Bluefield Ridge Runners announced as recipient of Lee Landers Community Service Award

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that the Bluefield Ridge Runners have been named the recipient of the 2022 Lee Landers Community Service Award. The Lee Landers Community Service Award is presented to the club that demonstrates an outstanding, ongoing commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

The staff of the Bluefield Ridge Runners has contributed $259,307 in cash and in-kind services through July 31, along with 866 hours to various community organizations. The Ridge Runners participated in Project Graduation, charity car shows, concerts, food drives and flood relief efforts. The Ridge Runners have also contributed to community organizations such as Rotary International, the Chamber of the Two Virginia’s, Sacred Heart Catholic Church Food Bank, Bluefield Area Little League, the Union Mission, the annual Mountain Festival, the Bluefield Restoration Committee and the Bluefield Beautification Committee.

“The Bluefield Ridge Runners are honored to be presented the Lee Landers Community Service Award for 2022,” said Ridge Runners general manager Rocky Malamisura. “The receipt of this award affirms the efforts of the club to be an integral part of the surrounding community.”

This season, Ridge Runners players volunteered a recorded 370 hours in the community at places like food pantries to reading programs and autograph sessions. Two baseball camps were provided by the Ridge Runners at no cost to the participants, which allowed more than 70 children to benefit from these camps. The Bluefield Club also participated in the Play Ball initiative with area Little Leagues and Vet Tix.

ThAdditionally, Ridge Runners catcher Parker Redden (Delaware) was named the Appalachian League Humanitarian of the Year. When the Ridge Runners were in town, Redden drove approximately 35 miles each way to volunteer at Freedom Farms, a nonprofit, faith-based organization for at-risk youth in West Virginia.

“It is especially satisfying to uphold the values of the award’s namesake Mr. Lee Landers,” Malamisura added. “Service before self is a trademark of what we value here with the Ridge Runners. Our staff, coaches, players and patrons strive to give back to the community that has itself given so much to us.”

Lee Landers served as the Appalachian League president from 1996-2018 and passed away May 17, 2021. Lee always placed others first and encouraged all clubs and staff to become involved and give back to their communities. Lee’s involvement over the years included: Roman Cultural Society, Jaycees, Police Benevolent Association, D.A.R.E, Senior Olympics Board, Baseball Chapel, American Heart Association and Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

Redden named Appalachian League Humanitarian of the Year 

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that Bluefield’s Parker Redden (Delaware) was named the Humanitarian of the Year. The Humanitarian of the Year award is given to the Appalachian League player that has been judged to have made the most notable contributions in his community during the season through active participation in community service projects.

Redden works closely with Freedom Farms, a nonprofit, faith-based organization for at-risk youth in West Virginia. When the Ridge Runners were in town, Redden drove approximately 35 miles each way to help with meal preparation, maintenance, agricultural activities and his mentoring opportunities. Redden also delivered leftover food to Freedom Farms as quantities allowed so that waste was minimized. Baseball and softball lessons are an integral part of his focus with the youth. Redden and his family have also worked to establish a 4H club as an outlet for the kids from their day-to-day trials.

“Parker unselfishly gives of himself to others and conducts himself in such a way that you know that he understands that the game will end but his mission in life will continue,” said Ridge Runners general manager Rocky Malamisura. “Parker is the epitome of what we cherish most in athletes and what baseball teaches those who pay attention. We are so proud to have had such a young man as a member of the Ridge Runners.”

During the 2022 season, Redden volunteered for each of the Ridge Runners community service projects that were scheduled. The projects included working at local food pantries, stadium walkabouts with fans and autograph sessions. Redden also worked both kids camps as an instructor, mentored several local at-risk children and provided baseball lessons for numerous little league children.

“Parker was a catalyst in helping our organization educate and encourage the attitude and spirit of giving back,” said Bluefield manager Mike Weatherford. “Once his teammates recognized Parker’s contributions in Bluefield and the surrounding communities, it became enjoyable for our players to routinely volunteer. Parker was a leader in getting teammates involved off the field and that dedication to others followed him on the field.”

The 20-year-old catcher from Shady Spring, W.V., is heading into his sophomore year at the University of Delaware. Redden played in 15 games for the Ridge Runners this summer after he played for the Burlington Sock Puppets in 2021.

CHARLESTON DIRTY BIRDS TO DONATE PORTION OF MERCHANDISE SALES IN MARCH TO MARCH OF DIMES



CHARLESTON DIRTY BIRDS TO DONATE PORTION OF MERCHANDISE SALES IN MARCH TO MARCH OF DIMES

The Dirty Birds will donate 10 cents of every dollar sold of merchandise to March of Dimes for the remainder of March

CHARLESTON, WV (March 8, 2022) – The Charleston Dirty Birds announce that for the remainder of the month of March, 10 cents of every dollar sold of merchandise will be donated to the local March of Dimes organization.

For 80 years, March of Dimes has helped millions of babies survive and thrive. Now they are building on that legacy to level the playing field for all moms and babies, no matter their age, socio-economic background or demographics. March of Dimes support moms throughout their pregnancy, even when everything doesn’t go according to plan. They advocate for policies that prioritize their health, support radical improvements to the care they receive and pioneer research to find solutions to the biggest health threats to moms and babies.

“It is important for us as an organization to assist in the fundraising efforts of organizations such as the March of Dimes. As a staple in the Charleston community, we must do our part in contributing to the greater good and this partnership with the March of Dimes is just the beginning” said Dirty Birds’ Vice President, Mary Nixon.

Opening Day for the Dirty Birds’ 2022 season is Thursday, April 21, 2022, at Appalachian Power Park against the Staten Island Ferry Hawks, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35pm. Season tickets and mini plans are on sale now. Individual tickets to go on sale Wednesday, March 9. For more information, or to shop the Dirty Birds team store, visit www.dirtybirdsbaseball.com.

The Charleston Dirty Birds are a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball – The first Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 1,000 players to MLB organizations while drawing 44 million fans to its family friendly ballparks over its 24-year history. For more information visit www.atlanticleague.com

CHARLESTON DIRTY BIRDS TO GIVE AWAY 100 TURKEYS

The Charleston Dirty Birds will host a turkey giveaway to families just in time for the Christmas holiday. The event will take place at Appalachian Power Park on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 4pm.

Families in need of a turkey for the holidays are invited to stop by Appalachian Power Park on December 22nd to pick up a free turkey courtesy of the Charleston Dirty Birds, US Foods and Kroger. The event will begin at 4pm right inside the main gate at Appalachian Power Park and will end when all 100 turkeys are distributed. One turkey per household, first come first serve.

** EVENT DETAILS**

  • WHEN – Wednesday, December 22, 2021
  • WHERE – Appalachian Power Park
  • TIME – 4pm – all the turkeys are given away

“Kroger loves the Charleston community and is pleased to partner with the Dirty Birds to help provide a meal for those in need this holiday season” said James Menees, The Kroger Co. Corporate Affairs Manager.

“The Charleston Dirty Birds are thrilled to provide turkeys to families in need for the holiday season. We are thankful to US Foods and Kroger for their generous donation to make this possible. The Dirty Birds realize the importance of supporting the community, especially to those in need” said Mary Nixon, Vice-President of the Charleston Dirty Birds.

Opening Day for the Dirty Birds’ 2022 season is Thursday, April 21, 2022 at Appalachian Power Park against the Staten Island Ferry Hawks, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35pm. For more information, or to shop the Dirty Birds team store, visit www.dirtybirdsbaseball.com.

EVENT DETAILS

WHEN

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

WHERE

Appalachian Power Park

TIME

4pm – all the turkeys are given away

“Kroger loves the Charleston community and is pleased to partner with the Dirty Birds to help provide a meal for those in need this holiday season” said James Menees, The Kroger Co. Corporate Affairs Manager.

“The Charleston Dirty Birds are thrilled to provide turkeys to families in need for the holiday season. We are thankful to US Foods and Kroger for their generous donation to make this possible. The Dirty Birds realize the importance of supporting the community, especially to those in need” said Mary Nixon, Vice-President of the Charleston Dirty Birds.

Opening Day for the Dirty Birds’ 2022 season is Thursday, April 21, 2022 at Appalachian Power Park against the Staten Island Ferry Hawks, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35pm. For more information, or to shop the Dirty Birds team store, visit www.dirtybirdsbaseball.com.

Power hosting annual Job Fair on Saturday

Anyone ages 16 and up can apply for a multitude of gameday positions for the 2020 season

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (February 22, 2020) – The West Virginia Power will host their annual Job Fair on Saturday, February 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Appalachian Power Park. All prospective employees ages 16 and older that are interested in applying for gameday employment opportunities are encouraged to attend this year’s hiring event.

For the 2020 season, the Power has gameday job openings in the following categories: Camera Operators, Concessions, Grounds Crew, Mascot, Production, Promotions, Suite Attendants, Ticket Takers and Ushers. Please note that these positions are only required to work during each of the Power’s 70 home games.

Anyone interested in applying should bring their resume and a list of their schedule availability for the 2020 season, as well as be prepared for an on-site interview during the Job Fair.

National Anthem tryouts will not be held at the Job Fair as in years past. The Power will release the details for National Anthem tryouts at a later date.

If you have further questions about the Job Fair prior to Saturday, please contact Nathan Richard via e-mail at nathan@wvpower.com, or call the Power front office at 304-344-2287.

Appalachian League Releases 2019 Community Report



CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Appalachian League today announced it surpassed $2.3 million in charitable contributions for the 2019 calendar year. The multi-million dollar figure is a culmination of all community involvement from the ten teams in the Advanced-Rookie league, as well as efforts from the Appalachian League office.

“As a league, we appreciate the opportunity to give back and to enhance the communities that have supported our member clubs for more than 100 years,” said League President Dan Moushon.
Appalachian League executives, staff members, players, coaches, and umpires spent more than 7,600 hours volunteering in their communities across more than 220 events. Additionally, organizations partnered with five Minor League Baseball national charity partners and hosted local activations for five MiLB community initiatives.

More information about the Appalachian League’s 2019 community initiatives and charitable contributions can be viewed in the official 2019 report available here.

The 2020 Appalachian League season begins on June 22. Fans can view the complete schedule at appyleague.com.

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The Appalachian League is a Rookie (Advance) league in Minor League Baseball that consists of 10 teams across North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The league was established in 1911, and the modern Appalachian League began play in 1957. For more information about the Appalachian League, please visit appyleague.com or follow the league on Twitter (@AppyLeague).

Support the 14th Trick-Or-Beat on October 29

 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (October 23, 2019) – The West Virginia Power, in conjunction with 98.7 The Beat, will host the 14th annual Trick-Or-Beat celebration, presented by Todd Judy Ford, at Appalachian Power Park on Tuesday, October 29. This event provides an all-purpose environment for Charleston area children to enjoy the thrills of trick-or-treating with their families in a safe manner.

The evening will consist of two trick-or-treat sessions, with the first one starting at 6 p.m. and lasting until 7 p.m. The second session commences at 7:30 p.m. and runs through 8:30 p.m. During these timeframes, children ages 12 and younger are free to roam around the ballpark, accumulating candy from various decorated and well-lit stations while jamming out to Halloween-themed music provided by DJ ActRight.

Any businesses that wish to set up a table to pass out candy or make a monetary donation towards the purchase of candy should fill out this form and contact the Power front office at 304-344-2287.

There is no cost of admission for the event, but all children are required to have a ticket to enter the ballpark. All tickets come with a pizza voucher redeemable after each child finishes traveling around the ballpark. Adults do not need a ticket to attend the event and should refrain from taking candy from the designated stations and pizza from the concession areas.

For more information on the 14th annual Trick-Or-Beat, presented by Todd Judy Ford, at Appalachian Power Park, call the Power at 304-344-2287 or visit wvpower.com.

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

Jersey Auction Raises $2435 for CAMC Foundation

CHARLESTON, W. Va. (August 20, 2019) – Thanks to an overwhelming amount of support and donations from the community of Charleston, W.Va., the West Virginia Power was able to donate $2,435 to the CAMC Foundation from their recent ‘Hot Shot’ jersey auction held on CAMC Night, August 2, at Appalachian Power Park.

During the Power’s game against the Greensboro Grasshoppers on Friday, August 2, the team sported special baby blue jerseys with ‘Hot Shots’ embroidered across the front and a stethoscope snaking around the jersey top. The CAMC Foundation logo was displayed on the sleeve as well. Throughout the game, these jerseys were auctioned off on the LiveSource app, with fans bidding on them via their smartphones all across the country. The $2,435 raised during the event pushed the Power’s charitable donation total above $12,000 for the season.

“At the CAMC Foundation, our motto is ‘Giving you the power to change lives’. No truer words could be spoken about our partnership with the Power,” said Bryan Cummings, Senior Development Officer at CAMC. “Their players, administrators, and, most importantly, fans, have helped maximize the impact of charity and philanthropy in our community by connecting passionate donors to causes they care deeply about. Our shared investment in West Virginia creates an opportunity to share and increase knowledge, improve health care and pursue opportunities for positive change. It’s a home run in our eyes.”

The CAMC Employee Emergency Fund, where the money from this auction went towards, is a relief fund set up to assist fellow CAMC employees when something unexpected occurs, such as a sudden financial or medical expense. Over the 19 years that this program has been in existence, the CAMC Foundation has permitted more than 1,500 grants and upwards of $1,000,000 in grant money to employees who have dealt with natural disasters, unsafe living conditions, loss of family members, etc.

Most of the money circulated into this program comes from fellow CAMC employees, who donate anywhere from $2.00 to $15.00 per paycheck to help protect their co-workers when times get tough. According to the CAMC, “If every CAMC employee gave just $2.00 per paycheck, it would raise more than $350,000 a year!”

If you would like to make a donation to the CAMC Foundation, please send your gift/pledge to: CAMC Foundation, 3414 Staunton Ave., Charleston, WV 25304 or visit www.camcfoundation.org.

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

2019 Bluefield Blue Jays Baseball Camp

Registration is now open for our 2019 Bluefield Blue Jays Baseball Camp.

Youth (ages 6-13 years old) are invited to our annual Blue Jays Camp here at Bowen Field on the 13th of July. Campers will be working with the players from the Blue Jays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Lunch will also be provided to all campers.

Please see the link below to access the registration forum and contact us at (304) 324-1326 for any questions or concerns.

http://www.milb.com/documents/3/3/6/308016336/2019_Blue_Jays_Baseball_Camp.pdf

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

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Trick-Or-Beat returns on Halloween

CHARLESTON, WV (October 2, 2018) – The West Virginia Power, in conjunction with 98.7 The Beat and West Virginia Radio Corporation, will host the 13th annual Trick-Or-Beat at Appalachian Power Park on October 31, 2018. This event provides a safe and well-lit environment for Charleston area youth to trick-or-treat on Halloween.

“We are happy to be hosting Trick-Or-Beat for the 13th consecutive year,” said Power General Manager Tim Mueller. “This event has always created a fun atmosphere for everyone in the Charleston community to come out and enjoy together.”

There will be two trick-or-treating sessions at the ballpark on October 31. Session one begins at 6:00 P.M. and will last until 7:00 P.M. The second session starts at 7:30 P.M. and will conclude at 8:30 P.M. Children ages 12 and younger are free to walk around the concourse and pick up candy from different illuminated stations. There is no cost of admission, but all children must have a ticket to enter the ballpark.

Tickets are limited to 1,250 per session and are available now at the West Virginia Power front office or at West Virginia Radio Corporation, located at 1111 Virginia Street East in Charleston. Adults do not need a ticket and are asked to refrain from taking any candy during the event.

New for 2019, all tickets come with a pizza voucher, which can be redeemed after each child finishes trick-or-treating for the evening.

Local businesses are encouraged to contact the Power front office or fill out this form if they are interested in making a candy or monetary donation towards the purchase of candy for the night. If businesses are interested in attending the event to pass out candy and set-up table displays, they can also contact the Power to make the necessary arrangements.

For more information regarding the 13th annual Trick-Or-Beat or other upcoming events at Appalachian Power Park, please contact the Power front office at (304) 344-BATS or visit www.wvpower.com.

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

Black Bears Host 2018 Pirates Miracle League Camp

Granville, W. Va. -Smiles ran rampant around Monongalia County Ballpark on Saturday morning, as the West Virginia Black Bears hosted a Pittsburgh Pirates Miracle League Camp with SteppingStones.

Black Bears players got to spend the morning with the Miracle League athletes, making new friends and teaching new skills in a variety of stations around the ballpark.

The day started off in centerfield, as each player received a Pittsburgh Pirates jersey customized with their name and number on the back to wear during the clinic. The Pepperoni Rolls and Cooper the Bear also made an appearance at the event, spending time with the athletes and getting them excited for their big day.

After the Miracle League players split off with their new Black Bears teammates, all athletes stood silent side-by-side for the National Anthem before breaking off into their respective stations.

In right field, the Pirates’ prospects threw batting practice, as the campers crushed home runs over the fence and into the bullpen. At the station down the first base line, the pitching staff gave the players some pointers how to throw an electric fastball to strikeout their opponents.

The Miracle League athletes also got to run the base paths with the Black Bears, zooming through the infield and crossing home plate to put runs on the scoreboard. They then traveled down the third base line to field some grounders, following that up by shagging fly balls in left field.

The final station was a game of catch, as the campers got to throw around with the Black Bears’ players while exchanging laughs, hugs and plenty of pictures.

Once the clinic was over, all the athletes got together for a group photo to commemorate a fun morning of bonding and baseball. They finished the day with a lunch on the suite level, as everyone chowed down with a beautiful view of the rolling West Virginia hills.

Stepping Stones West Virginia is a non-profit organization that gives children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to achieve their goals and stay active though many recreational activities. More information on this organization is available at www.steppingstones.askwhymedia.com.

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

Vs. Cancer Night: Pediatric cancer fundraiser this Saturday with a goal of $8,000

The West Virginia Power will host a Vs. Cancer night on Saturday June 10. West Virginia plays the Greensboro Grasshoppers at 6:05 P.M. and will raise money for the Vs. Cancer Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Vs. Cancer is an organization that donates money to pediatric cancer research. 50 percent of all donations fund local pediatric cancer programs and the other 50 percent funds pediatric brain tumor research. Each day 250 children in the United States lose their lives to cancer and 13 children are diagnosed with brain tumors.

“We’re glad to be assisting in such a worthy cause,” Executive Vice President Ken Fogel said, “I hope that whatever small part we play helps them reach their goals.”

The Power have set a goal of $8,000 with a deadline on June 10. The Minor League Baseball campaign, which the Power are a part of, have a $45,000 total goal. If the Power reach their goal, members of the front office staff will shave their heads.

“This is a great charity that will help a lot of kids in the greater Charleston area, as well as fund national research,” Garrett Weller, The West Virginia Power Production Manager said, “I’ve never had my head shaved before, but I’m excited for us to meet our goal and would be honored to do it for the kids.”

You can help the Power and Minor League Baseball reach their goals by joining the Power’s team at Power Vs. Cancer.

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

Helping Hands: 2016 Power Donation Review

The annual Trick-or-Treat at Appalachian Power Park saw record attendance in 2016 with over 3,000 in attendance for the free event.

CHARLESTON, WV (February 16, 2017) – The West Virginia Power strive to build stronger relationships within the Kanawha Valley and surrounding communities. During the 2016 calendar year, the Power made donations totaling $93,800 through monetary, stadium events at Appalachian Power Park and in-kind contributions.

 

“We believe it is important to support the people in the community who support us,” said Ken Fogel, the Executive Vice President of the West Virginia Power. “We have the unique opportunity to work with a captive audience at the ballpark during the season and also help organizations raise funds through their own events.”

 

The most sizable donation was made to the American Red Cross in September. In response to the June floods, the Power worked with fans, vendors, sponsorship partners and the Pittsburgh Pirates to raise $51,115 for relief efforts. The club also made financial donations to a variety of charitable efforts like Thomas Health System’s Keys for Healthy Kids. Walks, charity functions and similar events are held at Appalachian Power Park each year, including the Polar Plunge, benefiting Special Olympics West Virginia, the Alzheimer’s Walk and Autism Awareness Day. The

Power once again hosted the BridgeValley Community and Technical College Pumpkin Drop, where 1,200 students from 38 schools converge through a fun engineering project. The club also hosts an annual trick-or-treat event each Halloween with the 2016 version being the most successful to date.

 

The West Virginia Power also fulfill a multitude of requests for donations throughout the each year. The club has donated items for auctions and raffles to organizations like Charleston Montessori School, Read Aloud WV, FestivALL, and the March of Dimes. The Power donated hundreds of game tickets in 2016, including 285 free tickets to veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Autographed items or merchandise are also popular donation requests and are used in raffles or auctions to raise money for a variety of charities.

 

Charitable organizations interested in receiving items for auctions or raffles must fill out a donation request form, available online by clicking here or submit their written request to the Power front office. For more information, call 304-344-BATS.

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

Helping Hand: Power donate $50,000

Charleston, WV (September 29, 2016) –  The West Virginia Power, in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Pirates, are pleased to announce that their ongoing flood relief efforts have raised $50,000 for the West Virginia Region of the American Red Cross. The flooding that occurred in late June devastated 44 counties across the state of West Virginia and the Power immediately began relief efforts at Appalachian Power Park. Power fans and many of the team’s partners made sizable donations to the collection efforts, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pyrotechnico and Success Promotions.

“Our community was hit hard by this natural disaster,” stated Ken Fogel, Executive Vice President of the West Virginia Power. “Our fans, employees, friends and even some corporate partners were affected by the flooding. It was our goal to help in any way possible to begin the relief and recovery process. We are thrilled by the response and the donation we can now make on behalf of those who support us.”

During Power games, the team also used a variety of avenues enabling fans help the flood relief efforts as well. In addition to donation points located around the ballpark, charity t-shirts printed by T-Graphics were sold, proceeds from the nightly 50-50 were allocated and a portion of online tickets sales were donated to the relief effort.

The Power and Pirates Charities worked together to collect and donate dog food for the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association. KCHA spent the weeks following the flooding rescuing animals displaced during the disaster. Power fans could drop bags of dog food off at the park and the players held a dog food drive at PetSmart in Southridge. On August 9, Pirates Baseball Charities arranged for 50 pallets of dog food to be delivered on behalf of the West Virginia Power and Ainsworth, one of the Pittsburgh Pirates partners.

“We are proud to partner with everyone at the West Virginia Power in support of the recovery efforts of those effected by the historic and devastating floods.” said Bob Nutting, the Pittsburgh Pirates Chairman. “The Power organization is a Pirates affiliate both on and off the field, as we both share in the same deep rooted commitment to help improve the lives of those in need.”

For more information on the monetary donation or other flood relief efforts that the Power held, please front office at (304) 344-2287.

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

PBC Winners: Two scholarships awarded

Chuck the Power Mascot and Chelsie Kelley of Subway Development of WV with scholarship winner Tori Ward.

Charleston, WV (September 6, 2016) – On Saturday, September 3, the West Virginia Power, in conjunction with Subway Development of West Virginia and Greg Hammond, announced the first winners of the Power Baseball Charities Scholarships. Tori Ward and Greg Lail were selected as the first recipients of the reoccurring scholarships.

In May of this season, Power Baseball Charities unveiled a new scholarship program, underwritten by Subway Development of West Virginia and Greg Hammond. Power Baseball Charities, a 501c3, accepted applications from local high school baseball and softball players for two reoccurring $1,000 scholarships.

Any graduating senior residing in Kanawha or surrounding counties who would be attending any post-secondary institution on a full-time basis this fall and had participated in either varsity baseball or softball was eligible to apply for the scholarship. Applications were received and reviewed by a three-member panel, who determined the scholarship winners based on a variety of criteria, including outstanding citizenship, a demonstrated role in bettering the community and on the merit of their academic and athletic achievements.

Tori Ward is a graduate of Poca High School. She was a three-year member of the National Honor Society, a four-year member of the Poca varsity softball team, a member of the varsity cheerleading squad. Miss Ward is currently attending Glenville State College, where she is continuing her softball career and majoring in behavioral science.

Greg Lail is a graduate of Van Junior-Senior High School and is also attending Glenville State College. He graduated from high school with a 4.0 grade point average and at the top of his class. Mr. Lail is playing both football and baseball for the Pioneers while majoring in business management with intentions on going to dental school after college.

For more information on the Power Baseball Charities Scholarship Program, underwritten by Subway Development of West Virginia and Greg Hammond, please contact the West Virginia Power front office at 304-344-2287.

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