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

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

 

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

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

 

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/

Read More:

Kayla Knotts Named Blue Rocks Teacher of the Year

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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.

Rocky Bluewinkle Goes Trick-or-Treating With Local Kids

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

Wilmington, DE – On a night where kids walk around getting candy for free, Halloween is a highlight on any household’s calendar. Yet the Wilmington Blue Rocks wanted to up the ante, so they sent their mascot to tag along for some trick-or-treating with the Giles family on Wednesday evening.

Rocky Bluewinkle helped collect candy in Wilmington with youngsters Nolan and Mason. Rocky dressed in his Star Wars jersey with light saber in hand. Meanwhile, his young pals went as a baseball player and a shark. The Giles won a social media contest run by the Blue Rocks in October.

Parents Ken and Kelly accompanied the trio on their candy quest and said it was a night to cherish.

“We were the talk of the neighborhood,” Kelly said. “Almost every house got so excited and grabbed their cameras–children and adults alike.”

The young mom said this was a memory her young sons will carry with them for the rest of their life. A night they’ll tell their kids about: ‘When I was a kid I took a seven-foot blue moose mascot with me door-to-door looking for candy.’

“I mean who doesn’t love Rocky?” Kelly said. “He made the night a great one and we can’t wait to come visit him again (for Opening Night) on April 4. It was a tremendous experience.”

The Blue Rocks make community outreach a priority. The team has won five consecutive Matt Minker Awards, which goes to the club that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community in the Carolina League. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president.

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 and mini plans for the 2019 season are on sale now, while groups packages will be available for purchase November 8. The season starts on Thursday, April 4. For more information, please go to BlueRocks.com.

www.bluerocks.com

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

Blue Rocks Win Carolina League’s Matt Minker Award For Community Service

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

Wilmington, DE– The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League this week for the fifth consecutive season with the Matt Minker Community Service Award. The team was selected by a league-wide vote of club executives and owners.

“I could not be more proud of everyone within the Blue Rocks’ organization,” said managing partner Dave Heller. “I am especially pleased for my partner and friend Clark Minker, since the community service award bears his late father’s name. I am delighted for everyone with the Blue Rocks who worked so hard to earn this tremendous team accolade. We take enormous pride in our work helping families within Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, southern Jersey and Maryland’s north shore, and this award is a nice recognition of those efforts.”

The Minker Award is earned by the Carolina League 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. The 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 club also hosts three youth camps each summer, teaching local kids how to play the game of baseball.

The team 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.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks founding and later success,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin Linton. “It is fitting that this award recognizes his life’s work and we are thrilled as an organization to honor his legacy for a fifth consecutive season by earning this recognition.”

 

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the 10-team league’s nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual Winter Meetings, to be held this December in Las Vegas.

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 for the 2019 season will be available on October 18, mini plans go on sale November 1, and groups packages are available for purchase November 8. For more information, please go to BlueRocks.com.

www.bluerocks.com

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

Blue Rocks and JPMorgan Chase & Co. Partner for Military Monday Promotion

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

Wilmington, DE — The Wilmington Blue Rocks are excited to announce a partnership with JPMorgan Chase & Co. on a 2018 Military Monday promotion. At each Monday home game, every active or retired military member-and their entire immediate family-can receive tickets for just one dollar.

“The Blue Rocks have always had a fantastic relationship with the military, and now thanks to Chase, that connection has been taken to an entirely new level,” said Blue Rocks general manager Andrew Layman. “With all of the sacrifices the men and women serving our country make for us, we are happy to partner with Chase to provide an opportunity for both active and military veterans to enjoy some family time at Frawley Stadium.”

The new partnership is one of many initiatives benefiting military members from Chase. The firm established an Office of Military and Veterans Affairs in 2011 to drive veteran-focused efforts around three strategic pillars: employment, development of veteran talent, and small business and strategic initiatives. Since then, Chase has hired more than 12,000 veterans and service members-nearly 700 of them in Delaware. Last year, the firm donated $175,000 to the USO at a Blue Rocks game.

“All of us at JPMorgan Chase have a longstanding commitment to supporting military members and their families,” said Tom Horne, Delaware Market President for JPMC. “We’re proud to be able to continue that work on a local level right here in Wilmington.”

Nationwide more than 400,000 veterans have been hired since 2011 by 235+ members of the Veteran Jobs Mission, an employer coalition led by JPMC with the ultimate goal of hiring 1 million veterans. Additionally, Chase has deeded more than 950 mortgage-free homes to military families through nonprofit partners as a part of the firm’s 1,000 Home Awards Program-an investment of more than $160 million.

The Blue Rocks play Monday home games on May 7, May 28, June 25, July 2, July 16, August 20 and September 3. Tickets for this promotion must be purchased at the Blue Rocks ticket office and a valid Military ID must be presented to receive the special rate. Tickets for any other game in 2018 are available now at BlueRocks.com.

BlueRocks.com

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

Blue Rocks Win Carolina League’s Matt Minker Award For Community Service

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

Wilmington, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League on Tuesday with the Matt Minker Community Service Award for the fourth consecutive season. The honorees were selected by a league-wide vote of club executives and owners.

“I could not be more proud of the entire Blue Rocks’ organization,” said managing partner Dave Heller. “I am especially happy for my partner and friend Clark Minker, since the community service award bears his late father’s name. This is a great team award, and I am so delighted for everyone with the Blue Rocks who worked so hard all season long to earn this tremendous accolade. We take enormous pride in our standing within the Delaware community and this award is a public recognition of how special our relationship with the people of the First State is.”

The Minker Award goes to the club that 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, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president.

The Blue Rocks won the award thanks in large part to their numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits.

As an organization the Blue Rocks work with area schools to promote academic achievement (DSEA Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Outstanding Student Program) and overall knowledge (Discover Baseball and Education Day). Frawley Stadium also hosts three youth camps each summer, teaching kids how to play the game of baseball.

The team helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for good causes through partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, Fight for the Gold, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and many other charities in 2017. Several times during the season the team’s players and mascot also visited local hospitals, brightening the spirits of that facility’s patients and their families.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks and for the franchise’s success in the years to follow,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin Linton. “It is fitting that this award represents his life’s work and we are absolutely thrilled as an organization to honor his legacy for a fourth consecutive season by earning this recognition.”

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the 10-team league’s automatic nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual national convention, to be held this December in Disney World.

Season seats for the 2018 season are on sale now, with group packages available beginning November 9. For more information please call 302-888-BLUE or visit the team’s website at BlueRocks.com.
www.BlueRocks.com

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