Chasers in the Community – March 2015

Spotlight: Storm Chasers Participate in “Read Across America” March 2-6

­Omaha-Storm-Chasers-2014All this week, Storm Chasers staff members will take part in “Read Across America” by donating their time to read to classes at schools throughout the Omaha Metro. The National Education Association’s program is the largest celebration of reading in the country with a purpose of motivating children, promoting student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers.

Additional Community Events for March

  • Ronald McDonald House of Omaha Dinner – March 16 from 5:00-7:30 p.m.
  • Jackie Robinson Athletic Scholarship – Application deadline of March 20
  • “Why I Want to Go to College” Essay Contest – Entry deadline of March 27

Mascot Appearances for March

  • Read Across America – March 2-6 at Schools throughout the Omaha Metro
  • Heat the Streets Walk/Run for Warmth – March 7 from 8:00-9:00 a.m. at Midtown Crossing
  • Dancing with the Omaha Stars – March 7 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Ralston Arena
  • OPS Summer in the City – March 19 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Monroe Middle School
  • Autism Night – March 29 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at Omaha Children’s Museum

February Volunteering Recap

  • Total Community Hours Donated by Omaha Storm Chasers Staff – 58.5 Hours

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

Dads Groundskeeper Helps Community

Zach Van Voorhees builds new mound for Northview Middle School

Hickory-CrawdadsHickory Crawdads Head Groundskeeper Zach Van Voorhees lent his time and expertise to help out the community over the weekend, as the ‘Dads grounds specialist helped a group of volunteers build a new mound for Northview Middle School.

Using new field dirt supplied by the Northview Middle School Boosters Club, Van Voorhees and a group of parent volunteers rebuilt the school’s mound and prepared the field for the season. The mound was raised approximately five inches, while both the back and front slopes were reshaped to provide better safety and performance.

“I was just trying to give back a little bit,” said Van Voorhees. “It was good practice for me for (the Crawdads) upcoming season, and now they know how to maintain it.”

Les Stewart, a parent of two Northview students and a member of the Boosters Club, was one of five parent volunteers who assisted Van Voorhees.

“We were very appreciative of the work Zach did for Northview Middle School baseball,” said Stewart. “I was hoping Zach would give us some advice on how to best use the limited resources we had to get the field playable. He came on Saturday, his day off, and spent several hours in the cold helping us shape up the field and build the kids an awesome mound. We are thankful to the Crawdads and Zach for helping improve youth baseball in our community.”

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

Sea Dogs, U.S. Cellular to Give Local Youth Field a Makeover

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Enter Your Field

Portland-Sea-DogsThe Portland Sea Dogs and U.S. Cellular have teamed up to give a Maine youth baseball or softball field a complete makeover for the 2015 season. Registrations for the contest open today and run through Friday, March 20th. One entry will be randomly selected for the makeover. The winning field must be located in the state of Maine to be eligible.

“This is a project that is truly important to both us and U.S. Cellular,” Sea Dogs EVP/GM Geoff Iacuessa stated. “We understand budgets are very tight for youth sports and we want to pitch in and revitalize a field.”

The makeover will consist of field cleanup, turf cutting, infield mix and leveling, and more depending on the need of the winning field. The work will be done by Sea Dogs’ head groundskeeper Rick Anderson, his crew, Sea Dogs front office staff, and U.S. Cellular staff.

“U.S. Cellular has long enjoyed its partnership with the Portland Sea Dogs and the opportunity it gives us to connect with Maine residents,” states Matt Kasper, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in New England. “We are looking forward to rolling up our sleeves to help with the baseball or softball field makeover and helping one lucky winner obtain their field of dreams. Every young child should have the opportunity to play ball on a safe, well-maintained field.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Portland Sea Dogs . Click here to view the original story.

IronPigs Seeking Little League Field Nominations

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Submissions Due by Friday, March 13 at 12 p.m.

Lehigh-Valley-IronPigsThe IronPigs are currently seeking nominations for local little league fields that need field renovations this spring. Please email Dana DeFilippo at ddefilippo@ironpigsbaseball.com with your contact information by Friday, March 13 at 12 p.m. to garner consideration. Please submit a photo of your field as well as a brief synopsis of why your league is deserving of a makeover for 2015.

The winning youth little league organization will receive a complete infield renovation from IronPigs head groundskeeper Ryan Hills and members of the IronPigs front office staff! The IronPigs will assist in all facets of this renovation in an effort to get your league ready for the upcoming season.

The IronPigs’ front office staff takes pride in being active in the community with over 550 hours dedicated to community events and service for non-profits in 2014. This past year, the entire IronPigs staff renovated the East Side Memorial Little League field in Allentown.

For more information, please contact Dana DeFilippo at ddefilippo@ironpigsbaseball.com or call (610) 841-1213.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Click here to view the original story.

Fluor Field Hosts Complimentary Coaching Clinic on February 5th

Drive Manager Darren Fenster leads the clinic from 6:00-8:30 PM

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The Greenville Drive have announced they will hold a complimentary coaching clinic led by Drive Manager Darren Fenster on Thursday, February 5th from 6:00-8:30 PM in the home clubhouse at Fluor Field.

The clinic is available for coaches at all levels of baseball, including little league, middle and high school, and travel baseball.
Fenster will cover a wide array of topics during the interactive forum, ranging from individual skills such as hitting, throwing, and fielding to team fundamentals such as cutoffs, relays and rundowns. Fenster will provide insight on a general approach to coaching, while also touching on practice organization and how to keep players engaged while getting the most out of their time on the field.

Additionally, those in attendance will have the unique opportunity to experience exactly how the Drive coaching staff employs this approach to their daily work during the 2015 season.

“With the amazing support that the Greenville and entire Upstate communities give us throughout the course of the season, I wanted to find a creative way to give back to the very people who make our days at Fluor Field so rewarding,” said Fenster. “I couldn’t think of a better way to do so than by putting together a coaching clinic that will benefit the next generation of players through this generation of coaches.

“Baseball has given me a platform as a coach that I truly value, and I take a great sense of responsibility to share my passion for and knowledge of the game with as many others who want to listen. To do this in the place I’ve called home for parts of the past few years is a special opportunity.”
Fenster has accumulated a wealth of experience during his time as a player and coach at both the college and professional levels. He was a two-time All-American shortstop at Rutgers University before spending five seasons in the Kansas City Royals system from 2000-2004, and he received an invite to major league spring training during his time with the Royals.

Following his playing career, Fenster returned to his alma mater and spent six seasons on the staff of the Scarlet Knights, serving under legendary coach Fred Hill, who earlier this month was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He also spent a season as an assistant coach for the Orleans Cardinals in the Cape Cod League in 2008.

In 2013, Fenster created Coaching Your Kids, an initiative that shares his love and understanding of the game to the baseball community of coaches, players, and fans in general through camps and clinics in addition to media forums such as Twitter (@CoachYourKids), print magazines, and online blogs and podcasts.

He joined the professional coaching ranks in 2012 as the Drive’s hitting coach before getting his first managing opportunity with the Gulf Coast League Red Sox in 2013, leading the club to the league championship series. The 2015 season will be Fenster’s second piloting the Drive.

“We are thrilled to give back to the local coaching community with this clinic at Fluor Field,” said Drive General Manager Eric Jarinko. “Darren Fenster is a terrific coach as well as being an outstanding person, and his passion for the game and his ability to connect with players of all ages and ability levels are second to none. He truly is a great ambassador for both the Greenville Drive and the game of baseball, and we couldn’t be happier to have him on board for this coaching clinic and the 2015 season at Fluor Field.”

The clinic is complimentary, but registration is required as space is limited. Coaches interested in registering for the clinic can do so by clicking here.
For additional info, please contact Cameron White, the Drive’s Media Relations Manager, at cameron@greenvilledrive.com.

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

 

 

Tides to renovate local youth field

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4th year of field makeover contest

Norfolk-TidesThe Norfolk Tides today announced the return of a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff. Proudly presented by Goodwill, this field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts, with the recipient of the makeover being determined by a fan vote on the Tides’ Facebook page.

“This project has become a yearly highlight for our entire front office staff” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “We’re excited to offer our resources to these worthy organizations, as they provide a home for children to learn the game of baseball while serving as an environment conducive to fitness and fun.”

Goodwill2Those interested in having the Tides makeover their facility should submit a picture of their field to Heather McKeating at HMckeating@norfolktides.com. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief description of why their league should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is February 6, with online voting taking place on the Tides’ Facebook page from February 16 to February 20.

2015 is the fourth year in which the Tides will be renovating a local youth field. Over the first three years of the program, the Tides have helped renovate six local fields – Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox) and Cradock Little League (Portsmouth).

In addition to the field makeover, the Tides will be hosting a youth baseball groundskeeper seminar on Wednesday, February 11 at Harbor Park from 5-8 pm. The event will allow two members per youth league the opportunity to tour the Harbor Park playing surface alongside Tides groundskeepers Kenny Magner and Derek Trueblood. This free seminar will then feature dinner at Hits at the Park Restaurant followed by a question and answer session designed to help youth baseball leagues prepare their fields each year. Those interested must RSVP by February 4 to Heather McKeating at HMckeating@norfolktides.com.

“Goodwill is proud to support this amazing community giveback effort for a second consecutive year” said Danielle Cronin, Community Relations Manager for Goodwill. “As a nonprofit, we strengthen families and communities throughout Hampton Roads with our job training programs and career development services. The leadership and staff at Goodwill look forward to being a part of the field renovation – it’s just one more way we can give back to our local community.”

The project is made possible thanks to Goodwill and the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. Those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so by clicking here.

The Tides open their 2015 regular season with a nine-game road trip beginning Thursday, April 9, with the home opener slated for Saturday, April 18 vs. Durham at 7:05 pm. Season tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2015 season. For pricing and additional information, stop by the Harbor Park Box Office, visit norfolktides.com or call (757) 622-2222.

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

Bees Staff Helps Road Home Media-a-Thon

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Salt-Lake-BeesThe Salt Lake Bees front office staff spent Thursday morning donating their time to help sort donations for The Road Home. The group sorted winter clothes, blankets, hats, gloves and assorted other times that had been donated by generous members of the community.

The-Road-HomeThe Road Home provides shelter and supportive services for overcoming homelessness. The monetary and in-kind donations collected during the annual Holiday Media-a-Thon support The Road Home and local residents in need year round.

Donate at www.theroadhome.org or by calling 801-819-7300.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Staten Island Yankees lend a helping hand at Salvation Army toy drive

Scooter joins New York Giants linebacker Jameel McClain in handing out toys

Scooter poses with local children, Salvation Army's Lt. Stephen Mayes & Giants LB Jameel McClain at local toy drive
Scooter poses with local children, Salvation Army’s Lt. Stephen Mayes & Giants LB Jameel McClain at local toy drive

Staten-Island-YankeesOn Tuesday, December 16, the Staten Island Yankees beloved mascot Scooter the Holy Cow joined the Salvation Army at the organization’s toy drive in nearby Stapleton in Staten Island. In the spirit of the holiday season, each member of the Staten Island Yankees front office fulfilled a child’s wishlist, making sure as many kids have a present to open on Christmas as possible.

Salvation-ArmyClick here to view more pictures

Scooter, along with current New York Giants linebacker and former Syracuse Orange Jameel McClain, helped the Salvation Army hand out toys to more than 200 children and parents in need from Staten Island. The Salvation Army is an organization especially close to McClain, as the seven-year NFL veteran lived at a Salvation Army shelter in his hometown of Philadelphia, PA, with his mother and three siblings.

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

San Jose Giants Release 2014 Community Report

Report showcases organization’s impact in the South Bay

San-Jose-GiantsThe San Jose Giants released today their 2014 Community Report. The report is a complete detail of the organization’s community involvement and contributions. From expanding the team’s extensive fundraising efforts to a record number of mascot appearances and the organization’s rise from twenty-fifth in Minor League Baseball’s social media rankings to second overall, the San Jose Giants presence was felt well beyond the Municipal Stadium gates this year.

“I want to personally thank all of our fans and partners for your loyalty and passion for the San Jose Giants and our place in the community,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “Through the organization’s extensive work with youth sports groups, schools and regional non-profit organizations, the team has introduced baseball to millions of homes in Northern California and this year alone raised over $480,000 for charitable causes.”

The 2014 Community Report showcases the variety of charitable efforts the San Jose Giants are involved with both inside and beyond the Municipal Stadium gates. Highlights of the report include over 150 appearances made by San Jose Giants personnel, unique, community-centered evening’s at Municipal Stadium, events in partnership with the Giants Community Fund to help under served youth and in-kind donations to more than 750 local and national organizations.

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved next season, call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

Read 2014 San Jose Giants Community Report

This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

Bees Participate in “We Care We Share” Thanksgiving Dinner

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Salt-Lake-BeesThe Salt Lake Bees staff participated in the 16th annual “We Care – We Share” Thanksgiving Dinner for local homeless and low-income residents at EnergySolutions Arena on Tuesday. Along with representatives from Salt Lake City Mission, Utah Food Services, All-Star Catering, Hill Air Force Base and Miller Sports Properties the Bees staff helped dish out over 3,800 meals for local residents in need.

Salt-Lake-City-MissionThe gathering also featured a winter clothing distribution, musical entertainment from the Salt Lake City Mission and activity packets for children.

“The holidays are a time for fellowship and cheer, and our family has been blessed to be able to provide a festive gathering and hot meals for the last 16 years to Salt Lake residents who are experiencing hardships,” said Gail Miller, owner, Larry H. Miller Group of Companies.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

BlueClaws Charities Makes Mark Through Community Grant Program

Awards grants to 34 non-profit organizations in 2014

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Lakewood-BlueClaws-LogoBlueClaws Charities has completed its 6th annual grant process. After analyzing the applications, BlueClaws Charities handed out grants to 34 Community Partner organizations in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.

BlueClaws Charities, a registered 501c3 organization, raises money at all 70 BlueClaws home games. A 50/50 raffle, special jersey auctions, and miscellaneous programs are used to raise money during games. The annual “Phillies Winter Banquet,” “ALS Celebrity Waiter Event,” “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” and the “BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing” are additional fundraising initiatives conducted by BlueClaws Charities.

Each organization, also 501c3s, becomes eligible for a grant through a season-long partnership with the BlueClaws.

“This grant program is the culmination of the BlueClaws Charities year and we are very grateful to everyone that supports the organization in any way,” said BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis. “Without the support of the fans and donors, we would not be able to aid our magnificent Community Partner organizations.”

The following non-profit organizations received a cash grant from BlueClaws Charities (alphabetical order): ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Red Cross (Jersey Coast Chapter), Ashley Lauren Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County, Caregivers Volunteers of Central Jersey, Central Jersey Blood Center, David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation, Enable Inc., Exit 82 Theatre Company, Family Options Adoptions, Family Resource Associates, First Tee of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, Go 4 the Goal, LADACIN Network, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund, Monmouth County SPCA, Mya Lin Terry Foundation, NJ TEARS, Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, Ocean County Shriners Club, Ocean County YMCA, Ocean’s Harbor House, Raising Hope for Others, RJM Sports Group, Saint Vincent DePaul Society of Ocean County, Salvation Army of Ocean County, Susan G. Komen For the Cure of Central & South Jersey, Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund, United Way of Monmouth County, United Way of Ocean County.

All Community Partners that completed the grant application were rewarded with a grant. Each partner was asked to describe the program within their organization that would benefit from the grant, with the requirement that the grant be allocated to Ocean or Monmouth County.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to the grant program, supports hundreds of non-profit organizations with gift package donations, golf outing hole-in-one sponsorships, and specialty organizations such as OCEAN, Inc., a federal program that assists the less fortunate in the community. The “Tickets for Kids Program,” another BlueClaws Charities initiative, donates over 2,000 tickets to underserved youths in Lakewood and elsewhere in Ocean County.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Community Partners raise money through a BlueClaws fundraiser outing and have the opportunity to volunteer in the FirstEnergy Park concession stands to raise additional funds. These organizations also receive exposure through on-field presentations, table displays, and on BlueClaws.com, plus they have special opportunities to hold events, such as charity walks, at FirstEnergy Park.

The Lakewood BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in each year of their existence. 2015 will be their historic 15th season of family fun.

Ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

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

PawSox win Moss Community Service Award

Award, honoring late Sally League founder, was established in 2013

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Pawtucket-Red-SoxMinor League Baseball announced today that the Pawtucket Red Sox are the recipients of the second annual John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The award was created in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of the late John Henry Moss, who founded what would become the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007. In its inaugural year, the Grand Junction Rockies were named the winners of the recognition. The Pawtucket Red Sox will receive their award at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in San Diego, California.

“The PawSox family is extremely honored to be selected for the 2014 John Henry Moss Community Service Award,” said Pawtucket Red Sox President Mike Tamburro. “The role of any successful franchise must be to help lift those in its community who are in need. The past four decades we have quietly tried to do our part.

“We take great pride in our ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life within our community and for creating partnerships that have carried on for generations. We share this award with our community, our Major League partner the Boston Red Sox and our wonderful fans who make all our charitable efforts possible,” added Tamburro.

American-Parkinson-Disease-AssociationFor the last 38 seasons, the Pawtucket Red Sox have been an integral part of their local community. Along with providing the best in affordable family entertainment, the PawSox primary goal as a team is to be actively involved in making a difference in Southeastern New England. The PawSox are strong financial supporters of countless charitable organizations and youth-based programs in their area, and every staff member either serves on a Board of Directors, sits on Advisory Council or volunteers in some capacity with multiple community organizations.

American-Cancer-Society-logThe Pawtucket Red Sox Charitable Trust has contributed to hundreds of charitable organizations and important causes in the area, donating more than $250,000 during the last five years. For almost 40 years, the PawSox have also contributed to local charities through the team’s Ticket Fundraiser Program. This program has donated more than $200,000 over the last five years to worthy organizations such as American Parkinson’s Disease Association and the American Cancer Society, among many others.

Leukemia-and-Lymphoma-SocietyThe PawSox have also supported their community by hosting a number of fundraising events on non-gamedays including the Jeffrey Osborne Foundation, which benefits inner city youngsters in the Providence, Rhode Island, area. This event included an All-Star Softball Classic game held at McCoy Stadium featuring celebrities from the sports and entertainment worlds. Light the Night Leukemia Walk, held on Sept. 27, at McCoy Stadium, was another of the team’s non-gameday events. Approximately 2,000 walkers participated and raised $250,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Boy-Scouts-logo3Both the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts have benefited from the PawSox generosity to the community. For the last five years, the PawSox have hosted five events at McCoy Stadium annually and donated $10,000 each year to the Boy Scouts. The team has also hosted the Girl Scouts Project Undercover, a clothing drive for needy families in the community, collecting hundreds of new socks, underwear and diapers.

Although the PawSox are busy contributing to the community year-round, the team also supports its own employees by providing five $2,000 college scholarships to seasonal workers who are selected based on their outstanding work ethic during the season.

Girl_Scouts“It is well established that all members of the professional baseball family are extremely generous with their time, money and efforts in support of their local community,” Randy Mobley, International League President, stated. “The heart of the Pawtucket Red Sox organization is big enough to not only fill Rhode Island, but much of New England. Following the lead of Mike Tamburro and Lou Schwechheimer, this organization has a well-earned reputation for being a selfless regional treasure that is ready to assist and lend its support to all that is good for the community.”

“The Pawtucket Red Sox commitment to their community has positively impacted countless organizations and individuals in Southeastern New England,” Pat O’Conner, Minor League Baseball President & CEO, stated. “Through the Pawtucket Red Sox Charitable Trust and a number of other philanthropic efforts, the PawSox have embodied one of Minor League Baseball’s most important principles, giving back to the communities where our teams are located. On behalf of Minor League Baseball, I commend the team for their good work, and congratulate them on this honor.”

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

Chasers in the Community – November 2014

 Spotlight: Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Hy-Vee Shadow Lake – Nov. 21

­Omaha-Storm-Chasers-2014The Storm Chasers Front Office Staff will serve as bell ringers for donations to the Salvation Army in front of Hy-Vee Shadow Lake on Friday, November 21st from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is the 4th consecutive year the Storm Chasers staff has served as bell ringers. Mascot Stormy will be participating from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Salvation-ArmyStaff Volunteering for November

  • Drumsticks on Wheels – On Saturday, November 22 starting at 9:30 a.m., members of the Storm Chasers Front Office Staff will volunteer their time to deliver the fixings of a proper Thanksgiving dinner to those in need in the Omaha Metro throughout the day. This is the fourth consecutive year the Chasers have participated in this cause.

Mascot Appearances for November

  • Bellevue Bruins Baseball Spaghetti Feed – Wednesday, November 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at DJ’s Dugout in Bellevue.
  • Stormy and Vortex’s Birthday Party – Thursday, November 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Storm Front Team Store hosts the annual party with refreshments and party games, where attendees are asked to bring wrapped, unopened toys to donate to “Toys for Tots.”
  • Westroads Mall Santa Arrival Event – Saturday, November 15 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

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

Darnell honored for his community service

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Rochester-Red-Wings-2014Rochester 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.

CHASERS IN THE COMMUNITY – 2014 Season Highlights

Largest total donation number since becoming the Storm Chasers with $558,733 in the past year

Matt Fields and Buddy Baumann visiting the VA Hospital during the 2014 season was one of the many highlights from a record-setting season for the Storm Chasers in terms of community involvement.
Matt Fields and Buddy Baumann visiting the VA Hospital during the 2014 season was one of the many highlights from a record-setting season for the Storm Chasers in terms of community involvement.

Omaha-Storm-Chasers-2014The Omaha Storm Chasers finished the 2014 season in spectacular fashion, winning the Triple-A National Championship in back-to-back seasons for the first time in franchise history, but it was also a record-setting year for the Chasers community involvement. The charitable arm of the team, the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha, donated $558,733 to local charities in the past year for the largest total since becoming the Storm Chasers.

Home-Run-Foundation-of-Omaha-logo“The first four years at Werner Park have been nothing but historic on the field, but what the Storm Chasers staff takes the most pride in is the impact we have in the community we call home,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers. “To set total donation records in back-to-back years is as great of a victory as back-to-back National Championships in my eyes.”

At Werner Park, the Storm Chasers showcased 78 non-profit groups throughout the 2014 season with the Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night to provide the outlet for many worthwhile causes in the Omaha Metro. This included Game Worn Jersey Auctions, which raised $14,640 for three local charities, and a highlight of Werner Park involvement with fans and staff donating more than $3,000 and 630 items to Pilger Tornado Relief over two games in late June.

Heartland-Hope-Mission-logoStaples of Omaha Storm Chasers Baseball, “Hy-Vee Canned Food Sunday” and the “McDonald’s and Huber Automotive Hurl the Pearl” contest, had strong 2014 campaigns. The Heartland Hope Mission received 5,327 canned food donations ($37,289), the most since the move to Werner Park, while “Hurl the Pearl” accumulated $15,311 for the Ronald McDonald House marking a third straight year the team has raised more than $15,000 for the promotion.

Ronald-McDonald-House-Logo-The Storm Chasers players and mascots donated their time to the community with numerous player appearances at places such as Children’s/VA Hospitals. Stormy, Casey, Vortex and the three new mascots Kernel Cobb, Cappy and Sizzle made 335 mascot appearances throughout the year which was up by more than 100 appearances compared to the 2013 season.

The front office staff donated 870 hours throughout the year, including the Storm Chasers helping struggling families during last holiday season in “Drumstick On Wheels” and Chasers FUNdamentals teaching baseball to underprivileged youth this past summer. Last month, Martie Cordaro and the Storm Chasers were named the “Community Partner of the Year” by Community 360.

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