Dragons to Participate in Great American Cleanup Event

As part of the Great American Cleanup, the Dayton Dragons, Montgomery County Environmental Services, and Dayton Inspires will host a cleanup event on May 20th from 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. at 42 N. Orchard Ave. in Dayton.

The Dragons will be there from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. to get the event started with hats, raffle prizes, Dragons players, members of the Dragons Green Team, and a mascot. The cleanup of the area will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 2:00 p.m.

Individual participants as well as groups like boy scouts, girls scouts, church groups, and others are invited to participate in the event. The Great American Cleanup is a terrific way to give back to the community. All registered volunteers at the cleanup will be entered into a drawing for a variety of great Dragons prizes.

About the Great American Cleanup

The Great American Cleanup is the largest organized volunteer litter cleanup and community improvement program in the country. This long standing Keep America Beautiful event, which runs annually from March 1 until May 31, is sponsored locally by the Keep Montgomery County Beautiful (KMCB) program. Keep Montgomery County Beautiful provides volunteers with cleanup supplies and can assist with litter disposal. KMCB can also help coordinate cleanup events and provide other resources for large scale community projects. For more information on KMCB programs, please visit www.kmcbohio.org or call (937) 225-4999.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com

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

Chasers In The Community

Between February 27 through March 3, the Omaha Storm Chasers took part in “Read Across America”, with six front office staff members and Stormy participating. Those staff members in total read at nine different schools over the course of the week, reading to over 3,300 students. At the completion of this month, the Storm Chasers staff will have visited more than 30 schools, totaling over 7,000 students, in addition to 64 mascot appearances.

Previous Notable Community Events

  • Read Across America – February 27-March 3
  • Classroom Visit program – over 30 schools/7,000 students in March
  • Partnership 4 Kids Futures Fair – March 8

Previous Notable Mascot Appearances

  • Read Across America – February 27-March 3
  • Heat the Streets & Walk for Warmth – March 4
  • Walk to Cure Arthritis Kick Off – March 5
  • Southwest YMCA Open House – March 18
  • Summit Dental Health Ribbon Cutting – March 24
  • Millard Athletic Association Meet Your Coach – March 25
  • Habitat for Humanity – March 31

Upcoming Community Events in April

  • Ronald McDonald House – April 25 (5:00-7:30pm)
  • Player Appearance at Paddock Road Elementary ­- April 28 (10:30-11:00am)

Upcoming Scheduled Mascot Appearances for April

  • Autism Society Puzzle Walk – April 8 (9:00am)
  • Omaha Health, Wellness & Fitness Expo – April 9 (10:00am)
  • Claussen-Leahy Maverick Walk – April 22 (9:00am)
  • 6th Annual Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 Walk to Remember – April 29 (9:00am)

For more information on Omaha Storm Chasers community relations, please click here.

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

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Fluor in the Community Night on April 11th

The Drive will host Fluor Community Night on Tuesday, April 11th with a 7:05 PM first pitch against the Lexington Legends.

Since 2008, Fluor Field has been a staple of the downtown Greenville community with Fluor Corporation and the Drive partnering together to drive positive change throughout the region. This special evening will showcase Fluor’s commitment to the Upstate and shine a light on the great work Fluor employees are doing to make our region a better place to live.

Tickets can be purchased for Fluor Community night at the Main Street Box Office, by calling (864) 240-4528 or by CLICKING HERE.

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

Hillcats Partner With Lynchburg Humane Society

As part of the organization’s continued commitment to giving back to the community, the Lynchburg Hillcats proudly announced a new partnership for 2017 with the Lynchburg Humane Society Wednesday morning.

“I’m thrilled to be working with the Lynchburg Humane Society this upcoming season and beyond,” said Hillcats President Chris Jones. “This is a perfect way to start off 2017. One of my top priorities from day one has been strengthening the Hillcats presence in Lynchburg in terms of giving back to the community and supporting worthwhile causes. We laid a solid foundation toward meeting that objective last year. That put us in a position this season where we can create strong partnerships with other tremendous organizations, such as this one with the Lynchburg Humane Society.”

To initiate the new alliance, the Lynchburg Hillcats are sponsoring the adoption banner in the month of January. The Lynchburg Humane Society provides care and nurture for animals while providing a safe environment until they are adopted and taken home by a new owner. The building maintains regular hours every day of the week, including Saturday and Sunday, at its new location on Old Graves Mill Road. The Lynchburg Humane Society witnessed 3,254 adoptions last year.

“We are excited about all the opportunities to work with the Lynchburg Hillcats,” said Makena Yarbrough, Executive Director of the Lynchburg Humane Society. “This will not only provide exposure for adoptable pets and bring awareness to our organization, but it is also a great way to celebrate the bond between pets and family by going to the ballfield.”

Hillcats players and staff will be volunteering regularly at the Lynchburg Humane Society as part of the new relationship. Furthermore, the Hillcats and Lynchburg Humane Society will join in several promotions throughout the season, including a new Hillcats fixture at the ballpark known as “Meow Mondays.” In addition to other Monday-specific promotions that will spotlight the Lynchburg Humane Society, fans will be able to donate pet food for discounted admission at all Monday home games.

Along with the partnership, City Stadium will become a dog-friendly ballpark throughout the 2017 season, meaning Hillcats fans can bring their canines to all home games.

“As far as I know, we will be the first 100-percent dog-friendly ballpark for an entire season,” said Jones. “Virtually every team holds a ‘Bark in the Park’ Day at this point, and they are extremely popular with fans. In past years, the Hillcats have hosted more than one of these in the same season, which caused us as a staff to ask why we couldn’t do it more. Expanding ‘Bark in the Park’ to every home game seemed like a fun way to help grow awareness and signify this partnership with the Lynchburg Humane Society.”

The Hillcats are also working on logistics for a one-miler dog walk that will take place during the regular season to raise awareness for the Lynchburg Humane Society. Details for that event and many other components involving the partnership will be announced as they draw closer throughout the year. However, the first order of business between the Hillcats and Lynchburg Humane Society will be finalizing the search for Southpaw’s replacement next Monday.

“Anyone who has been following our social media accounts the past two months is aware that Southpaw is retiring after 22 amazing seasons as the Hillcats mascot,” said Jones. “Next Monday, Southpaw’s retirement becomes effective. I don’t want to reveal too much, but the Lynchburg Humane Society will play an integral part in the mascot transition, so I hope fans will check back Monday to see what happens. Again, we’re looking forward to a fun and beneficial relationship with the Lynchburg Humane Society.”

Season tickets and book ticket packages for 2017 are on sale now. Opening Day is set for Thursday, April 6, when the Hillcats begin at home against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans in a rematch of the 2016 Mills Cup Championship.

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

For the Sacramento River Cats, the Season of Giving is year-round effort

The Holiday season is upon us, and with that comes the “Season of Giving.” At the River Cats (supported by SAFE Credit Union), though, the season of giving isn’t limited to a specific time of the year. Instead, with programs like Cats Care, the River Cats Foundation, and others, we’re working year-round to give back to our community.

Whether it’s Dinger visits to local schools, hospitals, or charity fundraisers, or Cats Care volunteer events at the Front Street Animal Shelter, our dedicated River Cats staff are always finding ways to give of their time, energy, and talents. Even the players get involved, participating in local events for various charity and community organizations.

In addition to giving of our time and energy, we’re proud to say that we’ve donated over a combined $100,000 through the River Cats Foundation and ticket donations. This past year, our donations reached various non-profit organizations – both national and locally – as well as local programs, specifically geared toward youth and healthy living.

While not a complete picture, enjoy this visual breakdown of all that our team has done over the past year!

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

Hooks Lend Habitat a Hand

CORPUS CHRISTI – Community Outreach Coordinator Courtney Merritt and 18 other members of the Hooks front-office staff spent Tuesday morning on a Habitat for Humanity work site at 2826 Nogales.

After reporting at 7:30 a.m., the volunteers worked until mid-day measuring, cutting, and installing exterior siding. Team members also assisted in outside caulking.

“This was a good opportunity for us to work with Habitat for Humanity,” Merritt said. “The community has been supportive of us down through the years and it’s nice to give back.”

For more information about Habitat for Humanity Corpus Christi, click here

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

Darnell honored for his community service

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Rochester Red Wings starting pitcher Logan Darnell made significant contributions both on and off the baseball diamond in 2014. Along with combining on a no-hitter for the Red Wings and making his Major League debut with the Minnesota Twins, Darnell has been named co-winner of the John L. Seebach Volunteer Award as announced by the Federation of Social Workers. Darnell has been named a co-winner along with Larry and Jane Glazer.

Darnell, 25, will be honored at the 10th Annual Human Service Worker of the Year Awards Luncheon hosted by the Federation of Social Workers on November 7 at the Joseph Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Red Wings President/CEO/COO Naomi Silver will be accepting the award on behalf of Darnell.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Darnell. “Giving back to the community is something that is very important to me, the Red Wings and the entire Twins organization. Rochester is a great baseball town and a wonderful place to call home during the summer months.”

In his second season with the Wings, the southpaw endeared himself to the Rochester community. Despite the rigors of a 144-game minor league baseball schedule — which includes just eight off days — Darnell made more than 15 appearances at various community events throughout the year — a number that easily led the team and made him the runaway winner as the Red Wings “Most Civic-Minded” player and the Twins Harmon Killebrew Award honoree for the Rochester club.

“Logan had to lead the league in community appearances this season,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “He’s been a great ambassador for the Red Wings and the City of Rochester in his time here.”

The majority of Darnell’s appearances came at various local little leagues and camps. A few of his more notable appearances included the Challenger Baseball World Series held at Frontier Field, The Mary Cariola Children’s Center and The Dave Clark D3 event held at the ballpark in August.

Darnell, who went 7-6 with a 3.60 ERA in 23 games (19 starts) for Rochester, made his Major League debut with the Twins on May 6 this season. He also combined with Trevor May on the 22nd no-hitter in Rochester franchise history, throwing the final six innings on August 11 vs. Durham.

Other notable award recipients at this year’s luncheon include RPD Officer Daryl Pierson and his partner Officer Mike DiPaola (Human Service Worker Courage Award) and New York State Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy (Human Service Worker Lifetime Achievement Award).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rochester Red Wings. Click here to view the original story.

Cutters Dominican Dinner to Benefit A.C.E.S.

Dominican Players & Teammates to Serve

williamsportcrosscutters_2015-05-06

The Williamsport Crosscutters have teamed up with A.C.E.S. North America in announcing the 3rd Annual Dominican Plate – An Evening of Dominican Dining and Entertainment with the Cutters.

The event will be held on Tuesday, July 14 in the Grand Ballroom of the Genetti Hotel, 200 W. Fourth St., Williamsport. Doors open at 5:30pm with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar followed by a Dominican-style dinner served at 6:30pm.

The buffet dinner of traditional Dominican fare will be served by members of the Williamsport Crosscutters who hail from the Dominican Republic, along with some of their teammates.

Proceeds from the event will benefit A.C.E.S. North America, an organization working to create sustainable development projects in the Dominican Republic. The charity, founded in Williamsport in 2005, uses all-volunteer personnel for its operations.

A.C.E.S. Founder Linell Stabler stated, “Teaming up with the Crosscutters for this Dominican fundraiser is a fun match for our mission of helping people in the Dominican Republic.”

In addition, the night will feature live musical entertainment, Chinese and live auctions of sports memorabilia and other items plus a balloon bust wine raffle.   Last year’s event raised over $4,000 for the charity.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to help out a worthy charity that does outstanding work in an area of the world many of our players call home,” said Gabe Sinicropi the team’s Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations.

Due to the popularity of this event in the past, reserved seating will now be utilized to make for a more comfortable evening for all attendees. Tickets for The Dominican Plate are $20 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under. Tickets must be purchased in advance online at crosscutters.com, by phone at (570) 326-3389 or by visiting the Sawmill Team Store at Susquehanna Bank Park.

Business sponsorships are available for the event by calling (570) 326-3389. For more information on A.C.E.S., visit www.acesnorthamerica.org.

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

“CHASERS COMMUNITY WEEK” May 4-9

Planned Events for “Chasers Community Week”

  • Monday, May 4 – Storm Chasers staff members and Storm Chasers players volunteered from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. as part of “Rebuilding Together.” The participants helped Helen, an 87-year-old resident, with painting in various rooms and yard clean-up. Storm Chasers players Matt Fields and Buddy Baumann took part in the volunteering from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Tuesday, May 5 – Storm Chasers players, as well as select Storm Chasers staff, will visit kids at the Children’s Hospital from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 6 – The Storm Chasers had “Phil the Pig” at the Children’s Museum in April for the Autism Action Partnership, and a check of donations will be presented at the game. Tickets will be donated to families involved with the Omaha Children’s Museum Autism Night.
  • Thursday, May 7 – Players and Storm Chasers staff will serve lunch at the Open Door Mission from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Friday, May 8 – The Storm Chasers will donate 50 tickets to have four Boys Town Houses come to the Friday night game, with a first pitch for each house. Storm Chasers players will greet and take photos before the game.
  • Saturday, May 9 – Partnering with Western Bowl and Muscular Dystrophy Association, a majority of the Storm Chasers roster is scheduled to bowl and interact with MDA families in an exclusive event from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Legends celebrate 15th year with ’15 Days of Service’

Lexington Legends players, front office staff and Big L made a visit to Greenhouse 17, the first stop on the Legends "15 Days of Service" program. (Lexington Legends)
Lexington Legends players, front office staff and Big L made a visit to Greenhouse 17, the first stop on the Legends “15 Days of Service” program. (Lexington Legends)

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends are celebrating their 15th year of operation of 2015, and part of that celebration includes a special campaign to continue giving back to the community.

The Legends’ “15 Days of Service” campaign will include volunteer work with 15 different organizations in the Lexington area. Legends players as well as front office staff will be involved.

The first of the 15 stops was made April 20 at Greenhouse 17, an advocacy agency in Lexington committed to ending intimate partner abuse in families and the community.   Legends players Alfredo Escalera, Kyle Pollock, and Michael Hill, along with Big L and front office staffers Rebecca Barnes, Anne Brenner, Ty Cobb, April Dietrich, Tim Vieira and Corie Roberts spent time with children at Greenhouse 17 and also helped out with some gardening chores.

Other agencies that will be part of “15 Days of Service” include the Ronald McDonald House, Sweet Blessings, Hope Center, Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League, Salvation Army, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, United Way, God’s Pantry, the Nest, GLEAN and Habitat for Humanity. More will be added as the 2015 season continues.

“Community service has always played a very important part of who we are as an organization here at the Lexington Legends,” said Barnes, the Legends’ director of community relations. “Being able to give back to the community that has supported us for the last 15 years is a great way to celebrate our 15th anniversary season.”

“Fifteen days of service really brings our community service efforts into focus,” added Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We’ll never lose sight of the importance of giving back, but the celebration of the 15th season of Legends baseball provides a special incentive for all of us.”

For more information, contact Barnes at 859-422-7855.

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

ALS Celebrity Waiter Event on May 27th

Event to be held for first time at Tuscan House in Toms River; Proceeds to ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia

lakewoodblueclaws_2015-04-28

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws are pleased to hold their 15th annual ALS Celebrity Waiter Event on Wednesday, May 27th from 6 pm – 8 pm. The event will be held for the first time at Tuscan House in Toms River, and once again all proceeds from the event will benefit the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, the principal charity of the Phillies.

The ALS Celebrity Waiter Event features all BlueClaws players serving as the waiters and BlueClaws coaches serving as the bartenders. The players will pose for pictures and sign autographs throughout the night while helping to raise money for a great cause.

20% of all bills and 100% of all tips will be donated directly to the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia. This event has raised over $125,000 for the ALS Association in its first 14 years of existence.

“This has been our top community outreach event since its inception in 2001,” said Jim DeAngelis, BlueClaws Director of Community Relations. “We are thrilled to partner with Tuscan House this year and are very much looking forward to another spectacular ALS Celebrity Waiter Event.”

Reservations can be made by directly calling Tuscan House at 732-797-2570.

There will also be a 50/50 and a silent auction, with merchandise from both the BlueClaws and Phillies available, again with all proceeds going directly to the ALS Assocaition of Greater Philadelphia.

BlueClaws Charities is the official non-profit organization of the Lakewood BlueClaws and supports over 40 Community Partner organizations and hundreds of non-profit organizations and fundraising events each year.

– BlueClaws Charities –

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

Chihuahuas Launch Volunteer Initiative

The Chihuahuas Volunteer Pack To Participate in Rebuilding Together El Paso’s National Event Day on April 25th

 

Join “The Pack” — CLICK HERE

EL PASO – April 22, 2015 – The El Paso Chihuahuas proudly announce the launch of the Chihuahuas Volunteer Pack, an El Paso-wide volunteer force created to give back to the Sun City and surrounding region.

This Saturday, April 25, “The Pack” will participate in their first event – Rebuilding Together El Paso’s National Event Day – at 6344 St Lo Rd from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m. or until the job is done with some special guests arriving around 10:00 a.m. “The Pack” will help with some home improvements such as painting and yard maintenance.

“We are extremely proud to create a community group that can join together and give back to our great city,” said Brad Taylor, Chihuahuas general manager.

Joining together with non-profit organizations and community partners, “The Pack” is made up of Chihuahuas fans, players, coaches and staff with the mission of making a positive impact in our community.

“Rebuilding Together improves the homes and lives of low income elderly and/or disabled homeowners, with the intention to provide them a prolonged decent life in their own home,” said Roger de Moor, President Rebuilding Together. “We do this free of charge with the help of volunteers and the community.”

If you are interested in joining the Chihuahuas Volunteer Pack and helping with future volunteer opportunities, please visit http://bit.ly/All_Paws_In. Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come first-serve basis.

Join The Pack and make a difference! #AllPawsIn

Chihuahuas Season Seats, Pawtial Plans, Individual Tickets and Hospitality Areas are on sale now! Call (915)-533-BASE for more information or visit epchihuahuas.com.

Fetch the Fun!

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

Blue Wahoos Renovate Bill Gregory Park

The Blue Wahoos front office renovated Bill Gregory Park’s fields on Monday.

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PENSACOLA, Fla., – Members of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos front office renovated Bill Gregory Park’s tee-ball field on Monday as part of MLB’s RBI program. Renovations included measuring and moving the bases and mounds, mowing the grass, edging the dirt areas, picking up trash and painting the dugouts.

“We couldn’t have been happier about getting out into the community and helping with the tee-ball field at Bill Gregory, in support of MLB’s RBI program,” said Director of Guest Services and Community Relations Donna Kirby. “We have such a dedicated staff that truly cares about improving our community and making a difference in people’s lives, so it’s truly a pleasure for us to carve out time out of our calendars for this very worthwhile project each year. Bottom line, giving back to the community, it’s the #WahoosLife.”

After making the tee-ball field safer and up to code, the staff worked on the two other fields at the park.

“We were happy to help spruce up these fields today,” said Director of Sports Turf Management Ray Sayre. “Today’s young players are the future of the game of baseball. I hope to see some of these kids playing on a Big League field one day.”

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are committed to giving back to the local community and dedicated fans. The field refurbishment is part of the organization’s partnership with Major League Baseball’s RBI program – Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities. Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities focuses on youth outreach by fostering the growth of young ballplayers on and off the field.

–www.bluewahoos.com–

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

Smokies To Renovate Youth Fields Saturday

tennesseesmokies_2015-03-26

Club Teaming Up With U.S. Cellular To Pitch In For Local Community

Tennessee-Smokies-2015Members of the Tennessee Smokies front office will be teaming up with U.S. Cellular and other partners to help clean up and renovate two East Tennessee baseball fields on Saturday, March 28, including the Boys & Girls Club of Halls/Powell, and the Christenberry Ballfields. Volunteers from U.S. Cellular will be pitching in at both locations, working side-by-side with Smokies front office members on all tasks. In addition, U.S. Cellular will also be donating $1,000 dollars to each location for equipment upgrades.

“This is a very important project for us, and another way to truly make a difference in the East Tennessee community,” stated Smokies Team President Doug Kirchhofer. “We’re also very grateful to U.S. Cellular and our other partners for working together with us on this venture to ensure baseball is played safely and on a good field for years to come.”

“U.S. Cellular has long enjoyed its partnership with the Tennessee Smokies and the opportunity it gives us to connect with East Tennessee residents,” said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “We are looking forward to rolling up our sleeves to help with the baseball field makeovers. Every young child should have the opportunity to play ball on a safe, well-maintained field.”

“Saturday is an important undertaking by all parties involved, and we’re very excited to be able to provide nice ballfields for kids and the community,” added Smokies General Manager Brian Cox. “Our hope is for this to become a yearly endeavor in which we continue to provide a place to play baseball and help the game flourish.”

Work to be done includes field clean-up and the creation of new dugouts, in addition to adding fencing at the Boys & Girls Club, as well as installing batting cages at Christenberry Ballfields, including new turf, placing padding behind home plate, and field clean-up among other tasks. The team will also be donating several items for use at those locations, including a home plate, bases, chalker, rakes and shovels.

This marks the second time the Smokies have teamed up with The Boys & Girls Club this month, after Smokies Stadium hosted a Pitch, Hit & Run Competition exclusively for club members on March 17 in association with the Boys & Girls Club of Tennessee Valley, and the Smoky Mountains. Additional partners assisting the Smokies with Saturday’s effort are Blalock Construction, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Jet’s Pizza.

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

Four youth ball field renovations set for April 16

‘4 in 24’ will see four fields renovated in under 24 hours

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Tri-City-Valley-CatsThe Tri-City ValleyCats have partnered with BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets to revamp the ball fields of four local youth baseball/softball leagues: Cohoes Little League, Coxsackie-Athens Little League, Town of Hoosick Youth Baseball/Softball League, and Niskayuna Baseball. Known as the ‘4 in 24’ Extreme Field Renovation Project, the work will take place within a 24-hour time period on Thursday, April 16.

The four fields will receive brand new sod, bases, a home plate and pitcher’s mound, and the baselines will be measured to the correct specifications.

Cohoes Little League is implementing a Challenger Program, but the host field has been damaged due to the harsh winter.

“We wouldn’t have been able to obtain the field conditions needed to support this program without assistance,” said Mike Smith, President Cohoes Little League. “This renovation will give us the opportunity for children with all abilities to have a safe place to play baseball this season.”

Coxsackie-Athens Little League has had a softball program for some time, which has gained popularity in recent years. Following the work of the ‘4 in 24,’ the field will be fit enough to become home to the newly formed Coxasckie-Athens Girls Softball.

“Coxsackie-Athens Little League is excited that Rainey Field has been selected by the Tri-City ValleyCats as a ‘4 in 24’ field,” said league President Steve VanHoesen. “As volunteers, preparing and maintaining the field is a perpetual struggle. With help of the ValleyCats, Isabella C. Rainey Field will once again be put back atop of that pedestal and reclaim its diamond status in the community.”

The Town of Hoosick Youth Baseball / Softball League is still feeling the effects of hurricane flood damage, and their primary field is filled with sandy dirt and large stones.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to have the ValleyCats organization assist us in providing the best experience possible for our youths,” said league president Tony Thayne. “After the flood a few years ago, we have done our best to recover the fields, but are still in need of help in getting them done correctly.”

Niskayuna Baseball has seen its league size grow over the past few years, which now consists of 50 teams and approximately 600 players. With the growth comes the need for greater field options and maintenance requirements.

“On behalf of Niskayuna Baseball, its Board of Directors, and most importantly the baseball community that we represent, I want to say thank you for this tremendous opportunity,” said Christopher Mennillo, Niskayuna Baseball President. “This renovation will make the playing surface more conducive for multiple age groups, expand the flexibility from a league scheduling standpoint, and better position the league to host future tournaments.”

The ‘4 in 24’ is the marquee event and kick-off of the Community Grounds Crew Program, which assists local youth leagues with maintenance and upkeep of their playing fields throughout the spring and summer. This will mark the fifth straight season of the Community Grounds Crew, which the ValleyCats widely consider to be one of their most important yearly initiatives.

“As a part of the Capital Region since 2002, the ValleyCats recognize the importance of being an active member of the community and an ambassador for the great game of baseball,” said Rick Murphy, ValleyCats Vice President / General Manager. “Over the years, our field renovation program has been a key component in furthering this mission. Through our partnerships with BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets, the 4 in 24 program will officially reach 20 fields renovated this year as we seek to provide continued opportunities for our youth to grow and excel.”

“BlueShield is proud to continue our support of the ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovations in partnership with the Tri-City ValleyCats and Hannaford Supermarkets,” said Dr. Kirk Panneton, Regional Executive and Medical Director, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “At BlueShield we strongly believe that every child should have the opportunity to explore his or her potential through safe and healthy recreational activities. Playing on a safe and well-maintained field is good for our region’s children, and it’s good for our community. ”

“By helping to improve these playing fields, Hannaford is investing in two of the things that matter most to us – healthy kids and healthy communities,” said Brian Fabre, Hannaford community relations specialist. “Hannaford is committed to providing healthy options to our customers and to strengthening our communities. Through this partnership with BlueShield of Northeastern New York and the ValleyCats, we will be helping our young people to play and to compete in a safer, more-enjoyable environment.”

The efforts will also be aided by the support of Admar Construction and Turface, who will provide the necessary equipment and materials to complete the renovations. Other support comes from the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, whose contributions come from past events held at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tri-City ValleyCats. Click here to view the original story.