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.

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.

Blue Rocks and Blue Coats Joint Campaign Raises $6,500

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Wilmington, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks and Delaware Blue Coats are proud to announce that their joint fundraiser generated $6,500 for ChristianaCare and Nemours Children’s Health System.

The two professional sports organizations in Delaware united on a co-branded “Delaware Together” t-shirt, with proceeds going directly to the facilities on the front line in the First State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fans purchased hundreds of the limited-edition shirts during the three-week initiative.

“It’s in these challenging times that the spirit of Delaware really shines,” said Blue Rocks managing partner Dave Heller. “First Staters have an unsinkable spirit and determination to help each other get through even the toughest times. Our two organizations were delighted to join forces to support our community’s heroes, and our fans generously embraced the cause and made this fundraiser a tremendous success. I couldn’t be more proud of the people of Delaware and the entire region.”

A limited supply of the co-branded “Delaware Together” t-shirts remain available for purchase online from The Quarry Team Store by clicking HERE. Delaware residents may select “Stadium Pick-up Only” and collect their purchases with contact-less pick-up at Frawley Stadium. In-store shopping is available, but due to State of Delaware COVID-19 guidelines is currently limited to Monday-Friday by appointment only. For in-store shopping hours & to make an appointment, call (302) 888-2015 or email [email protected].

The Wilmington Blue Rocks are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and the 2019 Mills Cup champions. The Delaware Blue Coats are the G League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Brandywine Valley SPCA To Host Second Drive-thru Pet Food Pantry at Frawley Stadium

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Wilmington, DE – The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) has teamed up with Terra Technical Services again to hold a second drive-thru pet food pantry at Frawley Stadium to help families financially impacted by COVID-19.

Free pet food will be distributed at Frawley Stadium’s drive-thru pet food pantry as follows:

Friday, June 12 – 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Daniel S. Frawley Stadium
801 Shipyard Dr.
Wilmington, DE

The Brandywine Valley SPCA has held six drive-thru pet food pantries to date, helping more than 1,200 families. The drive-thru format requires participants to arrive in a vehicle, where they should remain while BVSPCA staff requests, from a 6-foot distance, information on the household pets then loads the pet food into the trunk or hatchback. Food will be available for cats and dogs while supplies last. Food storage and transport has been generously provided by Terra, along with collaboration on pantry logistics.

“The number of families struggling financially right now is staggering,” said Adam Lamb, BVSPCA CEO. “They need their family pets now more than ever, so we’re providing free pet food at our shelters and drive-thru pantries to alleviate some of that financial pressure and do all we can so families don’t have to give up the cat or dog they love simply because they can’t afford food.”

The Wilmington Blue Rocks are proud to support the efforts.

“Our community continues to come together in a time of great need, and the Blue Rocks are very proud of our role in that process,” said Blue Rocks General Manager Andrew Layman. “Anything we can do to assist in the prevention of suffering for anyone or anything is our top priority, and this event is going to help a lot of wonderful pets and their families. We are grateful to all who can help as well as the Brandywine Valley SPCA for the hard work they’ve poured into making these pet food pantries possible.”

The Brandywine Valley SPCA has distributed more than 70,000 pounds of pet food since the start of the pandemic. The 35 tons of food has been distributed at drive-thru pet food pantries as well as expanded pet food pantry hours at their shelters (Tuesday-Friday 12pm-6pm, Saturday-Sunday 11am-5pm).

The Brandywine Valley SPCA welcomes donations from the community to continue to supply pet food to families in need. Those donations will be matched by a generous grant from the Petco Foundation up to $25,000 through June 30 when made at the following link: https://bvspca.org/petcomatch/

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Kayla Knotts Named Blue Rocks Teacher of the Year

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Wilmington, DE – In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week the Wilmington Blue Rocks named Kayla Knotts the organization’s Teacher of The Year on Friday. Knotts, who teaches math and science at John Bassett Moore Intermediate School in Smyrna, received more online nominations than any other candidate.

Her students describe Knotts as an incredibly patient teacher, who is willing to pour extra time into any student that needs help. She makes difficult concepts like fractions and decimals seem simple thanks to her teaching style and Knotts’ students also appreciate her ability to make them feel at ease inside the classroom.

“A quality education is such an important part of any child’s development, and no one impacts that more than teachers,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin Linton. “The Blue Rocks take great pride in our close working relationship with this community’s schools through programs like Rocky’s Reading Challenge and Outstanding Student. Those initiatives would not be possible without passionate support from teachers like Kayla Knotts. We salute her outstanding work in the classroom along with the rest of her invaluable peers.”

Knotts was named the winner by a committee compiled of Blue Rocks front office workers, who reviewed online nominations submitted by fans. Students were asked to nominate the teacher who had the biggest impact on their pupils during the 2019-20 school year and to explain what that impact was.

Knotts will receive a complimentary suite to a future Blue Rocks game, where she will be honored on the field before the contest and throw out a first pitch when baseball returns to The Riverfront. Wilmington mascot Rocky Bluewinkle will also pay Knotts and her students a future visit at John Bassett Moore Intermediate School to present her with the award.

Brandywine Valley SPCA Drive-thru Pet Food Pantry to be Held Next Week at Frawley Stadium

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Wilmington, DE – The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) has teamed up with Terra Technical Services again to hold a second drive-thru pet food pantry at Frawley Stadium to help families financially impacted by COVID-19.

Free pet food will be distributed at Frawley Stadium’s drive-thru pet food pantry as follows:

Thursday, June 12 – 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Daniel S. Frawley Stadium
801 Shipyard Dr.
Wilmington, DE

The Brandywine Valley SPCA has held four drive-thru pet food pantries to date, helping nearly 1,000 families. The drive-thru format requires participants to arrive in a vehicle, where they should remain while BVSPCA staff requests, from a 6-foot distance, information on the household pets then loads the pet food into the trunk or hatchback. Food will be available for cats and dogs while supplies last. Food storage and transport has been generously provided by Terra, along with collaboration on pantry logistics.

“No one should ever have to give up the cat or dog they love simply because they can’t afford food,” said Adam Lamb, BVSPCA CEO. “With the unprecedented spike in unemployment during this pandemic, we want to be sure to families financially impacted can keep their pets by their side during this stressful time.”

“Communities are suffering tremendously as a result of COVID-19’s economic impact, and this is just one way we can use our resources to provide support for families in need.” Conrad Muhly, CEO of Terra Technical Services, LLC.

“Wilmington cares very much about animals and their owners, so we are very happy to co-sponsor this FREE drive-thru pantry event to help make sure that everyone’s companion animal can be properly fed during the current COVID-19 crisis,” said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki. “This is a difficult time for everyone, of course, but we want to make sure that our pets don’t get overlooked in the daily struggle to adjust to the changes we have all had to make in our daily routines. The Brandywine Valley SPCA does a tremendous amount of work regarding pet care, adoption, and education, and I hope everyone continues supporting their efforts.”

“Our community continues to come together in a time of great need, and the Blue Rocks are very proud of our role in that process,” said Andrew Layman, General Manager, Wilmington Blue Rocks. “Anything we can do to assist in the prevention of suffering for anyone or anything is our top priority, and this event is going to help a lot of wonderful pets and their families. We are grateful to all who can help as well as the Brandywine Valley SPCA for the hard work they’ve poured into this to make it possible.”

“Riverfront Wilmington is thrilled to work with the Brandywine Valley SPCA on this event,” said Joe Valenti, Marketing Manager, Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware. “During this difficult time, we are proud to do what we can to help pet owners provide for their animals, as well as keep as many pets out of shelters as possible.”

Since the start of the pandemic, the Brandywine Valley SPCA has distributed more than more 60,000 pounds of pet food to families in need and sent five truckloads of pet food to other shelters for their pantries. In addition to the drive-thru pantries, the BVSPCA has expanded its standard pet food pantry to be accessible anytime during shelter open hours: Tuesday – Friday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Donations to help the BVSPCA continue to supply pet food to families in need can be made at: https://bvspca.org/covidresponse/

About the Brandywine Valley SPCA

Founded in 1929, the Brandywine Valley SPCA is the first open admission no-kill shelter in Pennsylvania and Delaware. In 2019, the BVSPCA cared for more than 13,000 stray, owner-surrendered, wayward owned, and abused and neglected animals while achieving a 96% live release rate. The BVSPCA provides animal protective services for Chester County and much of Delaware County in Pennsylvania, and it holds a five-year contract with the Delaware Office of Animal Welfare to provide state-wide animal services for dogs. Animals are placed through four adoption centers: Dover Campus, Georgetown Campus, New Castle Campus, and West Chester Campus. In addition, the BVSPCA provides families with safety net and low-cost veterinary services at its four clinic locations: the Malvern Animal Health Center, the New Castle Animal Health Center, and the Georgetown Animal Health Center. The BVSPCA also operates the Animal Rescue Center (ARC), a facility dedicated to helping animals with additional needs prior to being ready for adoption, such as cruelty cases, disaster victims, and infants. Visit bvspca.org.

About Terra Technical Services

Founded in 1993 by Conrad E. Muhly IV, Terra Technical Services, LLC with local headquarters based in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. They are an industry leader specializing in commercial and industrial demolition projects throughout the United States. Terra provides turnkey solutions to clients while managing projects with safe, high quality, cost-effective services day in and day out with a focus on 100% client satisfaction while completing projects within budget and on time.

As a “Best in Class” Environmental Remediation and Demolition Full-Service Company some of Terra Technical’s projects include complex decontamination and dismantlement of industrial and chemical manufacturing facilities. Terra’s expertise also includes the completion of many multi-faceted environmental remediation, demolition and recycling projects for a vast array of institutional clients including hospitals, universities, municipalities, retailers, and educational institutions along with government entities.

Conrad Muhly served as Brandywine Valley SPCA Chairman for over seven years, and he continues to hold a Board position. Conrad, along with several of Terra’s executive leaders, serves a number of voluntary board positions both locally and on a national level to promote community outreach and support.

More info: www.goterra.com

Blue Rocks and Blue Coats Partner on Delaware Together Campaign

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Wilmington, DE – As the world unites in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the two professional sports organizations in Delaware are coming together to support and raise money for two of the state’s largest health providers. The Wilmington Blue Rocks and the Delaware Blue Coats today unveiled the “Delaware Together” campaign, a joint fundraiser to benefit ChristianaCare and Nemours Children’s Health System.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER YOUR “DELAWARE TOGETHER” T-SHIRT

The campaign kicks off with a “Delaware Together” t-shirt available for purchase HERE. The t-shirts are $20 with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to support these two health systems currently serving on the front lines of this pandemic. The shirts will be available for an initial pre-sale period of two weeks from April 22 until May 10.

“We can’t wait for the next pitch at Frawley Stadium or the next basket at 76ers Fieldhouse,” said Blue Coats President Larry Meli. “Each will be far more special than usual due to these unprecedented circumstances. In the meantime, we are thrilled to unite with the Blue Rocks and use our platforms to offer a way for our fans, should they have the flexibility to do so, to contribute to the front lines of Delaware’s health care systems.”

“It’s in these challenging times that the spirit of Delaware really shines,” said Blue Rocks managing partner Dave Heller. “There’s an unsinkable spirit and determination amongst us to help each other get through even the toughest times. That’s why our two organizations have joined forces to support our community heroes with these awesome t-shirts and why we’re asking all First Staters to give whatever they can as we raise money for our dedicated and selfless health care workers and first responders to help them effectively conquer the COVID-19 crisis.”

Please note, stadium pick-up is an option for those that wish to save on shipping. However, due to mandated closures pick-up will be delayed until further notice. The order window for the Delaware Together campaign t-shirt will run from April 22 – May 10. T-shirts will start shipping in mid- to late-May.

 

Nemours Children’s Health System Seeks PPE & Cleaning Supply Donations

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Wilmington, DE – Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital For Children, part of the Nemours Children’s Health System, is seeking the public’s assistance in the form of donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies as the nation continues to battle the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. A contactless donation drop-off location has been set up in North Wilmington and will accept donations now through April 30.

“Our patients, families and team members are of the utmost importance to us. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nemours is working closely with our states’ departments of health and following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines. This includes using the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies. We greatly appreciate our communities’ outpouring of support and willingness to help. We truly all are in this together.”

Below you will find a list of the items Nemours is currently accepting. The list is in order of need and priority. The items listed below are the ONLY supplies that will be accepted at the donation drop-off location at this time.

1. Masks/Facial Protection – factory-made and hand-sewn. Factory-made include: N95, level 1 procedure, level 3 surgical in original unopened container.

2. Respirators – Max-Air or ILC Dover brand Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), PAPR hoods and PAPR supplies

3. Eye Protection – Transparent face shields, safety glasses, goggles

4. Cleaning Wipes – bleach, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide based wipes

5. Gloves – Non-latex gloves, all sizes in original unopened container

6. Gowns – Disposable gowns, water resistant, in original unopened container

7. Hand Sanitizer – Hand sanitizers w/ > 60% alcohol concentration, unscented

Donations can be dropped off Monday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through April 30 at the Brandywine Town Center (5329 Concord Pike Wilmington, DE 19803). Those wishing to make donations should adhere to the following drop-off instructions:

1. Place donated items and printed tax form in your vehicle’s trunk

2. Follow signs to the drop-off location

3. Leave your windows closed and do not get out of your car

4. Pop-up your trunk

5. A Nemours associate will meet you and remove the donations from your trunk

Tax forms & more information can be found on the Nemours COVID-19 Donation of Goods web page HERE.

 

PPE Donation Drive Set For April 4-5 At Frawley Stadium

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Wilmington, DE – Local non-profit organization Donate Delaware has arranged to host a donation drive for PPE and other essential medical supplies in the parking lot of Frawley Stadium – home of the Wilmington Blue Rocks – on Saturday, April 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

As local healthcare providers continue to anticipate a “surge” in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in our region, Donate Delaware is assisting in the fight against COVID-19 in Delaware by collecting donations of PPE and other essential medical supplies from the general public. All items collected will be donated to hospitals within The First State. The Frawley Stadium drive will benefit Saint Francis Healthcare and the Wilmington VA Medical Center.

To donate items, vehicles are asked to simply pull up outside of the main entrance of Frawley Stadium, located at 801 Shipyard Drive, Wilmington, DE 19801. Volunteers will approach each vehicle and remove items to be donated, minimizing person-to-person contact.

Donors should place items in the trunk of their vehicle and keep their windows rolled up. Anyone experiencing upper respiratory symptoms should not visit the donation drive.

Items especially needed include:

Regular protective face masks

N95 masks

Face shields

Gowns

Surgical caps/protective caps

Eyeglass shields/goggles

Nasal testing swabs

Lysol or Clorox wipes

Hand sanitizer

Other donations of any kind also will be gratefully accepted.

“We know that businesses, schools, and other organizations may have these types of cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment, and may be willing to donate them to this greater cause,” said Dan Sinnott, President and CEO of Saint Francis Healthcare. “We have been so moved by the generous donations made by so many already, and we are inspired to continue caring for this community as we have for 95 years. Together, we will survive this battle.”

In addition to the Frawley Stadium drive benefitting Saint Francis Healthcare and the Wilmington VA Medical Center, Donate Delaware is hosting an additional drive in Wilmington at the Brandywine Town Center, located at 5329 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, through Saturday, April 4. That drive, benefitting Nemour/Alfred I. duPont Hospital For Children, runs daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information on supply drives across the state, click HERE.

 

ChristianaCare Seeks Blue Rocks Fans’ Support In COVID-19 Fight

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Wilmington, DE – In a partnership with ChristianaCare, the Wilmington Blue Rocks are reaching out to fans regarding support for much needed medical related donations.

Christiana Care is accepting donations of the following unused items from the community:

All types of unused protective face masks, especially N95 masks

Protective suits and medical scrubs

Goggles, safety glasses and face shields

Cleaning and sterilizing solutions and wipes

Medical gloves

Digital and disposable thermometers

Hand sanitizers

Disposable stethoscopes

iPads – To donate iPads, please clear the security and data first. You can follow these instructions to clear security and data: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201351

You can drop off these items at the following locations:

110 West Market Street, Newport. This site will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, March 30 through Saturday, April 4.

Westown Movies at 150 Commerce Drive, Middletown, DE. This site will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, March 30 to Wednesday, April 1.

College Square Shopping Center at 115 College Square, Newark, DE. This site will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 1 through Saturday, April 4.

Village at Elkton Shopping Center at 801 East Pulaski Highway, Elkton, MD. This site will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1 through Saturday, April 4.

If you are dropping off supplies at any ChristianaCare donation site, please include the details of your donation on this form and send it to the Office of Development, ChristianaCare, 13 Reads Way, Suite 203, New Castle DE 19720 or email [email protected].

To keep volunteers and donors safe, people bringing donations should pack the items into the trunk of their car and pull into the donation line. Please leave windows up and do not get out of your car. A volunteer will unload the items.

All volunteers at the site are advised to practice social distancing by keeping at least six feet apart. Anyone who is experiencing flu-like symptoms should not come to donation sites.

Please reference the Christiana Care COVID19 website to donate online HERE.

 

Blue Rocks Urge Fans To Support Local Food Establishments

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Wilmington, DE – In a point in time where “social distancing” has become the norm and it feels like the only certainty currently is uncertainty, it’s important now more than ever to remember that everyone is in this situation together. Amidst the unprecedented circumstances facing the nation and world right now, the Wilmington Blue Rocks would like to strongly encourage all fans to support food establishments in our local community so that we can all get through these uncertain times together and look forward to brighter and baseball-filled days.

Many great food establishments in our community are still open and offering takeout and/or delivery options. They provide jobs to those in our community and offer an alternative to grocery stores that are being heavily taxed by unprecedented levels of demand. Many of these organizations are small businesses and/or independently owned. They would greatly benefit from any support of the community during this time. The Blue Rocks take great pride in being a focal point of the community for over 25 years and the outpouring of support that we have seen during this time inspires and drives us to work even harder at this.

Any Blue Rocks fans considering takeout or delivery as a meal option over the next several weeks should especially consider patronizing the following establishments that are valued partners of the team:

Café Napoli

Capriotti’s’

Feby’s Fishery

Five Guys Burgers & Fries

The Greene Turtle

Grotto Pizza

Joe’s Crab Shack

Maryland Avenue Sub Shop

Riverfront Market

River Rock Kitchen

Texas Roadhouse – Bear

Timothy’s Riverfront Grill

For those of age and looking to accompany their takeout or delivery food choices with some locally-brewed craft beer available for takeout, please consider:

Wilmington Brew Works

Blue Rocks fans can eat up, drink up & support our local community all while staying safe and practicing responsible social distancing. We’ll all get through this together and when the time comes, the Blue Rocks will be prepared to deliver a summer of baseball and fun right here on The Riverfront!

Please Note: As of Wednesday, March 18, all of the above listed establishments were offering takeout service, delivery service or both. This is subject to change as national, state & local authorities issue further COVID-19 updates & guidance. Please verify with each establishment by visiting their web site and/or calling.

Blue Rocks Announce Holiday Card Contest Winner

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

The Wilmington Blue Rocks are excited to announce the winner of the 17th Annual Holiday Card Contest. Over 1,000 entries were received, but unfortunately, there could be just one winner. After a tough decision process, Rocky Bluewinkle, Mr. Celery, Rubble and the rest of the Holiday Card Contest Committee decided that the overall winner was Izzy Nelson, a 5th Grader from Assumption B.V.M. School in West Grove, PA. Izzy’s artwork will be featured on the cover of the Wilmington Blue Rocks Holiday Card. Izzy will be rewarded with a ceremonial first pitch and 10 tickets to a 2019 Blue Rocks game.

The Blue Rocks also selected honorable mention recipients, whose artwork will be displayed on the back of the Holiday Card. Those garnering honorable mentions honors are:

Italia Fortebuono
Loomis Elementary School
Broomall, PA

Jaxon Morales
St. Elizabeth School
Wilmington, DE

Charlotte Munger
Assumption B.V.M. School
West Grove, PA

Evilyn Seeney
Mannington Twp School
Salem, NJ

Robert Vella
St. Edmond’s Academy
Wilmington, DE

The Wilmington Blue Rocks would like to thank all those who entered. Entries were received from students in Kindergarten thru 5th grade from Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey.

Each entrant will be rewarded with 2 tickets to a Blue Rocks game in 2019 as a thank you for participating. The tickets will be mailed to the participating teachers by March.

The Blue Rocks recently announced a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract to remain the Advanced-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Season seats, mini plans and group packages for the 2019 season are available now at BlueRocks.com.

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

Blue Rocks Staff Volunteer in Harvey Hanna Coat Drive

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

The Wilmington Blue Rocks front office was out in the community on Thursday as they participated in Operation Warm at Warner Elementary School in Wilmington. The event, which was presented by Harvery Hanna and The Delaware Kids Fund, provided local children with brand new winter jackets.

Kids would walk into the school’s cafeteria, introduce themselves to a volunteer from the community and then get the opportunity to pick out a jacket of their choice courtesy of Operation Warm. They then received a kindness coin and signed a giant thank you poster for the generous folks at Harvey Hanna.

“It was an awesome event,” said Blue Rocks Director of Merchandise Jim Beck. “The kids were so grateful and it was just a terrific opportunity to speak with them, get to know them a little bit and then play a very small part in putting a smile on their faces. We want to thank both Operation Warm and Harvey Hanna for giving our organization a chance to be involved.”

Operation Warm provides warmth, confidence and hope to children in need through the gift of brand new winter coats. The organization believes a brand new coat is more than a coat. Through serving millions of children in need across North America, it has seen that a brand new coat offers a child physical and emotional warmth, confidence to socialize and succeed, and hope of a brighter future. For more information on the organization their website is OperationWarm.org.

The Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League in 2018 with the Matt Minker Community Service Award. The award goes to the club which best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, Matt Minker, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company built Frawley Stadium, remains the team’s honorary president.

The Blue Rocks participated in numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits in 2018 and team works with area schools to promote academic achievement (DSEA Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Grotto Pizza Outstanding Student Program) and overall knowledge (Discover Baseball and Education Day).

The organization also helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for good causes such as Habitat for Humanity, Fight for the Gold, Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware, Special Olympics Delaware, Food Bank of Delaware and many other charities through partnerships with local businesses such as Chase and Food Lion. Several times during the season, the team’s players and mascot also visited local hospitals, brightening the spirits of patients and their families.

The Blue Rocks recently announced a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract to remain the Advanced-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Season seats, mini plans and group packages for the 2019 season are available now at BlueRocks.com.

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