Volcanoes to honor Sprague Little League Sept. 2

KEIZER – It seems only fitting as the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes get ready to start the South Division playoffs that the team is honoring the Sprague Little League team recently home from the 2019 Little League World Series.

This is a very special and important event for both the Volcanoes and the entire community,” said Mitche Graf, Volcanoes President. “It wasn’t all that long ago that professional baseball players were Little League athletes dreaming of getting drafted someday. Come to Volcanoes Stadium on September 2 and share this wonderful fabric of the journey in baseball. If there is one game you want to see before the Northwest League playoffs – this is it.”

https://www.milb.com/salem-keizer/tickets/single-game-tickets

Click above and enter “FAMILY” to get a $5 GA tickets. All kids 12 and under are FREE!

Don’t miss the fun as the Volcanoes honor Sprague Little League with special offers as they take on Eugene. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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SMOKIES AND U.S. CELLULAR TO HOST LITTLE LEAGUE TAKEOVER

SEVIERVILLE – The Tennessee Smokies have announced they have teamed up with U.S. Cellular to host a Little League Takeover on Tuesday, September 3rd at Sevierville City Park Baseball fields from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. 2019 marks the second year in a row the event will take place at the Sevierville City Park Baseball fields, and the third year in a row the Smokies have partnered with U.S. Cellular for this event overall. The U.S. Cellular Little League Takeover will allow the youth baseball players ages 5-13 to experience what it is like to be a Smokies player for a day.

“We are extremely excited to team up with U.S. Cellular for this event,” added Smokies President and COO Chris Allen. “This is a great event to allow these kids the chance to experience what it is like to be a Smokies player for a day. We are thrilled to be involved in this event as we love being a part of this Sevierville community.”

The event will take place at the Sevierville City Park Baseball fields located at 1005 Park Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862. The youth baseball players will play their scheduled games with a host announcing the players, on-field games, inflatables, prizes, and much more. The youth baseball players will also have a chance to feel like a true Smokies player with a mock interview station featuring a podium and a media backdrop where they can answer questions following their game.

“At U.S. Cellular, we’re happy to bring interactive experiences like this to the communities we serve,” said Nathan Waddell, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “Providing an opportunity for these kids to enjoy a day in the life of a professional baseball player is as exciting for us as it is for them. We hope they all soak in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The U.S. Cellular Little League Takeover will also feature the Smokies mascot interacting with the players throughout the event.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the ten-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com

ABOUT U.S. CELLULAR

U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier is building a stronger network with the latest 5G technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.

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

C’s partner with The Cape Group on New Community Initiative

(Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, B.C.) – The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club in cooperation with The Cape Group are proud to announce a new community initiative that will give local baseball organizations the chance to truly make a difference for players of all abilities.

The Change-Up Field Project will award two (2) baseball organizations from within the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) with a grant of $50,000 to refurbish a facility/field that is utilized within their community for amateur baseball.

Applicants will have to meet a criteria set in place by The Change-Up Field Project (click HERE for details) and the recipients of this annual grant will be announced at the Vancouver Canadians Annual Hot Stove Luncheon in January of 2020.

“When we look at a submission from an organization, we are looking for goals that directly benefit the youth from within its membership,” states Vancouver Canadians President Andy Dunn.

“Whether it’s creating a better ballpark environment through field improvements or building something new for children of all abilities to access their ballpark – we are looking for constructed ideas that show a direct benefit to children from across the GVRD.”

Applications are now set to be received and close on November 1st, 2019.

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

Little League champs to be honored Thursday

The Eastbank All-Stars, Little League World Series champions from River Ridge, will be honored at the New Orleans Baby Cakes’ home finale on Thursday by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

The Eastbank Little League softball team, national runners-up, will also be honored during the pregame ceremony preceding the Baby Cakes’ game against the Memphis Redbirds at 7 p.m.

Eastbank won the Little League World Series with an 8-0 victory over Curacao in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Sunday.

The ‘Cakes wrap up the home schedule on Thursday with fan appreciation giveaways, Thirsty Thursday drink specials, and a postgame fireworks show.

For more information, contact the Baby Cakes at (504) 734-5155.

Tampa Tarpons and ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment to Refurbish Local Playing Fields

TAMPA, Fla. – On August 28, the Tampa Tarpons will be participating in MiLB Charities’ new field refurbishment initiative, MiLB Project: Refresh powered by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment. Through the initiative, the Tarpons and the Yellow Jackets Little League will renovate Calvin Taylor Park by leveling and aligning the clay infield.

Minor League Baseball Charities is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to giving back to and enhancing the communities our teams call home. In conjunction with ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment, Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) and its teams are working to enhance local baseball and softball communities in MiLB cities across the country. Through MiLB Project: Refresh, the Tarpons and Yellow Jackets Little League will join in efforts to refurbish Calvin Taylor Park and give back to thousands of Tampa area youth baseball and softball players.

Who:   Tampa Tarpons and Yellow Jackets Little League

What: The Tarpons, with help from ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment, its local distributors and volunteers, are working with the Yellow Jackets Little League to refurbish Calvin Taylor Park as part of MiLB Project: Refresh powered by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment.

When: Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 8:00 am.

Where: Calvin Taylor Park: 611 W Indiana Ave. Tampa, FL. 33603

Why: Contribute to Minor League Baseball’s goal to give back to and enhance youth baseball and softball communities in MiLB cities across the country.

For more information, contact the Tampa Tarpons at (813) 673-3055 or TarponsPR@TarponsBaseball.com.

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

Four Winners Selected for $10,000 Grant

Four organizations have been chosen as the winners of the Durham Bulls Ballpark Project presented by Coastal Credit Union. Hillandale Sports Association, Hawfields Civitan Club, Northern Middle School and East Wake High School softball have each earned a $10,000 donation for facility renovations.

“For the second straight year we saw a highly impressive group of applications, and for the second straight year we had some very difficult decisions to make,” Durham Bulls Vice President Mike Birling said. “These four winners proved why upgrades to their facilities will be important in helping grow the sports of baseball and softball for years to come.”

Hillandale Sports Association expects to make renovations to improve the field’s drainage issues, and Hawfields Civitan Club will provide a large-scale renovation for the first time since 1975. Northern Middle School plans to provide upgrades to its joint baseball/softball field, and East Wake High School softball will resurface its infield for a safer playing surface.

Each facility will be renovated in the coming months, with a list of priorities submitted by each location. Additionally, a representative from each organization is scheduled to be honored on-field at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Tuesday, August 6.

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

2019 Bluefield Blue Jays Baseball Camp

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

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

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

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

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

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Bandits and TBK Bank Partner to Renovate Youth Field

The Quad Cities River Bandits and TBK Bank, SSB have announced an initiative to renovate youth baseball and softball fields in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas. The first project as part of this initiative will be completed this week at Northwest Park in Davenport.

The Northwest Park Babe Ruth Field will undergo a transformation on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week in order to give the young athletes playing on this field a better baseball experience. River Bandits Head Groundskeeper Andrew Marking will lead a team of volunteers from the River Bandits front office and TBK Bank team members throughout the project. Some of the planned improvements include new pitching rubbers and plates in the bullpens, re-sloping the pitching mounds, cleaning up and leveling the area around home plate, cleaning the edges of the infield, clearing the infield dirt of grass and weeds and replacing some of the sod on the field. QC Custom Tees has partnered with the program to provide t-shirts for all of the volunteers.

The field is home to the Scott County Babe Ruth League. The league gives children under the age of 18 an opportunity to play baseball in the spring prior to their summer baseball seasons. For some of the players who won’t play high school ball this represents their last chance to play organized baseball.

The River Bandits and TBK Bank will hold a press conference at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 11 at Northwest Park to unveil the renovated field. Members of the media are invited to attend and take footage of the new field. River Bandits General Manager Jacqueline Holm, TBK Bank, Midwest Division President John DeDoncker and Mike Lizak from the Scott County Babe Ruth League are scheduled to address the media at this event.

Volunteers will be working on the field Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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

Registration for 2019 Meijer Baseball Academy Now Open

SOUTH BEND, IN – With the 2019 Midwest League season underway, the South Bend Cubs players and coaches are preparing for the 2019 Meijer Baseball Academy at Four Winds Field this July. The organization will welcome young baseball players of all skill levels to participate in the Academy for two three-day sessions that run from July 10 through July 12, and again from July 24 until July 26.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The two academy training sessions are to help keep the camp sizes more concise and to allow more one-on-one interaction with the South Bend players and coaches. Registration is open to children from 6 to 12 years of age. Instruction from players and coaches will be based on the age and skill level of each participant. Throughout the three-day experience, participants will learn about hitting, pitching, fielding (infield and outfield), catching, and base running.

The registration fee for one, three-day session is $125.00 per child. All attendees will receive a Meijer Baseball Academy t-shirt, a South Bend Cubs hat, lunch after each day of camp, and four (4) tickets to a South Bend Cubs game where all academy campers will participate in a pre-game recognition on the field.

Check-in for the first day of each session will begin at 8:30 a.m. ET. Camps will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., with lunch at 11:50 a.m. Do not delay in registering, there is a limit of only 85 kids per session with the registration deadline set for June 10. To sign up, download the application and wavier form available here and email it to Marketing@SouthBendCubs.com. Payments can be mailed or dropped off at the South Bend Cubs main office at Four Winds Field. Registration is not complete until payment has been received.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 31 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs will host the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

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

F.I.E.L.D. Program Returns to Renovate West End Little League

The Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, are pleased to announce the return of their F.I.E.L.D. Program. F.I.E.L.D. is a Thunder initiative that stands for Focused Initiative for Enhanced Learning and Development.

The program supports youth baseball in the area. Members of the Thunder front office, The Grand Slam We Care Foundation, Aetna Better Health of New Jersey, the City of Trenton, Isles Youth Institute and the Mercer County Improvement Authority will come together to renovate the field, paint the bleachers and dugouts, and devote efforts toward the overall beautification of the facility at West End Little League located in Trenton, NJ on Thursday, April 18 at 9 a.m.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to see our community work together and provide an opportunity for the kids at West End Little League to play on a brand new playing surface,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “We at the Thunder are huge supporters of youth baseball in the Capital City and I thank the folks at Aetna Better Health of New Jersey, the Mercer County Improvement Authority, Isles Youth Inc., and DuraEdge for their contributions to this program.”

“Efforts such as this are an example of how our Mercer County home team consistently steps up to the plate for the betterment of the community,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “It is an incredible honor for me to lead this county of true winners, and I thank all the volunteers working to improve the West End Little League ballpark.”

The F.I.E.L.D. program would not be possible without the outstanding support of the Mercer County Improvement Authority and Aetna. In 1967 the Mercer County Improvement Authority (MCIA) was created under the County Improvement Authorities Law to undertake certain projects for the benefit of the residents of Mercer County. As such, programs and services are available to assist the County, municipalities, school and fire districts and not-for-profits in the areas of financing, project management, redevelopment, solid waste and recycling. For more information, visit www.MCIANJ.org.

Aetna Better Health of New Jersey, one the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, supports the F.I.E.L.D. program through a generous donation to provide materials for athletes at the West End Little League to play on a brand new field for their Opening Day on April 27. For more information visit www.aetnabetterhealth.com/NJ.

“Our students are the future of Trenton. Many of them will grow old living in Trenton. It is our job to expose them to opportunities to impact the community through service learning,” said Shenette Gray, Managing Director of Isles Youth Institute. “The Partnership with Trenton Thunder allows our young people to experience community involvement in a very hands-on way. They learn that they can be the catalyst to change the narrative of Trenton.”

Isles Youth Institute, participating for the third consecutive renovation, is a community development and environmental organization based in Trenton, New Jersey. With a mission to foster self-reliant families and healthy, sustainable communities, Isles 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. For more information, visit www.isles.org. 

DuraEdge Engineered Soils will provide infield mix and other field materials in support of the F.I.E.L.D. program. With scientifically engineered solutions for every infield in the nation, DuraEdge provides materials for more than half of Major League Baseball’s teams and a host of minor league, collegiate, high school, little league and recreation facilities. For more information visit them online at www.duraedge.com.

The 2019 season will begin in Erie on Friday, April 5 at UPMC Park. Opening Night at ARM & HAMMER Park will take place on Friday, April 12 against the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox). Individual tickets are on-sale now at www.TrentonThunder.com.

Renovations to four youth ball fields set for April 11

TROY, NY- The Tri-City ValleyCats and their partners, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets, are set to renovate four youth ball fields on Thursday, April 11th during the 9th Annual ‘4 in 24’ youth field renovation project. Upon completion, over 36 fields will have been revamped by this strong community initiative which has positively impacted thousands of youth ballplayers in the Capital Region and beyond.

The four leagues to be renovated on April 11 will be Green Tech High Charter School, Rensselaer Little League, Broadalbin Little League, and Brunswick Girls Softball. The project will be focused primarily on the infield surface, with the mission to allow for a safe place to learn and play ball.

The scope of work includes laying brand new grass, rebuilding the pitcher’s mound and home plate areas, grading and raking the baselines, installing a new pitching rubber, plate, bases and more.

“First I want to express our gratitude to BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets for being tremendous partners in this initiative,” said ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan. “We all share in the common goal of a bright future for our youth, and this project goes a long way to provide the resources to help them succeed.”

Both longtime supporters of the ‘4 in 24’ project, BlueShield and Hannaford make the renovations possible through the aid of necessary monetary resources, and volunteer efforts of their staff.

“With more than 30 fields renovated over the last nine years, BlueShield’s commitment to the community continues to provide our region’s young athletes access to healthy activities as they grow,” said Nicky Chlopecki, Manager, Community Relations, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “As a longtime partner of the Tri-City ValleyCats, our employees are eager to rebuild fields alongside the players as they work to make a positive impact in our community.”

“Hannaford is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles at all ages and youth sports are an ideal way to instill the importance of activity and wellness in our community’s youngest members,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre. “We are pleased to continue this partnership with the ValleyCats and BlueShield as we provide local ball players with not only improved facilities, but also the opportunity to grow as individuals and members of a team.”

The renovations will commence at daybreak on Thursday, April 11, with four crews split up among the fields. A press conference will be held at Green Tech High at 9:00 a.m. to officially kick off the project.

The efforts are also supported by Admar Construction Equipment, Brightview, Profile Products / Turface Athletics, and SiteOne Landscape Supplies, who are contributing some of the necessary equipment and materials. Additional support comes from ‘Cats Care, the ValleyCats’ arm of the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation.

League Snapshots

Green Tech High Charter School

Field Address: 99 Slingerlands Street, Albany, NY, 12202

Opening Day: April 1, 2019

League Information: Green Tech’s baseball team currently plays their home games off site because they don’t have a useable field at their high school. The ValleyCats and their partners will transform an old softball field at the school into a baseball field for their team to call home. The field will also be used for Eastern New York Travel Baseball league games.

League Statement:

“Green Tech is very excited to be getting a new baseball field that the young scholars will be able to play on. It has been tough the last four years finding a place to practice that didn’t require players to travel. Now with a field, the team will operate like a normal program. Green Tech thanks the ValleyCats for their time and effort building a field for the boys at Green Tech.” – Quentin Jensen, Green Tech Director of Athletics

Rensselaer Little League

Field Address: 112 Lawrence Street, Rensselaer, NY, 12144

Opening Day: April 6, 2019

League Information: Rensselaer Little League is utilized by 150 players across 14 teams. Fideli Field has had drainage issues and is need of a leveling of the infield playing surface. The current baselines are not aligned properly, and the pitcher’s mound and home plate area is in disrepair. With these renovations, the field will receive a much needed facelift to the infield surface with brand new sod, infield mix, a complete overhaul of the pitching and home plate areas, and more.

Broadalbin Little League

Field Address: 30 First Avenue, Broadalbin, NY, 12025

Opening Day: May 4, 2019

League Information: The work will focus on the Majors Field at Broadalbin, a league that serves over 160 players with 13 teams. The league was in the process of flipping the current field to avoid sun glare, but was unable to finish due to bad fall weather.

League Statement:

“Without the ValleyCats help, we were facing a decision of possibly not being able to host games for all of our Majors teams and even some of our Minors teams. We still feel like we are dreaming and can’t thank the ValleyCats and their partners enough. This amazing gift will truly benefit our small community for years to come.” – Mike Eglin, Broadalbin Little League President

Brunswick Girls Softball

Field Address: Brunswick Sports Complex, 4165 Route 2, Troy, NY 12180

Opening Day: April 13, 2019

League Information: With 13 teams and over 180 softball players, the renovations to Field 2 at the Brunswick Girls Softball League will go a long way in maintaining a safe field for the athletes to learn and grow.

League Statement:

“The athletes, families, and board of the Brunswick Girls Softball League would like to thank the Tri-City ValleyCats organization as well as their partners, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets for awarding us the 4 in 24 field renovation for 2019. We are a small rural league and depend exclusively on volunteers for all aspects of the league including field maintenance. Our field 2 was in dire need of repairs, and the renovation of this field will ensure that all of our athletes share the same great and safe softball experience. We appreciate the ValleyCats commitment to our local communities and the betterment of female centered youth sports.” – Brunswick Girls Softball League

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

Scrappers Set To Host 2019 Youth Camp

NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are excited to announce that they have partnered with Vlad Pediatrics to host a three-day Youth Baseball Camp July 30 through August 1.

The Scrappers Youth Camp provides kids ages 8-13 a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from some of the very best players in Minor League Baseball. All exercises and instruction will be taught by Scrappers players and coaching staff, and will focus on baseball fundamentals, sportsmanship and healthy competition. Boys and girls of all ability levels are encouraged to participate and learn from the Scrappers players and coaches in a small group setting.

Camp registration includes instruction each day from 9am until 12pm, a ticket to the Thursday, August 1st Scrappers game against the Aberdeen IronBirds, on field recognition prior to the August 1st game, a camp t-shirt, and a lunch the final day of camp. To ensure that your child receives individualized attention, the Youth Baseball Camp has been limited to 100 campers and early registration is highly encouraged. The 2019 Scrappers Youth Baseball Camp is $100 per child.

To register for the 2019 Scrappers Youth Baseball Camp, click here or call (330) 505-0000.

The Scrappers Home Opener is set for Sunday, June 16 at 6:35pm against the Batavia Muckdogs. Ticket memberships and ticket packages can be purchased now at mvscrappers.com, the Chevy All Stars Box Office at Eastwood Field or by calling (330) 505-0000.

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

Ocean View Little League wins Field Renovation Project

As part of The Youth Field Makeover Project, Ocean View Little League in Norfolk has won a contest in which the Tides organization will renovate their baseball field.

Ocean View received over 2,300 votes to win the contest. This field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and is set to take place this spring.

Since the inaugural renovation in 2012, the Tides have renovated 13 fields in the Hampton Roads community: Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk), Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester), Surry County Pony Baseball (Surry), Deer Park Youth Field (Newport News) and Eason’s Crossroads Ballpark (Gates, NC), Churchland Little League (Portsmouth) and Thalia/Malibu Rec (Virginia Beach).

The project is made possible thanks to the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. The Youth Baseball Fund is partially financed by scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park throughout the season.

Norfolk opens the 2019 regular season on Thursday, April 4th with a 7:05 game at Gwinnett before opening the home portion of its schedule on Thursday, April 11th with a 6:35 contest vs. the Toledo Mud Hens. Individual tickets, season tickets and group tickets are currently available for the 2019 season. For pricing and additional information, visit the Harbor Park offices or call (757) 622-2222.

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

Syracuse Mets Announce Pre-Season Fundraiser: Meet the Syracuse Mets

SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Mets will be hosting a brand-new fundraising event which will also give fans their first opportunity to meet the 2019 Syracuse Mets players and coaching staff. Meet the Syracuse Mets will take place on Tuesday, April 2nd at Embassy Suites Destiny USA from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. This Meet the Syracuse Mets dinner will benefit the Challenger baseball League, RBI Baseball League, and District 8 Little League.

“Having a new team gives us an opportunity for a fresh idea,” said Syracuse Mets General Manager Jason Smorol. “This dinner is a little different take on the traditional Hot Stove dinner we did in the past. The Hot Stove dinner gave fans the chance to meet a few players and the Manager. Meet the Syracuse Mets gives fans the chance to meet the entire team just before the season starts.”

Meet the Syracuse Mets will be an opportunity for fans to meet and dine with the 2019 Syracuse Mets team. Tickets for the event are $75 for adults and $45 for children 12 & under. Fans will be randomly seated at a table with at least one player and/or coach for the Syracuse Mets. Tables are available for $700. Seating is limited and only 30 tables will be sold. The event is a sit-down full dinner with player interviews and a Q&A opportunity.

In addition, fans can participate in a silent auction, featuring autographed items, NBT Bank Stadium memorabilia, and items from local CNY organizations. The proceeds of the silent auction will benefit the organizations: Challenger baseball, RBI Baseball, and District 8 Little League.

Meet the Syracuse Mets is sponsored by NBT Bank, Visit Syracuse, Embassy Suite at Destiny USA, Coca-Cola, and Cumulus Media Group.

Tickets for Meet the Mets will go on sale March 11th at the Onondaga Coach Ticket Office at NBT Bank Stadium, over the phone during regular office hours (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or online anytime at SyracuseMets.com. Fans can also purchase tickets to any regular season home game at NBT Bank Stadium to see the Syracuse Mets in action.

The CNY Challenger Baseball League is the nations largest baseball league that provides the opportunity for children and adults of all mental and physical capabilities to play. http://syracusechallengerbaseball.com/

Syracuse RBI uses baseball and softball and the power of team to provide inner city youth with the opportunity to play, to learn, and to grow – inspiring them to recognize their potential and realize their dreams. http://www.syracuserbi.com/

District 8 Little League covers 28 leagues including girls’ softball and provides an excellent outlet of clean, competitive baseball fun for our community.

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

Santa Teresa High School Recipient of 2019 Howdy’s Field of Dreams

EL PASO – February 28, 2019 – The El Paso Chihuahuas and Howdy’s are proud to announce that Santa Teresa High School is the recipient of the 2019 Howdy’s Field of Dreams, a program designed to help renovate a baseball facility in need of repair in the southwest region.

The ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled to take place Friday, March 1, 2019 at 5 p.m. on the high school’s baseball field. The ceremony will precede the in-state rivalry game between Santa Teresa and Gadsden High School.

“We are blessed and fortunate to be selected as this year’s recipient of the Howdy’s Field of Dreams,” said Santa Teresa Varsity Baseball Coach Gil Bailon. “Our team has been together for several years and we all cannot wait to step onto this incredible new field this year and many years in the future.”

Representatives from Howdy’s, the El Paso Chihuahuas, including Chico, and members of the Warriors’ baseball team will be in attendance.

“Howdy’s is proud to support the communities we serve, especially through our ongoing support to the ‘Field of Dreams Project’ with the El Paso Chihuahuas. Over the past five years, it has been rewarding to watch the high school fields at Irvin, Jefferson, Bel Air, Andress and the Ernie Rascon Memorial Field in Anthony come to life,” said VJ Smith, Corporate Affairs, Marathon Petroleum. “We are proud to be a part of these projects and it gives Howdy’s great pleasure to see the new field at Santa Teresa High School complete.”

“It is an honor to work with a company like Howdy’s who sees the importance of community investment,” said MountainStar Sports Group Senior Vice President and General Manager Brad Taylor. “Coach Bailon and Santa Teresa are perfect recipients for this project as there was a need to improve their field, their desire to perpetuate it, and their sincere appreciation to be selected.”

The renovations to the field began on February 11, 2019 and were completed by the Chihuahuas grounds crew. The renovations included the installation of 8,000 square feet of new sod, laser grading the infield clay, and the addition of new clay in the batters boxes and pitcher’s mound.

The Field of Dreams project completed its sixth year.

WHO: The El Paso Chihuahuas, Howdy’s, Santa Teresa High School

WHAT: Howdy’s Field of Dreams Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

WHEN: Friday, May 1, 2019 | 5 p.m.

WHERE: Santa Teresa High School Baseball Field

FORMER RECIPIENTS

2014   Jefferson High School

2015   Bel Air High School

2016 Andress High School

2017   Ernie Rascon Memorial Baseball Field (Anthony, TX)

2018   Irvin High School