Susquehanna Township Baseball Association to Receive ‘Homefield Makeover’

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HARRISBURG, PA. – The Harrisburg Senators are excited to partner with First National Bank, the largest subsidiary of F.N.B Corporation, and Black Landscape for its ‘Homefield Makeover’ initiative that will provide a field renovation to one local youth baseball or softball league. After receiving applications from over 15 different leagues, Susquehanna Township Baseball Association (STBA) has been selected as the beneficiary.

The renovation will take place at Stabler Field (4353 Kaby St., Harrisburg, PA 17110) on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. Various projects will be worked on at the field including removal of the infield grass, capping the fence, and extending the baselines. This will allow for a safer and more versatile field.

The projects will be completed by volunteers and staff members from the Senators, First National Bank, Black Landscape, and STBA.

The Senators offices are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily during the offseason. The 2023 home opener is Tuesday, April 11, against the Richmond Flying Squirrels. For information about Sensylvania Club Season Memberships or group tickets please call the Senators at 717-231-4444 or visit the Senators online at www.senatorsbaseball.com. You can find the Senators on Facebook at facebook.com/senatorsbaseball or @hbgsenators on Twitter.

Rochester Red Wings, RIT/NTID, and Rochester School for the Deaf partner for Deaf Culture Day

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ROCHESTER, NY – The Rochester Red Wings, in partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf and Rochester School for the Deaf, will host the third Deaf Culture Day at Frontier Field, on Friday, September 16. The 6:05 p.m. game is against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Interpreters from Interpretek will be on site during the game at Frontier Field to assist fans at the Ticket Office, concession stands, guest services, Team Store, and various other locations around the ballpark. The 7th inning will be a “silent inning,” without public address announcements or music, to raise further awareness about deafness. Portions of the game will be captioned on the videoboard.

The National Anthem and God Bless America will be performed in sign language by NTID’s traveling performance troupe Sunshine 2.0.

The Red Wings will don American Sign Language jerseys which will be auctioned off to benefit NTID and RSD. The game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off online at RedWingsBaseball.com/Auction.

Rochester Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason said:

“Based on the popularity and success of our first event in 2019, we are proud to partner with NTID for our third annual Deaf Culture Day at Frontier Field. It’s been such a unique event, and we look forward to making this a true celebration of the Deaf community and the important impact that deaf citizens have had in Rochester. We look forward to hosting many deaf members of the Rochester community and their families, as well as members of the RIT/NTID student body, while educating all fans about Deaf culture.”

RIT/NTID President Gerry Buckley added:

“RIT/NTID is thrilled to be working with the Red Wings on our third Deaf Culture Day. We are grateful for the organization’s commitment to Rochester’s Deaf community—one of the largest per capita in the nation—and know that Sept. 16 will be a great night for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the rest of the Rochester area.”

RSD will be collecting school supplies during the game. Fans donating school supply items will receive $2 off their ticket. The discount only applies to in-person purchases at the Ticket Office. Fans will show their supply and drop it off at Guest Services the day of the game. Items that RSD is in need of are listed here.

For more information regarding your ticket purchase, e-mail [email protected] or visit the Rochester Red Wings website.

Senators and First National Bank Partner for “Homefield Makeover” Initiative

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The Harrisburg Senators and First National Bank, the largest subsidiary of F.N.B. Corporation (FNB), are pleased to announce the start of their “Homefield Makeover” initiative which gives one local youth baseball or softball league an updated field. The renovation will consist of $10,000 in goods and services from the Senators and FNB.

The goal of the initiative is to provide a safe, playable field for a local youth sports league. The field makeover will take place this fall so the field is ready for the upcoming youth baseball and softball season. Members of the Senators front office and FNB employees are donating their time to help with the field renovation. The renovation will tentatively take place in October with a grand opening slated for the 2023 season.

One youth baseball or softball league will be chosen for the field makeover based on an application process. The nature of the renovation will be based on the needs of the field chosen and could vary from fencing to supplying new infield dirt. Field equipment, such as rakes and shovels, will be donated to the league for upkeep of the field, along with a professional consultation with the Harrisburg Senators Grounds Crew team. Leagues can apply on the Senators website (www.senatorsbaseball.com). Leagues may apply beginning Tuesday, August 2 and applications close Tuesday, August 16.

“This is an idea that was part of a brainstorming session with our partners at First National Bank,” said Senators President Kevin Kulp. “We are always wanting to collaborate on community initiatives together and this is one that we plan on starting this year. To be able to help provide our kids a safer and more professional place to play baseball or softball is very exciting. The plan is that this is something that will be done annually so that we can touch more parts of our community over the years.”

“First National Bank is proud to continue to partner with the Senators on new community outreach projects that drive change in our region,” said Tony Sacco, Regional Market Executive and President of FNB’s Capital Region. “The Homefield Makeover initiative is representative of our commitment to improving the communities we serve and will create better places for local teams and their families to play.”

The Senators offices are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Tickets for any game this season are available online 24 hours a day or in person at the box office or over the phone during normal business hours. For information about Sensylvania Club Season Memberships please call the Senators at 717-231-4444 or visit the Senators online at www.senatorsbaseball.com. You can find the Senators on Facebook at facebook.com/senatorsbaseball or @hbgsenators on Twitter.

Wings, Golisano Children's Hospital Partner for All-Stars Initiative

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The Rochester Red Wings and UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital have announced a partnership that will provide a unique gameday experience for patients and their families over the course of the 2022 baseball season.

The All-Star will receive a customized Red Wings jersey with name and number, as well as a Wings cap for each family member. They will also receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium including the clubhouse and press box while also getting to watch batting practice

“Our partnership with the Red Wings is a testament to the generous support we receive from the community all year long,” said Patrick Brophy, M.D., physician-in-chief of Golisano Children’s Hospital. “We are looking forward to this new relationship, and would like to thank the Red Wings for giving our patients a chance to take a break from the hospital and have some fun.”

The All-Star will also get a photo opportunity with Spikes and Mittsy and a Red Wings player or coach while getting to stand with said player or coach on the field for the National Anthem. Finally, the All-Star will be personally introduced as they deliver the game ball to the pitcher’s mound.

“We are proud to partner with the Golisano Children’s Hospital to honor some of their All-Stars at select games this season,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “We strive to provide lifelong memories for our fans and we can’t wait to put some smiles on the faces of these All-Stars and their families.”

This All-Star initiative will come complete with a private Diamond Suite including tickets, a food and beverage package, VIP parking, yearbooks, and vouchers for a round of Speed Pitch and Bounce House.

Selection of each All-Star will be made by Golisano Children’s Hospital.

2022 All-Stars:
June 28: Ian

Harrisburg Senators Partnering with Youth Baseball and Softball Leagues

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HARRISBURG, PA – The Harrisburg Senators are thrilled to announce a new youth baseball and softball sponsorship program. The new program begins with the 2022 season and is another way the Senators are working with local communities.

In this program, youth baseball and softball leagues receive:

  • A $300 sponsorship check to the league from the Senators
  • ·A 3’ x 8’ Senators banner to be hung on an outfield fence or other high profile location at the youth league ballpark throughout the 2022 season.
  • Additional easy fundraising opportunities that can raise each youth league an extra $400 or more.

For more information on this program contact JK McKay, Director of Community Relations, at 717-231-4444 or via email at [email protected].

To apply online please go here.

The Senators offices are open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The 2022 home opener is Tuesday, April 12, against the Portland Sea Dogs. Tickets for any game this season are available online 24 hours a day or in person at the box office or over the phone during normal business hours. For information about Sensylvania Club Season Memberships please call the Senators at 717-231-4444 or visit the Senators online at www.senatorsbaseball.com. You can find the Senators on Facebook at facebook.com/senatorsbaseball or @hbgsenators on Twitter.

BLUE ROCKS AND ROWAN UNIVERSITY ENHANCE PARTNERSHIP ONCE AGAIN IN 2022

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The Wilmington Blue Rocks are pleased to announce yet another expansion to the partnership with Rowan University and Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM. Last year, as part of a collaborative educational effort between the team and the university, Rowan students exclusively handled all aspects of the broadcast, including play-by-play, color commentary and production of all home game broadcasts. As the season continued, additional students were added to the roster in the game presentation and production departments.

“Heading into the 2022 season, we had a great foundation based on how our partnership unfolded during the previous year” said Blue Rocks Assistant General Manager Liz Welch. “When we sat down to discuss 2022, we knew that we could build from that foundation and add additional layers to provide more and more students with valuable industry experience. We’re really excited to get these young professionals in here and to have the chance to work with them.”

This season, over 20 Rowan University students will join the Blue Rocks in various departments, including broadcasting, promotions, and creative services. A rotation of eight student broadcasters will once again call all of the action on the field at Frawley Stadium during the 2022 season. In addition, there will be a staff of three students in the Rowan Radio studios producing each broadcast and hosting the pre and post-game shows. These candidates were selected after a live interview and audition process in late-February.

Some of the new elements of the expanded partnership include a team of reporters who will act as beat writers and cover each game, complete with post-game stories that will be published on both Rowan’s own campus news site ‘The Whit’ as well as BlueRocks.com.

Rounding out the program will be a team of promotions assistants that will help in various roles throughout the game including marketing, creative services, in-game entertainment, and much more.

The complete roster of students selected to serve with Blue Rocks for the 2022 season are:

Game Broadcasters:

  • Dillon Siddiqi – Senior
  • Jason Joseph – Senior
  • Paul Stainker Jr. – Senior
  • Nicholas Earnshaw – Senior
  • Kara Guno – Junior
  • Aaron Hook – Sophomore
  • Danny Ryan – Sophomore
  • Jack Miller – Freshman

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Studio Host/Producers:

  • Spencer Reyes – Junior
  • Harley Sarmiento – Junior
  • Aiden Butler – Sophomore

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On-Field Host:

  • Danny Ryan – Sophomore

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Production

  • Jakob Snyder – Senior
  • Michael Pawling – Senior
  • Stone Clemente – Junior
  • Jarquil Young – Sophomore
  • Primo Centuolo – Freshman

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Promotions Team:

  • Joshua Counts – Junior
  • Brandon Voss – Junior
  • Harley Sarmiento – Junior
  • Nicholas Wiley – Freshman

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Reporters:

  • Brianna Mac Kay – Junior
  • Matthew Green – Junior
  • Berry Andres – Junior
  • Ashley Craven – Junior
  • Tyrese Williams – Junior
  • Nicholas Rizzo – Freshman

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Field Timing Coordinators:

  • Paul Stainker Jr. – Senior
  • Nicholas Earnshaw – Senior

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Creative Services Assistant:

  • Joey Nicolo – Senior

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“We pride ourselves on providing the best sports experiential learning opportunities for our students” said Neil Hartman, Director for the Center for Sports Communication and Social Impact at Rowan University. “Rowan’s partnership with the Blue Rocks has played a significant role in preparing our sports communication and media students for the industry. Four Blue Rocks interns from last year landed full-time jobs in sports, and two of them are involved in minor league baseball. We are so excited to get the season started and have a new group of students enjoy this incredible experience. “

Rowan University has a strong history of developing students into professional broadcasters, including former Blue Rocks radio voice John Sadak (Blue Rocks broadcaster: 2006-2012), who is now the play-by-play announcer for the Cincinnati Reds.

The Blue Rocks have partnered with Rowan Radio for live broadcasts since 2011 and all 66 home games will be heard live on the 750 watt station with a signal that reaches South Jersey, parts of Philadelphia, and Delaware. Games can also be streamed online at www.bluerocks.com.

The Blue Rocks open their 30th Anniversary Year in 2022 against the Brooklyn Cyclones (New York Mets) on Friday, April 8 at 6:35 p.m. at Frawley Stadium.

Celebrating Wilmington’s Top Five Black Players

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In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at some of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

In this article we will be showcasing five players who’ve had a tremendous impact both on and off the field for the City of Wilmington.

JUDY JOHNSON – Judy Johnson never spent time with the Blue Rocks, but his legacy continues to resonate in the City of Wilmington and in our community. William Julius “Judy” Johnson was born in 1899 in Snow Hill, Maryland but moved to Wilmington, Delaware early in his childhood. His career as a professional baseball player spanned from 1921-1937. He was also the first person from Delaware to be elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 1975.

The Blue Rocks honor the local legend every season by highlighting his contributions to the game, and his impact on the local community, and the importance of his role of the integration of Negro League Baseball into Major League Baseball.

For more information on the life and legacy of Judy Johnson, please visit our Legacy of Judy Johnson webpage: https://www.milb.com/wilmington/community/legacy-of-judy-johnson/.

TERRANCE GORE – Terrance Gore made his debut with the Blue Rocks during the 2014 season. The five-foot, seven-inch outfielder made an immediate impact for the Rocks, as he got on base with 55 hits and 20 walks in his 287 plate appearances that season. His speed was most noticeable, as he swiped a team-leading 36 bases (out of 40 attempts) for a 90% stolen base average.

His speed got him a nod to quick promotion, as the Macon, Georgia native was sent to Triple-A Omaha, where he finished the minor league season with an additional 11 stolen bases. Since the then parent-club Kansas City Royals were in a pennant chase in 2014, Gore got the call to the big leagues, and made his Major League debut on August 31, 2014. In 11 games, he swiped an additional five bags. Gore was activated for the Royals postseason roster and contributed a stolen base in the come-back win over the Oakland A’s in the American League Wild Card Game. He added two additional steals for the eventual American League champions during their Divisional Series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Gore continued to be a tear on the bases, as he spent parts of the 2014-17 seasons with the Royals, before moving onto the Chicago Cubs in 2018, and then back to the Royals in 2019. In the pandemic-shortened season, Gore was a member of the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, and in 2021, captured another World Series ring with the Atlanta Braves.

MICHAEL TUCKER – Michael Tucker was a member of the inaugural modern Blue Rocks team in 1993. The South Boston, Virginia native, and first round selection (10th overall) by the Kansas City Royals in the 1992 June Free Agent Draft, made his professional debut as a player for the Blue Rocks in 1993. In his first 61 games, he smacked 14 doubles along with six home runs, 44 RBIs, while he swiped 12 stolen bases and scored 42 runs before his mid-season promotion to Double-A Memphis. He would finish the 1993 season in Memphis. In 1994, he spent the entire season in Triple-A Omaha. He appeared in 132 games and was amongst the leaders in most offensive categories. Some argue he would have made his Major League debut that year, if it was not for the MLB lock-out. Starting the 1995 season in Omaha, Tucker played in a handful of games before getting the call from Kansas City that his time to join the Royals had come.

On April 26, 1995, he made his Major League debut with the Royals. He and Chris Eddy made their debuts on the exact same day (Eddy with the Oakland A’s). Tucker and Eddy were just the second and third Blue Rocks to make it to the big leagues (the first was Jon Lieber on May 15, 1994).

Tucker would play for the Royals in parts of the 1995 and 1996 seasons, before being traded to the Atlanta Braves with Keith Lockhart for Jermaine Dye and Jamie Walker. Tucker would be traded five times in his career, and spent time with the Royals (1995-96, 2002-03), Braves (1997-98), Cincinnati Reds (1999-2001), Chicago Cubs (2001), San Francisco Giants (2004-05), Philadelphia Phillies (2005) and New York Mets (2006).

Tucker retired after spending the 2007 season with the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox. His Major League career spanned 12 years, which saw him appear in 1,417 games. He smashed 125 home runs with 528 RBIs, along with 208 doubles, 49 triples, 490 walks, 114 stolen bases and 625 runs scored for his career. Tucker also saw time in the postseason in 1997 and 1998 with the Braves and in 2006 for the Mets.

DONOVAN DELANEY – Donovan Delaney is one of the more familiar names to early Blue Rocks fans. The Shreveport, Louisiana native was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 45th round of the 1993 June Free Agent Draft out of Bossier Parish Community College in Bossier City, Louisiana. The outfielder joined the Eugene Emeralds in 1994 and smacked six home runs, 16 doubles and 33 RBIs in 63 games for his minor league rookie season. In 1995, he was assigned to Wilmington. In his first season with the Rocks, he batted .250 with a team-leading seven triples, adding 13 doubles, three homers, and 39 RBIs, as the Blue Rocks made the Carolina League postseason and won the Northern Division Championship Series.

The following season, Delaney was a solid contributor on the field. In 124 games, he collected 105 hits (17 doubles, four triples, and four home runs) to help lead the Rocks to the 1996 Carolina League title, the second championship in franchise history.

Delaney spent the 1997 season in Wilmington and was amongst the offensive leaders, as he played in 124 games. Following the 1997 season, Delaney made a career change within baseball, as the Royals converted him from a position player into a pitcher.

In 1998, Delaney appeared in 25 games for the Low-A Lansing Lugnuts of the Midwest League. In his 36.2 innings pitched, he had a 3.19 ERA with 47 strikeouts and three saves with 12 games finished. The 1999 season would be his final season in baseball, but his fourth overall with the Blue Rocks. He made 23 relief appearances for the Rocks, with three saves, for the 1999 Carolina League co-Champions. To date, Delaney holds the distinction as the longest-tenured Blue Rocks players (in terms of seasons in Wilmington, 1995-97, 99).

Following the 1999 season, Delaney retired from baseball and remained a pillar in the local community. Delaney joined the New Castle County Police, and currently serves as a Sergeant with the police force.

JARROD DYSON – Jarrod Dyson spent the 2008 season in Wilmington. The McComb, Mississippi native played in 93 games for the Blue Rocks. That season he batted .260 with 32 walks, 24 RBIs, and 40 runs scored. He had an impressive 39 stolen bases, but was second behind teammate Derrick Robinson, who had 62 steals. In total, the 2008 club had 258 base swipes. Dyson also contributed 32 walks to a team that compiled 496 in total (led by that season’s leader, Josh Johnson).

Dyson made his Major League debut on September 7, 2010 for the Kansas City Royals. Over the next 11 seasons he saw time with six teams, with a majority of his career spent in Kansas City (also played for the Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto Blue Jays). He has appeared in 992 regular season games, batting .244 with 83 doubles, 38 triples, 21 home runs, 185 RBIs, and 387 runs scored.

Dyson saw time in the Major League postseason on both the American League champion Royals team in 2014, and the World Series champion Royals in 2015. During those two postseason runs, the outfielder saw action in 19 games, with 20 at bats and two walks. He also demonstrated speed on the base paths with four stolen bases. He appeared in two games during the 2020 postseason with the White Sox. Dyson was granted free agency on November 3, 2021.

Black History Month: The Best Black Players to Play for the Red Wings

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In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are looking back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club or play for a team within its market.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Rochester Red Wings.

DON BAYLOR—Don Baylor played parts of three years for the Red Wings (1968, 1970-1971) winning The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year award in 1970 (.327-22-107 with 26 SB) before starring for the legendary 1971 Red Wings team that won the Governors’ Cup and the Junior World Series. Baylor would play 19 years in the Major Leagues as an outfielder, first baseman and DH accumulating 2,135 hits and 338 home runs. He won the American League Most Valuable Player award in 1979 with the Angels and played on the World Series winning Twins in 1987. After his playing days, Baylor managed the Rockies and the Cubs in the Major Leagues.

LUKE EASTER—Despite segregation keeping Luke Easter out of the big leagues until he was in his 30s, the slugging first baseman crushed more than 25 home runs three straight seasons for Cleveland from 1950 to 1952. Easter became one of the most feared sluggers in the International League after his Major League career was over winning the IL MVP with Buffalo in 1957. Even though he was well into his 40s, he played for parts of six years for the Red Wings at the end of his playing career, and—with his gregarious personality—became one of the most popular players to ever play in Rochester. His number 36 is one of only two retired numbers—along with Joe Altobelli—among former players in the long history of the Red Wings franchise.

BOB GIBSON—One of baseball’s greatest right-handed pitchers of all-time, Gibson won 251 games in a 17 year MLB career spent entirely with the Cardinals. A nine-time All Star, Gibson won the National League Cy Young Award in 1968 and 1970 while also winning the NL MVP Award in his historic 1968 season when he posted a 1.12 ERA. He was also one of the best fielding pitchers of all-time winning nine Gold Glove Awards. Additionally, Gibson performed well when it mattered most earning World Series MVP honors in 1964 and 1967. Gibson pitched in Rochester in 1958 and 1960 shortly after being a two sport athlete (baseball and basketball) at Creighton University in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. Gibson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981.

EDDIE MURRAY—One of only six men with 3,000 hits and 500 home runs in Major League history, Murray was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003. The first baseman played 21 years in the big leagues winning the 1977 American League Rookie of the Year Award with the Orioles while being selected to the All Star Game eight times. The Los Angeles native has the second most hits (3,255) and the second most home runs (504) of any switch-hitter in baseball history. Amazingly, Murray started switch-hitting in 1975 while in the Minor Leagues…just one year before he joined the Red Wings. On an IL pennant winning team in 1976, Murray hit 11 home runs and batted .274 in only 54 games before making his Major League debut one season later.

FRANK ROBINSON—The first African-American manager in Major League Baseball history, Robinson was also the first African-American manager in the history of the Red Wings. Robinson first managed in the big leagues as a player/manager for Cleveland in 1975-1977 at the end of his Hall of Fame playing career. He took over as the Red Wings manager in 1978 after Ken Boyer left the team early in that season to take over as the big league skipper of the Cardinals. Aside from his original managerial stint with Cleveland, Robinson would also manage the Giants, Orioles, Expos and Nationals at the Major League level. In his stellar playing career, Robinson amassed the 10th most home runs in MLB history (586). He won the American League Triple Crown with Baltimore in 1966 while winning Most Valuable Player honors in both leagues….1961 with the Reds and 1966 with the Orioles. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.

Red Wings Join “The Nine”, A New Initiative To Celebrate, Engage, And Welcome Black Fans

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Minor League Baseball has announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace

Minor League Baseball has announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, The Nine will connect MiLB teams’ existing, Black-community focused development efforts with new national programming and future special events in a coordinated and centralized campaign. The new inclusion initiative follows MiLB’s Copa de la Diversión — the Latino fan engagement platform introduced in 2017 that included 76 MiLB teams in 2021.

The Nine will recognize and honor numerous Black pioneers and trailblazing civil rights leaders in all 120 MiLB communities, ensuring the heroes of the past and their contributions continue to be celebrated through ceremonies and events at MiLB ballparks and in the community. Recent tributes and celebrations have included Negro Leagues commemorative games honoring the Austin Black Senators in Round Rock (TX), the Bradenton (FL) Nine Devils, and Page Fence Giants near Lansing (MI). Additional tribute games are being planned for the 2022 season and beyond.

“The Nine will shine bright spotlights on these successful initiatives and transform them into national campaigns reaching more fans and communities, further showcasing our teams’ commitment to representing, honoring, and welcoming all fans to MiLB’s unique brand of fun,” said Kurt Hunzeker, MLB’s Vice President of Minor League Business Operations. “The Nine is just the latest example of MiLB teams being true community champions.”

In addition to player- and team-related content, The Nine will focus heavily on creating new opportunities for youth participation among young Black boys and girls, particularly in communities where youth baseball and softball programming is either nonexistent or difficult to access.

Central to this youth-focused push is a planned expansion of Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program throughout MiLB’s national footprint. New competitions in MLB’s Pitch, Hit & Run and Junior Home Run Derby event series will also debut in MiLB markets beginning in 2022.

MiLB teams will continue to build relationships with local Black-owned and operated businesses, local artists and entertainers in an effort to embrace Black culture and make MiLB ballparks a hub for culturally relevant concerts, shows, and community events.

With several MiLB teams having a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in their community, opportunities will be provided for those schools to start internship and mentorship programs with their local team, creating opportunities for on-the-job experience for students prior to entering the job market. Additionally, MiLB recently partnered with TeamWork Online to create a more inclusive virtual job fair and ongoing talent pipeline that aims to recruit and position qualified and ready-for-hire candidates from across the country for potential management- and executive-level roles within MiLB team front offices.

Food and Beverage hosting Open Interview Day February 26

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The Red Wings Food and Beverage Department are in search of highly motivated and customer-orientated employees to join their food and beverage team for the 2022 season! The Open Interview Day is Saturday, February 26 from 10 am – 2 pm.

The Red Wings will be hiring the following: concessions workers, picnic staff, suite attendants, suite runners, kitchen, and warehouse positions.

Applicants must be 18 years of age, and be fully vaccinated to apply. Interviews will be held at Frontier Field, visitors may park in the VIP parking lot and enter the facility through the Suites/Administrative Entrance adjacent to the box office.

Wilmington Blue Rocks Annual Judy Johnson Night Helps Keep His and Negro League Baseball’s Legacy Alive

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On Saturday August 28, the Wilmington Blue Rocks held their 25th annual Judy Johnson Night. The night allowed those in attendance to honor and learn more about both the Hall of Fame third baseman the field is named after and Negro League Baseball.

With the work of the Judy Johnson Memorial Foundation and their Executive Director Andrea McCoy-Carty, the event had booths all around the concourse that had Negro League Baseball memorabilia and a pregame ceremony that honored three former Negro League players.

The three players honored by the Wilmington City Council, Pedro Sierra, Sam Allen, and Leon Day, who’s widow, Geraldine Day was there to represent him, were ones who made a name for themselves through Negro League baseball during the mid-1900s.

Since Negro League Baseball is such a big part of their lives, events like these are important to them, to make sure the legacy of this league is kept.

“We have to do as much as we can because there’s not that many of us alive. In 2000, the Negro League Museum had a reunion, the legacy reunion, there was 145. Right now there is maybe scrapping 20,” Sierra said. “So it is very important that this upcoming generation knows its importance.”

All three of Sierra, Allen, and Mrs. Day have been coming to the Blue Rocks celebration of Judy Johnson for many years now, to help not only keep the legacy of the Negro League alive, but the Johnson’s legacy alive as well.

“It is a great event,” Allen said. “And to honor Judy Johnson, one of the greats, matter of fact, a Hall of Famer.”

Along with the former Negro League players, there were also Board Members from the Judy Johnson Memorial Foundation at the game who have extensive knowledge of the league and Johnson’s career and life.

Jim Knotts was a close friend of Johnson’s after his playing career, so an event like this is very important for him, especially since many people might not know about one of the most successful ball players from the state of Delaware.

“It is an honor to be anywhere that is honoring Judy. Our goal is to keep his name alive as best we can,” Knotts said. “Delaware knew very little about Judy Johnson and naturally he is the only one who is in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, in fact he is in several.”

What Knotts hopes people know about Johnson goes beyond his skills on the baseball field though.

“Most of all, he was a perfect gentleman,” Knotts said. “I learned a lot from him, just how to be a gentleman. He was well loved by those who knew him, highly respected.”

Ray Banks, another Board Member and the founder of the Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro Leagues Baseball in Maryland, echoed the Knotts sediment.

“Judy Johnson, as far as I’m concerned, was one of the best third baseman to play the game,” Banks said. “He was a wonderful gentleman and a great role model for any of the youth, no matter what color you are, he was a good role model for all of us.”

The importance of this event that has been held by the Blue Rocks for 25 years and all events that celebrates both Judy Johnson and Negro League Baseball can not be understated, as Pedro Sierra explains.

“It is a great honor to honor a great player,” Sierra said. “I would say I rode the shoulders of Judy Johnson and all of those who came before me. And I am very proud to be apart of that legacy and one thing I think, in my opinion, people need to know that Negro League Baseball is one of the most important chapters in the history of baseball.”

JPMorgan Chase and the Blue Rocks Partner to Honor Essential Businesses, Non-Profits, and First Responders

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Wilmington DE – JPMorgan Chase and the Wilmington Blue Rocks have announced that they are partnering to honor businesses and non-profits that stayed open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as first responders who continue to serve the public’s needs.

During each of the remaining 24 home games in 2021, one business, non-profit or group of first responders will be recognized for their unwavering commitment and hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Honorees will receive free tickets and access to a 20-person suite donated by Chase. They will also be honored on the field before the game. Organizations in healthcare, hospitality, grocery, home improvement, retail, banking and other industries can be nominated for this honor.

As part of the promotion, hospitality workers will have another opportunity to receive complimentary tickets to any Blue Rocks game, courtesy of Chase. For the entire month of August, hospitality workers can present a recent pay stub at the Christiana Care Box Office at Daniel S. Frawley Stadium and receive two tickets to any home game that month, based on availability. Firefighters, police officers, and EMTs can also take part in this promotion by showing their pay stubs at the Christiana Care Box Office during any game in September.

“JPMorgan Chase has been a tremendous partner in recent years,” said Blue Rocks’ Vice President of Business Development, Robert Ford. “We’re very excited to have the opportunity to honor these businesses and individuals who have worked hard during the pandemic to help our community.”

“Teaming up with the Blue Rocks to support our community aligns with Chase’s commitment to Delaware,” said Tom Horne, JPMorgan Chase Delaware Market President. “On behalf of the firm’s 11,000 employees, we share our deepest appreciation to those who have, and continue to do so much, to support our neighbors.”

The program, which kicks off at the beginning of the Blue Rocks’ next home stand on August 3, will run through the end of the 2021 season.

About Chase

Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading global financial services firm with assets of $3.7 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves more than 60 million American households with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: More than 4,700 branches in 44 states and the District of Columbia, 16,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information, go to chase.com.

Bisons top Rochester American Giants on Negro League Night

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The Red Wings celebrated Juneteenth playing as the Rochester American Giants – a minor league Negro League team that called the Flower City home in the 1940s.

Unfortunately, the Buffalo Bisons spoiled the party outslugging the American Giants, 8-6, at Frontier Field.

Rochester built a 3-1 lead after four innings, scoring single runs in the second, third and fourth innings on RBI hits from Brandon Snyder, Jake Noll and Alec Keller.

The Bisons would tie the game in the fifth and score four more in the seventh to take control of the game.

A two-run homer from Yadiel Hernandez in the seventh inning brought the Rochester American Giants to within two at 7-5.

Sterling Sharp made the start for Rochester allowing three runs (one earned) over 4 2/3 innings.

Alberto Baldonado suffered the loss allowing all four runs in the seventh inning.

The final game of the series is Sunday after at 1:05 from Frontier Field.

Wings, County announce Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic at Frontier Field

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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Rochester Red Wings President & CEO Naomi Silver are excited to announce that Frontier Field will host a pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Saturday, April 24 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. As an incentive, those who get their vaccine at Frontier Field on Saturday will receive a coupon good for a hot dog when they come to a Red Wings game this season.

Appointments required: PLEASE CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

“Summer nights at Frontier Field are a Monroe County tradition that residents and families missed out on in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the Red Wings anticipated return on the horizon, now is the time to get your COVID-19 vaccine and ensure you’re able to catch a game at Frontier Field this season,” said Bello. “Vaccination is key to returning to normalcy and enjoying the things we love most about the summer months in Monroe County. We can all end this together, and it starts with the simple act of getting your COVID-19 vaccine.”

“I want to thank County Executive Bello and his staff for arranging this vaccination clinic to be held at Frontier Field. This is a great service to both our fans and employees who recognize the need for the safety the vaccine provides. Proof of vaccination will be the simplest way to gain access to games and other events at Frontier Field, and the more fans – and others – who are vaccinated, the safer we will all be in our community and beyond,” added Silver. “Please get vaccinated and come to a game! Let’s get our lives back to normal! I’d like to see our community be a leader in the effort to get to herd immunity.”

The COVID-19 vaccine is FREE to anyone, regardless of health insurance or coverage. This clinic will offer first-dose Pfizer vaccine, which is approved for anyone 16 years of age and older. Appointments will be required for this vaccine clinic and can be made on the Monroe County scheduling website, https://www.monroecounty.gov/health-covid19-vaccine, or by calling the Monroe County COVID-19 hotline at (585) 753-5555. Second-dose Pfizer appointments for anyone attending this clinic will be held on Saturday, May 15 at the same time as your first-dose appointment.

The Rochester Red Wings are slated to make their long-awaited return to Frontier Field on May 18, 2021, with an extended home stand until May 30. The Red Wings will then have another extended home stand from June 15 – June 27.

Under New York State COVID-19 guidelines, fans will have to present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination OR a recent negative COVID-19 test in order to attend outdoor professional sporting events, including Rochester Red Wing games at Frontier Field. Anyone vaccinated at through this weekend’s clinic will be eligible to attend games at Frontier Field starting May 29 under the full vaccination guidelines, meaning no COVID-19 test will be required.

For updated information about Monroe County Department of Public Health vaccination efforts, please visit https://www.monroecounty.gov/health-covid19-vaccine. For more information on additional vaccination opportunities in the Finger Lakes Region, visit the appointment finder on the Finger Lakes Region Vaccination Hub website at https://flvaccinehub.com/getting-your-vaccine/.

Wings host food drive to benefit Boys & Girls Club

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The Rochester Red Wings will be hosting a food drive to benefit the hundreds of children and families that are supported by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester on December 16-19 at Frontier Field. Individuals and companies interested in donating can drop off bags of food in the VIP parking lot or at the Red Wings Team Store from 11 am – 5 pm December 16, 17 and 18, and in the team store only on Saturday, December 19 from 10 am – 2 pm. Everyone that donates will receive a 20% off coupon that can be used at the Red Wings Team store, in person or online at RedWingsBaseball.com.

Suggested items for donation include:

1. Canned fish and lean meats

2. Peanut Butter/ other nut butters

3. Canned soups and stews

4. Cereal

5. Shelf stable milk

6. Whole Grains

7. Canned Fruits and Vegetables

8. Pasta, pasta sauce and canned tomatoes

9. Packaged snacks

Please avoid donating:

1. Perishable products

2. Home canned or Homemade goods

3. Non Food Items

4. Expired items

“The Boys & Girls Club of Rochester is honored that the Rochester Red Wings are hosting a food drive to help the Club with the lack of food not only in our community but the entire country. With no guarantee of a new stimulus package, the Club anticipates a rise in the number of families who will need food support,” said Dwayne Mahoney, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester.

“The Red Wings are proud to give our fans the opportunity to help the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester serve its families. Food insecurity is at such a high level right now, with the need greater than ever. People in our community want to help, but don’t always know how, so we are glad to facilitate this important effort in time for the holidays, “ said Red Wings President/CEO/COO Naomi Silver, who also serves as Board Chair for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester.

The Red Wings would like to thank Zweigle’s, celebrating thier 140th anniversary this year, DiPaolo Baking Company and Lidestri Foods for kick-starting the food drive. Zweigle’s donated 30 cases of Chicken Chorizo and DiPaolo Baking Company donated a corresponding number of hot dog rolls to pair with the sausages. Lidestri Foods was kind enough to donate 15 cases of 45 oz. jars of Francesco Rinaldi pasta sauce.