we have the space to do this. It is the least we can do to help.”

The stadium’s Better Homes & Garden Lounge became staging area for a unified effort to help people in need throughout the Pensacola area.

The initial efforts for Thanksgiving may be followed with help for Christmas meals that Waterfront Rescue Mission provides.

“It is a massive undertaking,” Ishee said. “The Blue Wahoos have been wonderful. This (stadium) provide a central location for our team of volunteers to come day and get the food prepared, loaded and sent out to places we are serving.”

It was the 72nd year that Pensacola’s Waterfront Rescue Mission has provided Thanksgiving meals to homeless, elderly shut-in people and others within the community in need.

The facility has done it with partnership of the Appleyard Agency. Company president Dick Appleyard said he got involved 35 or 40 years ago while his father, John Appleyard, was the company CEO and has stayed actively involved every year.

“I was part of trying to solve the problem,” Dick Appleyard said. “We knew the problem then and now the problem is front and center in the community.

“These guys at Waterfront Mission have been doing this now for nearly 75 years. They know their stuff. And at the end of the day, they are going to be part of the solution to help alleviate this problem of homelessness.”

Sackman said the Blue Wahoos kitchen area and the massive ovens enabled them to cook 41 turkeys at once.

“With turkeys, especially since they come frozen, thawing them is always what takes the longest,” said “When you have so many big turkeys together, they are basically giant ice cubes, so it keeps each one more frozen. These were all together.

“It takes over a week to thaw them out effectively.”

In 2020, Sackman and Wilson combined efforts to create takeout holiday meals the Blue Wahoos provided for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It enabled people to pre-order their family dinners, then pick up the food before each holiday.

“This time, they approached us and asked for our help and we said, sure we can make some turkeys,” Wilson said. “We have the space here to do things like this and the amount of ovens to use.”

All of the food and costs were donated. Appleyard said the plan will be to follow suit for Christmas meals.

“(Blue Wahoos) were a godsend to us,” he said. “The facility can be used for so many things. It is so fantastic.

Sherman Johnson Awarded With Twins Harmon Killebrew Award For Community Service

ST. PAUL, MN (October 1, 2021) – The Minnesota Twins today announced the 2021 Harmon Killebrew Award winners for outstanding minor league community service. Following the Hall of Famer’s death in 2011, the Twins have annually recognized a player from each of the organization’s full-season affiliates. Each player is nominated by their respective general manager for their service within the affiliate’s community. A plaque is awarded, in addition to an on-field presentation during spring training. Though opportunities for community involvement were limited in 2021 due to COVID restrictions, this year’s winners made the best of the circumstances to make an impact in their respective cities.

Infielder Sherman Johnson has been named the winner of the award representing Triple-A St. Paul. Johnson is passionate about reading and promoting literacy, and was active in the Saints’ Reading Tree program this past season. The program took place on the outfield grass prior to Sunday home games and featured a Saints player and a local author/illustrator reading books to kids. Johnson, 31, signed a minor league contract with the Twins on May 12 and began the season at Double-A Wichita, before being transferred to St. Paul on June 1. He batted a combined .202 (45-for-223) with 10 doubles, two triples, five home runs, 33 RBI, 36 runs scored and 46 walks in 75 games for the Saints and Wind Surge.

Right-handed pitcher Hector Lujan has been named the winner of the award representing Double-A Wichita, his third time earning the honor (2014 – Cedar Rapids and 2019 – Pensacola). The 27-year-old was recognized by the Wind Surge front office as the first player to reach out about community engagement opportunities, despite the limits imposed by the pandemic. Lujan was also quick to engage and interact with fans by signing autographs, and was always willing to assist the front office whenever needed. He went 3-2 with a 3.62 ERA (32.1 IP, 13 ER), nine walks and 33 strikeouts in 18 games for the Wind Surge, missing time due to injury.

Catcher Alex Isola has been named the winner of the award representing Single-A Cedar Rapids. Isola volunteered with the local Meals on Wheels chapter during the 2021 season, delivering meals to those in need in his free time and encouraging his teammates to do the same. The 23-year-old also spent significant time signing autographs for fans whenever possible, using the bullpen area as his base. Isola spent the entire 2021 season with the Kernels, his first full professional campaign, hitting .243 (88-for-362) with 15 doubles, 17 home runs, 52 RBI, 47 runs scored and 53 walks in 98 games.

Catcher Jeferson Morales has been named the winner of the award representing Single-A Fort Myers. Morales was recognized by the Mighty Mussels front office as a player who went above and beyond regarding fan interaction during the season, noting his constant willingness to interact with fans and sign autographs whenever he could. The 22-year-old split the 2021 minor league season between Fort Myers and Cedar Rapids, batting a combined .255 (84-for-329) with 24 doubles, 12 home runs, 53 RBI, 12 stolen bases and 54 runs scored in 96 games.

Drillers Help to Renovate Historic Lacy Park 

 

The Tulsa Rumblers, a sandlot baseball club, and the Tulsa Drillers teamed up to give the Lacy Park ballpark a much-needed makeover.

The field is more than just your average neighborhood sandlot. In the 1950s, it was home to Tulsa’s Negro League semi-pro team, the T-Town Clowns. The Tulsa Rumblers started playing pickup ball on Sunday afternoons at Lacy in 2019, but the field was in desperate need of repairs

When public funding to fix the ballpark wasn’t available, a grassroots community project took shape with help from the Tulsa Drillers staff, the Rumblers, and other local sandlot clubs.

“It’s inspiring to see a group of hard-working, passionate volunteers come together to improve this piece of Tulsa’s history,” said Anna America, Chief of Culture and Parks and Recreation said. “This project alone will save Tulsa Parks tens of thousands of dollars in renovation costs.”

Lowe’s donated $8000 in building supplies for the project. Drillers staff members, the Rumblers and other local sandlot players are providing the labor.

The Drillers also auctioned off their “T-town Clowns” replica jerseys worn during the Juneteenth game, raising more than $3500 for the project.

“All of us on the Drillers staff are excited to be able to help with the renovation work at Lacy Park,” said Drillers President Mike Melega. “Lacy Park has played an important role in the history of baseball in Tulsa. With the work now being done to the facility, it should continue to be a great place for the community to come together and enjoy the great game of baseball while also helping younger folks understand its wonderful history.”

Volunteers will spend several days renovating the broken stadium lights, refurbishing the dilapidated bathrooms and fieldhouse, and fixing the bleachers.

Volunteers and community members will celebrate the ballpark’s new look Sunday, July 11 at 5 p.m., with a sandlot game against Drillers staff members. The public is welcome to attend and even play in the game.

Spokane Indians Team Up to Restore War Veterans Memorial Field in Wellpinit

 

WELLPINIT, Wash. – The Spokane Indians front office once again teamed up with local community partners to make a big difference in our region. On Wednesday, June 16th the front office joined the Boys & Girls Club of Wellpinit, Spokane Tribe Fuels Department, Spokane Tribe Maintenance Department, Tribal Department of Natural Resources, Tribal Water Department, members of the Wellpinit High School girls softball team, and community members Gladys Rhoads and Billy Shawn Flett Jr. to restore War Veterans Memorial Field in Wellpinit, Washington.

The renovation had many areas of improvement, including the installation of four large autumn blaze maple trees for shade, new field bases & measurements, new dugouts, new player benches, new signage, new trash cans, and a new main water line. The complex also had its perimeter fence repaired, bleachers repaired and painted, and the installation of a new gravel pathway and entrance. In total, 120 bags of infield Turface mix, 25 yards of bark, and 12 tons of gravel were used in the refurbishment project of War Veterans Memorial Field. The project was made possible with the approval of the Spokane Tribe Business Council and by the contributions of materials from Wittkopf Landscape Supply, a SiteOne Company.

“We’ve obviously proud of our partnership with the Spokane Tribe of Indians and are always looking to do projects together,” explained Otto Klein, Senior Vice President of the Spokane Indians Baseball Team. “The field renovation project was a fun, collaborative effort to improve a youth sports facility in the heart of the reservation. We can’t wait to see the players’ reactions when they play their next game.”

The restoration and improvement project is an extension of the historic partnership with the Spokane Tribe of Indians and the Spokane Indians Baseball Team. It is also the second time the Indians front office has helped lead a field renovation project. In 2019, the front office helped refurbish Redband Field located in Spokane’s Peaceful Valley.

About the Spokane Indians

The Spokane Indians are the High-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies located in Spokane, Washington. Avista Stadium is home to the $5 Kids Bench Seat courtesy of MultiCare. Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE. The Spokane Indians Team Store is open M-F 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, and 10:00 AM to the end of the game on all game days. Reserve your seats today.

Blue Wahoos, SFOC Team To Help Pensacola Habitat For Humanity

 

Undeterred by thick humidity, or the soaking from two rain showers, several Blue Wahoos employees extended the team’s community impact Monday in a special way.

The group, which included team vice president Donna Kirby, joined with members from entities within the Studer Family of Companies to help construction of two homes in a partnership with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity.

The adjacent homes were on 48th Street near New Warrington Road. The three bedroom, two bath homes will soon be ready for first-time homeowners.

“It was a really fulfilling and rewarding experience,” said Anna Striano, the Blue Wahoos community relations and merchandise manager. “I know everybody was super tired. We had just worked a six-game homestand (which ended June 21 against the Montgomery Biscuits), but it was a lot of fun.

“A lot of hard work and the weather was not the greatest, of course, but everyone I think felt a sense of accomplishment when we left that day.”

The SFOC group combined to help construction on the roof, front porch, installing and fastening hurricane reinforcement rods and other parts of the home.

The team began at 7:30 a.m. that morning, which followed the Blue Wahoos completing a six-game homestand about 36 hours earlier. Members from the Bodacious Café and Shops along with SFOC finance joined the effort.

“I think it is always fun to give back to the community, especially something like this, when you are physically making a difference… it is very rewarding,” said Gracey McDonald, in her second full year as the events sales specialist at 5eleven Palafox, a multipurpose events venue and part of the SFOC entities.

McDonald, a Milton High and University of West Florida graduate, worked the past several years in the Blue Wahoos front office handling a variety of roles.

Her sister, Betsy, is part of the team at Pensacola Habitat for Humanity.

“She mentioned to me one day that she was going out to help build, because they are able to go out and build whenever they want to and I thought that would be so much fun,” McDonald said. “So, she set me up with the person who sets up all their coordination and volunteer efforts and it just kind of steamrolled from there.”

This is the 40th anniversary for Pensacola Habitat for Humanity. The non-profit organization has built more than 1,400 homes in Escambia and Santa Rosa County.

“As far as I know, this is our first project with them,” said Striano, a California native and graduate of Grand Canyon University, now in her fifth year with the Blue Wahoos. “They have come out for fundraisers at our games, but this may be a first for us working to help build two homes.

“It was real special for me. My dad was a home builder and always talked to me about Habitat for Humanity and how much he appreciated what they were doing,” she said. “He always wanted to do a build, but there were not any options where we live, so this has a personal connection.”

The efforts were part of the Blue Wahoos continued outreach in the community.

Striano said in 2020, the Blue Wahoos worked a combined 1,012 hours in various community service projects or one-day events. With baseball returning this year, the availability is more limited, but she is able to take requests and determine if the time fits or not.

One added element with the home building project is the SFOC group worked alongside a homeowner for one of the homes as she was helping build her house.

“We got to know her a little bit and that kind of made it more personal,” Striano said. “You are working with the person who is actually going to be living in that house.

“A lot of what we have done recently has been restoration and cleanup efforts. This was definitely a little different than what we were used to, but I felt like it was so rewarding.”

Hillsboro Hops and MTI Team Up to “Shut Out Hunger” During 2021 Season 

 

Hillsboro, OR. (June 22, 2021) – Two longtime Hillsboro organizations, MTI (Mobile Tech, Inc.), a global leader in asset protection, smart locks, tablet solutions, IoT, and global services, and the Hillsboro Hops, the Single-A Advanced affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, announced that they have partnered on a new community campaign focused on fighting hunger in the Hillsboro and Washington County communities. This season-long endeavor called “Shut Out Hunger” will involve hundreds of volunteer hours by both organizations benefiting the Sunshine Pantry in Beaverton.

Starting June 28 to July 2, MTI will accept non-perishable food items and monetary donations at its offices located at 1050 NW 67th Avenue and 2345 NE Overlook Drive, Suite 250. During the June 29 through July 2 Hops homestand, MTI and Hops staff members will collect similar items at the Ron Tonkin Field entry gates. Volunteers from both companies will donate their time in July packing food at the Sunshine Pantry, and August will find them at Meals on Wheels in Hillsboro.

The Sunshine Pantry can accept cash or check donations, as well as pre-paid gift cards to specific grocery stores and gas stations in addition to food. The best non-perishable food items include, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, snacks, peanut butter, cooking oil, and rice.

“1 in 10 children in Washington Country are food insecure and go to bed hungry. The COVID-19 pandemic created a larger need with even more people struggling to pay bills and put food on the table,” said Mary Jesse, MTI CEO. “The Hillsboro Hops offer a great family experience, but they also offer community support in Hillsboro and Washington County. MTI’s headquarters have always been in Hillsboro. We look forward to working together to help those families and individuals who need assistance during these challenging times.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with MTI on the “Shut Out Hunger” program,” said Hops President and General Manager, KL Wombacher. “As we’re coming out of the pandemic, we know many in our community are struggling to put food on the table more than ever. We’re grateful to be in a position to help and to have a great, Hillsboro-based partner supporting the effort along with us.”

About Hillsboro Hops
The 2014, 2015 & 2019 Champion Hillsboro Hops are the Single-A Advanced baseball affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball. The team’s season runs from April to early September. The franchise relocated to Hillsboro in 2012 and began play in 2013 in a new state-of-the-art 4,500 capacity ballpark, Ron Tonkin Field. Follow the Hops on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HillsboroHops and on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat @HillsboroHops.

About MTI

MTI is a global solutions innovator in asset protection, smart locks, tablet solutions, and global services, serving the largest and most highly regarded global brands. MTI’s innovative design and production capabilities, along with our unmatched field technical services, ensure success for our customers in retail, healthcare, and hospitality. Our smart IoT platform drives superior operational efficiency, employee satisfaction and customer experiences. Our global services organization offers 24/7/365 field support in over 90 countries and resolves 98% of problems on the first visit. Headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon with offices in Hong Kong, Ireland, and London, MTI brings over 40 years of experience helping our customers meet their complex business needs.