Fifth Third Field to Host Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Oct. 20

DAYTON, OHIO – The 2018 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, October 20. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a rolling start from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2018 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2018. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women (excluding skin cancer) and second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery, and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find, and treat the disease.

The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, and Dragons Facebook page will remain pink for the month of October to help draw attention to the efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase breast cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

To register for the walk and get more information, please visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/Dayton.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

AquaSox Receives NWL Community Service Nomination

Everett, WA – The Everett AquaSox have been selected as the Northwest League nominee for Minor League Baseball’s John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is awarded to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

Throughout the season the AquaSox tied theme and promotional nights to the community by partnering with multiple local organizations. This season the AquaSox partnered with Braden Bishop, former Everett AquaSox outfielder and currently Seattle Mariners prospect with his 4MOM Foundation for Local Heroes Night. Braden’s mother, Suzy, was diagnosed in September 2015 with early-onset Alzheimer’s. The night originally was planned to be a Braden Bishop bobblehead giveaway, Everett Fire versus Police Department Home Run Derby and a donation drive for the 4MOM Foundation. Due to a season-ending injury, Braden was able to join the AquaSox for his very own bobblehead giveaway. With his appearance, the AquaSox and fans raised $2,500 for 4MOM Foundation.

“We love supporting the Everett community and beyond year after year,” said General Manager Danny Tetzlaff. “Being recognized for all our efforts by our peers in the Northwest League is very fulfilling.”

Providence Regional Medical Center and the AquaSox worked together annually for Pink in the Park. This event raises money for the Providence Comprehensive Breast Center. Proceeds from the night along with a Star Wars jersey auction on Star Wars Night, June 23 allowed the AquaSox to donate over $5,600 to the Providence Foundation. In addition to Pink in the Park, the AquaSox supported Hilinski’s Hope during Coug Night raising $1,503. Hilinski’s Hope is a foundation geared toward mental health awareness in memory of Tyler Hilinski, who was the Washington State Cougar Quarterback that ended his life earlier this year.

After the August 12 game, the AquaSox hosted a Challenger Miracle League game in which fans of any age and disability come onto the field to play a few innings with our AquaSox players and coaches. It easily one of the best, and most humbling experiences one can have on a field.

“In my first year with the AquaSox, I am proud to be a part of an organization that supports the community and one the community supports,” Director of Community Relations & Merchandise Ashlea LaPlant said. “I look forward to the continued growth of our community outreach.”

Away from the ballpark Webbly and the staff were involved with multiple events including Little Leagues, National Night Out, non-profits, school visits and a welcoming fair for the newest crew to join the Everett Naval Base.

The AquaSox made many new connections, fostered growth with current partnerships and set a new standard for our relationship with the Everett community. We look forward to even more growth in the 2019 season!

About the Everett AquaSox
The Everett AquaSox, Seattle Mariners affiliate since 1995, continue to offer the most affordable family entertainment in the Pacific Northwest. To stay up to date on everything Everett AquaSox, follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/EverettAquaSox or visit www.AquaSox.com

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

Dragons Website Going Pink in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

DAYTON, OH – The Dayton Dragons have gone pink during the month of October. In partnership with Kettering Health Network, the Dragons have turned their website pink to raise breast cancer awareness and support the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, and Dragons Facebook page will remain pink for the month of October to help draw attention to the efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase breast cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2018. And while the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased, there has been a steady drop in the overall breast cancer death rate since the early 1990’s.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery, and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find, and treat the disease.

The 2018 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be at Fifth Third Field on October 20 at 8:00 a.m. This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2018 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

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

Staten Island Yankees Raise Over $8,000 Through Special Breast Cancer T-Shirt and Jersey Sales on Behalf of GM Jane Rogers

This past season, Jane Rogers, GM of the Staten Island Yankees was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The Staten Island Yankees have supported their amazing General Manager by raising money and awareness this season. The Staten Island Yankees distributed “Rogers 99” t-shirts with a $15 donation and the team wore pink pinstriped jerseys on August 29th which were auctioned during the game. At that game, Jane Rogers was honored on the field and spoke to the crowd. Additionally, male members of the front office staff shaved their heads, along with players, and team staff to raise further awareness.

The “Rogers 99” shirts have the Staten Island Yankees primary logo on the front, the number 99 with “Rogers” on the back. The donations from these t-shirts have generated over $5,500 so far. This, along with game -used pink jersey auction and other donations helped the Staten Island Yankees raise a total of $8,061.58 for New York Penn League Charities per Jane Rogers’ wishes.

These specialty shirts are still available for a minimum donation of $15.00. To donate, please contact T.J. Jahn at TJJahn@siyanks.com.

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The Staten Island Yankees are the Single A-Short Season Affiliate of the New York Yankees and play at Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. The Staten Island Yankees are six-time New York-Penn League Champions (2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2011). For more information, visit siyanks.com and pizzaratsbaseball.com.
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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Staten Island Yankees Fight Against Cancer

STATEN ISLAND, NY: The Staten Island Yankees players and staff will be joining the fight against breast cancer in honor of General Manager Jane Rogers.

 

The Staten Island Yankees have encountered many changes over the past 20 years, but one thing that has always stayed the same is Jane Rogers’ presence. As the first person to be hired by the Staten Island Yankees, she rose from office manager to special assistant and eventually took on the role of General Manager. Jane has put her heart and soul into the organization since her hiring and is proud to be a part of the team’s history and success. This past year, Jane was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment throughout this season.

 

“The support of the Staten Island Yankees ownership, staff, coaches, team and fans has been overwhelming,” said Rogers. “Since being diagnosed almost six months ago, I certainly haven’t been alone in this journey. I truly believe the positive energy everyone sends my way has much to do with my recovery. I’m looking forward to resuming my normal work activities at the ballpark and thank everyone for their amazing support! Please come out and join us on August 29th.”

 

As a part of the fundraising effort, Mia Passione Salon provided their services to the Staten Island Yankees for a “Shave Your Head for Cancer” event. All male front office Staten Island Yankees staff members, along with outfielder Alex Junior, pitchers Matt Sauer and Frank German, athletic trainer Jon Becker and clubhouse manager Joe Valenti, shaved their heads as a sign of support for Jane in her courageous fight.

 

The Staten Island Yankees will also be wearing pink jerseys on August 29, which will then be auctioned in a “Jersey Off the Back” auction throughout the game. All proceeds from the auction will join the total donation.

 

In addition to the players wearing pink on-field jerseys, the Staten Island Yankees will be giving away pink shirts with a donation. The shirts will have the Staten Island Yankees primary logo on the front and don the number 99 along with Rogers’ name. Every dollar donated will be combined with the proceeds from the jersey auction and will go to the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, per Jane Rogers’ wishes.

 

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The Staten Island Yankees are the Single A-Short Season Affiliate of the New York Yankees and play at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. The Staten Island Yankees are six-time New York-Penn League Champions (2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2011). For more information, visit siyanks.com and pizzaratsbaseball.com.

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

Thunder HOPE Week Honors Outstanding Organizations and Individuals

The Thunder, Double-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, completed their HOPE Week during the most recent homestand. HOPE Week, helping others persevere and excel, is a New York Yankees initiative aimed at honoring outstanding organizations and individuals who do good in the local community.

Tuesday, June 5 – Dan Sczweck, Miracle League of Mercer County

Dan Sczweck, the Executive Director of the Miracle League of Mercer County, earned his recognition for the work he’s done running the Miracle League of Mercer County. To watch the HOPE Week Ceremony honoring Dan and MLMC Athletes, click here.

 

Wednesday, June 6 – Just Fight Foundation

The Thunder honored the Just Fight Foundation on June 6 as part of HOPE Week. On December 8th, 2015 in Abington, PA, a seven year old girl, Allyson Turner, was found unconscious in her bathtub. Her parents rushed to the scene and immediately began to perform CPR on Allyson until the EMT’s arrived. This was crucial to her survival as Allyson was immediately rushed to Abington Hospital and then flown to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. While Allyson was being treated by multiple doctors, her parents would say to her: “Just Fight!”

Her older brother Liam decided to take initiative and print Just Fight on t-shirts and began to sell them to friends and community members to support Allyson. The Just Fight Foundation was born to promote emergency preparedness in the community and educate the public on life saving techniques and provide support for families facing life-altering events due to illness or injury and spread the message: ‘Just Fight.’

To view the ceremony honoring the Just Fight Foundation, click here.

Thursday June 7 – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton provides a network of comprehensive healthcare services which includes hosptial care, prevention and wellness, primary and specialty medical services and diagnostic & treatment services in the community. Thunder players and coaches visited patients and RWJ, to view the ceremony, click here.

 

Friday June 8 – Radiology Affiliates Imagaing and Breast Cancer Awareness

RAI (Radiology Affiliates Imaging) is a team of medical diagnostic imaging professionals dedicated to providing superior, integreated management and radiology imaging support services to the medical practices that we serve for the purpose of providing optimal patient care.

The Thunder welcomed over 50 breast cancer survivors to the ballpark for a pre-game pink rose ceremony where Thunder players honored individual survivors on the field at ARM & HAMMER Park. To view the ceremony, click here.

Saturday, June 9 – Isles Youth Institute and F.I.E.L.D. Renovation

Isles Youth Institute is a community development and environmental organization based in Trenton, New Jersey. With a mission to foster self-reliant families and healthy, sustainable communities, designs and develops effective services that support this mission and share what they learn with others who can make a difference. Beyond its central New Jersey base, Isles works to influence policy and practices that support healthy, self-help agendas.

Isles and members of the Thunder came together to renovate the field at North Trenton Little League as part of the F.I.E.L.D. Program. To view the ceremony honoring Isles and the F.I.E.L.D. Program, click here.

Sunday, June 10 – Thea’s Star of Hope

Thea’s Star of Hope was founded in 2012 in honor of Thea Danze, a child who had undergone continuous treatment for her brain tumor since 2007. The organization is the embodiment of Thea’s positive outlook and a testament to the indelible spirit so many diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer. The Thunder welcomed Thea and other patients for a special on-field ceremony, to view the ceremony, click here.

In addition to the HOPE Week honors this past week at ARM & HAMMER Park, Thunder players and staff participated in the United Way of Greater Mercer County Strike Out Hunger event. For video on that event, click here.

Your Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, are in the midst of their 25th season in franchise history. For the latest information on Thunder baseball or to purchase tickets, visit

Strikeout Cancer Weekend takes center stage in coming homestand

FRISCO, Texas (May 24, 2018) – The return of Strikeout Cancer Weekend garners the spotlight as part of the coming six-game homestand for the Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate of the Rangers, which runs from Tuesday, May 29 until Sunday, June 3 at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

As part of the franchise’s annual Strikeout Cancer Weekend, which runs from Friday, June 1-Sunday, June 3, the Riders are dedicating the three-game stretch to raising awareness and funds in the battle against cancer. Each night, the Riders will partner with a different cancer-fighting non-profit organization to spotlight their efforts and aid their mission: the National Breast Cancer Foundation (Friday), Rumble Against Cancer (Saturday) and Team Holly (Sunday).

The team will don special Strikeout Cancer uniforms for all three games, which will be auctioned throughout the weekend to benefit the three partnering non-profits. Plus, the first 2,000 fans through the gates at each game will receive a free Riders Strikeout Cancer wristband.

In addition to the special weekend, the homestand also features the return of $1 beer with Thirsty Thursday and the Deep Ellum Brewing Party @ The Yard on Thursday, May 31. For just $10, fans 21 and older can join the BIGGEST party in North Texas and enjoy great drink specials, tailgate games, rotating food trucks, non-stop music and a whole lot more. Plus, for just $29, partygoers can enhance their experience by taking it in from the world-famous Choctaw Lazy River.

Here’s a full breakdown of what to expect this homestand at Dr Pepper Ballpark:

Tuesday, May 29 vs. Northwest Arkansas (Royals), 7:05 p.m.

* North Texas Food Bank Night, presented by Whataburger: Fans who donate two or more canned food items will receive a free Whataburger coupon.

* Taco Tuesday: Take advantage of $2 tacos all game long, plus select $3 beers and half-price margaritas from 6-8 p.m.

* Kids Run The Bases: Youngsters can take a lap around the diamond after the game.

Wednesday, May 30 vs. Northwest Arkansas, 7:05 p.m.

* Weiner Wednesday presented by Texas Chili Company: Feast on $1 hot dogs all night long.

* Kids Run The Bases: Youngsters can show off their speed on the bases after the game.

Thursday, May 31 vs. Northwest Arkansas, 7:05 p.m.

* Deep Ellum Brewing Party @ The Yard: Experience the BIGGEST part in North Texas! For just $10, enjoy access to $1 beers, a wide selection of food trucks, tailgate games, non-stop music and more (fans 21 & older only).

* Thirsty Thursday: Sip away on $1 domestic draft beers, $2 craft and import beers and $1 Dr Pepper products from 6-8 p.m.
* Kids Run The Bases: Kids get a chance to run the same bases as the Riders after the game.

Friday, June 1 vs. Arkansas (Mariners), 7:05 p.m.

* Strikeout Cancer Weekend, presented by the National Breast Cancer Foundation. All weekend long, the Riders are raising awareness and funds to help in the ongoing battle against cancers of all kind. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a free Riders Strikeout Cancer wristband.

* Fireworks Friday, presented by InTouch Credit Union: Fans can watch a sparkling fireworks show from the field after the game.

Saturday, June 2 vs. Arkansas, 7:05 p.m.

* Strikeout Cancer Weekend, presented by Rumble Against Cancer. All weekend long, the Riders are raising awareness and funds to help in the ongoing battle against cancers of all kind. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a free Riders Strikeout Cancer wristband.

* Saturday Post-Game Party: Enjoy live music, with half-price drinks starting in the ninth inning at the Bull Moose Saloon.

* Kids Run The Bases: Youngsters get to traverse the diamond after the game.

Sunday, June 3 vs. Arkansas, 7:05 p.m.

* Strikeout Cancer Weekend, presented by Team Holly. All weekend long, the Riders are raising awareness and funds to help in the ongoing battle against cancers of all kind. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a free Riders Strikeout Cancer wristband.

* Kids Sunday Funday: Kids and their families can participate in a free pregame catch on the field from 6:00-6:30 and enjoy $1 ice cream sandwiches from all game long.

* Postgame fireworks, presented by Park Place Lexus: Head down to the field after the game to watch a dazzling fireworks show.

For tickets to these games and other remaining home games during the Riders 15th Anniversary Season, visit RidersBaseball.com, call (972) 731-9200 or visit the Dr Pepper Ballpark box office.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 13 seasons (2005-2017). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg. Since then, the new ownership group, together with the City of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise enhancements, investing over $8 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store and the world’s largest water feature in a sports facility, the massive Choctaw Lazy River. These enhancements earned the Riders and the City of Frisco Ballpark Digest’s prestigious “Best Ballpark Renovation” award for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). More than 140 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including All-Stars Chris Davis, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler and Neftali Feliz, as well as current Rangers stars Elvis Andrus, Rougned Odor and Nomar Mazara. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact Ryan Rouillard at RRouillard@RidersBaseball.com.

Kettering Health Network Presents the “Strike Out Stroke” Event

Dayton, Ohio – Manual Bidaara, a stroke survivor, will throw out the first pitch at the Dayton Dragons game on Sunday, May 20, at 2:07 p.m. when Kettering Health Network presents the “Strike Out Stroke™” event. The Dragons will be hosting the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton. Strike Out Stroke is a registered trademark of the “Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp.”

Bidaara, a 17-year-old foreign exchange student from Portugal, was brushing his teeth one morning in April and noticed he couldn’t move his left arm or hand. Then, his left leg gave out and he collapsed. The whole left side of his body went numb and Bidaara began to slur his speech.

Bidaara’s host brother helped him up and notified his host guardian, Jim. Jim knew something was wrong and took Bidaara to the emergency room at Soin Medical Center. There, he was stabilized by Scott Balonier, DO.

After evaluation, it was theorized that Bidaara, who is active in sports, had recently suffered an ankle injury that created a blood clot. The clot moved upwards through his body and passed through a hole in Bidaara’s heart due to a heart condition from his childhood. Then, the clot made its way to Bidaara’s brain and caused the stroke.

Bidaara had surgery in early May at Kettering Medical Center and is on the road to recovery. His career ambition is to one day become a neurologist to study the brain himself.

Kettering Health Network will be on the plaza from noon-2:30 p.m. with stroke awareness and prevention information and will also be passing out various stroke awareness items.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

Take a Deep Breath, Legends To Host Yoga on the Field Presented by Bourbon on Rye

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Fans can breathe deep on May 12 at 10 a.m. when the Lexington Legends host Yoga on the Field Presented by Bourbon on Rye. This complimentary community event is open to yogis of all ages and allows fans to do yoga on the same field as the Legends.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Brooke Williams will lead a 60-minute Vinyasa Flow. Bend and zen alongside the Legends players and Big L in this practice designed for beginners to advanced yogis. Following yoga, fans can indulge in $2.00 post-yoga mimosas.

“We are excited to host Yoga on the Field again this year. This is a great opportunity to get outside and exercise with our players and Big L. You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy yoga, so we encourage fans of all yoga levels to come out to Whitaker Bank Ballpark,” said Legends President/CEO, Andy Shea.

Please use this link to RSVP for the event. Special thanks to our partner, Athleta, for helping to make this possible!

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and member of the South Atlantic League, play all home games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington, Kentucky. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com.

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

TicketReturn.Com Field hosts March for Babies

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (April 2, 2018) – The Myrtle Beach Pelicans will host the March of Dimes’ March for Babies beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 21 from TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark.

March for Babies is a walking event that brings together individuals, families, friends and corporate teams to raise money to help the March of Dimes lead the fight for the health of all moms and babies.

Registration for the event starts at 8:30 a.m. at Gate 1 (down the right field line) at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. The three-mile walk circumvents both the ballpark and Broadway at the Beach, with other festivities set to take place at TicketReturn.Com Field.

The March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies, working in support of moms at every stage from preconception to post-delivery by funding research, programs and education. Money raised from the organization’s March for Babies will be a lifeline for the nearly four million babies born in the United States each year.

For more information about the March for Babies event, contact Coleen Sweatt, Development Manager, at 843-698-0873 or csweatt@marchofdimes.org.

The 2018 season will be the 20th season for the Pelicans franchise and fourth as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For tickets visit MyrtleBeachPelicans.com/tickets, call (843) 918-6000, or visit the Pelicans Box Office.

ABOUT THE PELICANS: The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and play their home games at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The park has ranked in the top eight in all of Minor League Baseball by Stadium Journey in six of the last seven seasons. The same publication also placed the Pelicans in the Top 100 Stadium Experiences and the best in the Carolina League for six of the past seven seasons as well. In June 2017, TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark won the 2017 TripAdvisor.com Certificate of Excellence award. The Pelicans have won four Mills Cup Championships, including claims to back-to-back titles in 1999 and 2000, and again in 2015 and 2016. The Pelicans have made 11 postseason appearances behind 13 half-season Southern Division championships, including the first half of the 2015 season, second half of 2016 and first half of 2017. For more information on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, please contact the Pelicans at (843) 918-6000 or emailing Info@MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

2018 Cancer Awareness Jersey Night

Idaho Falls Chukars Cancer Awareness Jersey

Idaho Falls, ID – The Idaho Falls Chukars will be holding their annual Cancer Awareness Night during the 2018 season. To better commemorate this night the Chukars will be donning newly designed, limited edition, Breast Cancer Awareness jerseys for the special night. To better celebrate the courage, determination, and resilience of cancer survivors everywhere and honor those that have fought bravely and have lost their lives; These jerseys will hold the names of people that have battled with any cancer and have either died or survived.

The Chukars are inviting anyone that would like to honor a family or friend that has or is battling cancer to submit a donation form to put their name on the custom jersey. The cost to add a name to the jersey will be $50.00. You can purchase the game used jersey for an additional $50.00.

Donations will support both Mountain View Charities, which is an organization that “Clears the obstacles that face southern Idaho individuals and organizations so they can achieve their fullest potential, enriching our whole community in the process.” They give grants to help medical patients financially. They give college scholarships, and they support innovative charitable organizations in the community. The Mammogram Voucher Program at East Idaho Health is a program that offers vouchers for women receive free screening and diagnostic services.

Forms to reserve a space for a name can be found on the Chukars website ifchukars.com. Inquires can also be answered by calling the Chukars main office at 208-522-8363. Payment can be accepted either by mailing a check or calling the Chukars main office and making a payment over the phone

#ifchukars.com#

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

66ers Complete 2017 Community Benefit Snapshot

SAN BERNARDINO – The Inland Empire 66ers organization released their annual Community Benefit Report for the 2017 Fiscal Year. The report divulges how close to $300,000 was invested to the Inland Empire community along with several community oriented programs implemented by the 66ers Front Office staff.

Over 100 area organizations and non-profit organizations were able to raise $152,944 through 66ers fundraising programming and events plus 50 area organizations received monetary aid in the amount of $32,702. In-kind donations, such as game tickets, gift baskets and autographed memorabilia were proudly donated to over 200 local organizations to the tune of $113,946.

“We believe that to have the benefit of our community supporting us we must be involved back, creating a true partnership. This has never been more evident than during the 2017 season when our community made us number one in California League attendance for the first time in 27 years,” said Joe Hudson, General Manager. “The 66ers also believe that being part of the community outside of the ballpark is important and showcased it with 66ers Front Office members being active in over twenty local organizations.”

In addition to monetary donations given to numerous organizations, the 66ers Front Office spent several hundred hours volunteering their time in the community. Programs like “Breakfast and a Book” where 66ers staff members provide breakfast to local students who excelled over the month and read them a couple stories while they ate were extremely successful and will be expanded for the following year. During the off-season the Front Office selected one community organization a month to volunteer their time. A few of these organizations included Santa Claus, Inc., Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County, Central Little League diamond clean up and the 66ers took staff and players to North Park Elementary for a kickball game after the tragedy at their school.

“We’re more than grateful to give monetary donations, but sometimes it’s more impactful to offer a helping hand,” said Stephanie O’Quinn, Community Groups Manager. “It’s not only rewarding to the community but for us as an organization.”

In addition to the Breakfast and a Book program, other annual events include: the annual 66ers Golf Tournament which raised over $4,000 for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Walk for the Animals hosted by the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley that netted over $14,000 for their event at San Manuel Stadium, and The Pink Ribbon Place jersey auction that raised over $3,400 from jersey sales and ticket fundraiser.

The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino baseball team are the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels serving the Inland Empire community with family friendly entertainment. The 2018 season begins on Thursday, April 5th against the San Jose Giants at San Manuel Stadium. For more information about season ticket memberships or group outings, please contact the 66ers at www.66ers.com or call 909-888-9922.

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

Making Strides Walk Coming Up Saturday, Oct. 21

DAYTON, OHIO – The 2017 “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, October 21. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. The walk will start at 9:00 a.m.

This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2016 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2017. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women (excluding skin cancer) and second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery, and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find, and treat the disease.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, has gone pink in October in support of efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase Breast Cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

To register for the walk, please visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/Dayton.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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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

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.

Biloxi Shuckers make major community impact in 2017

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

BIBiloxi ShuckersLOXI, MS – In a season marked by several on-field accomplishments in the third year of Minor League Baseball on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Biloxi Shuckers are most proud of their various community outreach efforts. From theme nights to jersey auctions, the Shuckers have made a financial and symbolic impact on their community throughout the 2017 season.

The Shuckers were nominated by the Minor League Baseball Community as a finalist for a prestigious “Golden Bobblehead” award for the “Best Community Promotion or Event” after helping with the Hattiesburg/Petal tornado relief efforts and William Carey vs. Biloxi Shuckers exhibition game. Shuckers’ employees traveled to Petal, Mississippi to assist cleanup crews. The tornado caused damage to the campus of nearby William Carey University, so the Shuckers scheduled a benefit exhibition game against the school’s baseball team before the first road trip of the season. The game raised $6,090 for the university’s tornado recovery efforts. This effort coupled with numerous other initiatives garnered the recognition.

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In addition to the recognition by Minor League Baseball, the Shuckers were also a finalist for the Southern League’s Community Service Award.

Shuckers’ front office members laid the groundwork for a successful season with several other community initiatives. Employees laid sod at an athletic complex in Moss Point, Mississippi to revitalize the area’s youth baseball program.

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In partnership with Walmart, the inaugural Shuckers “Hit the Books” reading program brought Schooner the Seagull to 17 schools and over 10,000 students to incentivize reading with Shuckers tickets as a reward.

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Since their inception, the Shuckers have had a strong relationship with nearby Keesler Air Force Base and the substantial military presence on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. That trend continued in 2017, as every Monday became “Military Monday” with special discounts for active and retired members of the armed forces. Special camouflage jerseys, worn every Monday and designed with input from Keesler staff, and were auctioned off at the end of the season with proceeds benefiting local military causes.

Throughout the season, the Shuckers have partnered with several charitable organizations to raise money and awareness for deserving local causes. Three additional jersey auctions earlier this season have brought in money for the March of Dimes, Mississippi Center for Autism, and Favre4Hope breast cancer research.

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The Shuckers have also hosted a Christmas in July toy drive for the Uplift Foundation, Seatbelt Safety night for the K&J Foundation (started by team photographer Brian Pearse), and Skin Cancer Awareness night in partnership with the MiLB Charities Sun Safety Initiative.

Youth outreach was not limited to the “Hit the Books” program. The Shuckers turned their two “Education Day” games into vocational field trips, with visits from Biloxi Fire and Police, NASA, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Department of Marine Resources, University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, and Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research Extension.

Former New York Mets catcher and Biloxi native Barry Lyons was formally invited into the Shuckers organization as an ambassador prior to the 2017 season, and the team assisted him in the creation of the first series of Shuckers Kids Clinics for local youth. In addition, the “Field of Dreams” program allowed more than 100 young baseball and softball players from the area to take the field alongside Shuckers players for the national anthem.

In partnership with the Knights of Columbus, the Biloxi Shuckers collected 765 lbs of food/product during a food drive on Sunday, July 30th for them to distribute in the community.

In addition to these widespread efforts, the Shuckers have also made numerous player and mascot appearances in the community over the course of the season. The Shuckers in-kind donations and in-stadium fundraising initiatives have raised $155,455.91 for over 100 charitable organizations. The Biloxi Shuckers understand the responsibility that comes with their platform in the community and are determined to make a positive impact on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

In addition to monetary contributions, the Biloxi Shuckers front office staff have logged 265 community volunteer hours thus far in 2017. Those hours have been spent working with area schools, NCBC’s Child Development Center, Humane Society of South Mississippi, VA Medical Center, Loaves and Fishes and cleanup efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

The Shuckers open up their 2018 season on the road at Montgomery before their home opener against Mississippi on April 11. More information on the fourth season of Biloxi Shuckers baseball will be available at biloxishuckers.com as the offseason progresses.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS: The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Southern League Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

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