OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Hosting Trivia Night March 30

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation is hosting a Trivia Night Saturday, March 30 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, with proceeds providing scholarships for the OKC Dodgers Rookie League.

The Dodgers welcome everyone to participate in a night of “Beer, Baseball and Brainiacs” beginning at 7 p.m, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Each team can comprise of up to eight people, and registration cost is $200 per team.

Cash payouts will be awarded at the end of the night to the top three teams. The format will consist of 10 rounds of 10 questions, with categories ranging from baseball, pop culture, local history and much more.

Raffle tickets will also be available for various prizes, including autographed memorabilia and special experiences available during an OKC Dodgers game in 2019.

Included in the registration costs are complimentary beer courtesy of Coop Ale Works and complementary pizza courtesy of Professional Sports Catering.

In addition to the trivia, the event will be showing the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and the Los Angeles Dodgers game on the center field video board.

The OKC Dodgers Rookie League was formed in 2018 as a partnership between the Oklahoma City Dodgers and Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation in order to help bolster youth baseball participation in the community as well as foster an environment that emphasizes leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship. After Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation was forced to cancel its baseball league due to low participation in 2017, the OKC Dodgers Rookie League had over 220 participants across four divisions in its inaugural season.

Funds from Trivia Night will be used to provide scholarships and help cover registration costs for those who would like to participate in the Rookie League but may not be able to due to financial constraints.

Tickets for Trivia Night can be purchased through the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Facebook page or through dodgerstrivianight.eventbrite.com. For questions, please contact Sam Baker at (405) 218-2183 or sam.baker@okcdodgers.com.

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

Timber Rattlers Release 2018 Charity Report

GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers had a busy season off the field with their charitable works. The Midwest League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers is reporting on their year as 2018 is coming to a close and they are preparing for 2019.

The two main fundraisers for the Timber Rattlers were the Golf Outing and their specialty jersey auctions. The 2018 Golf Outing was held at Shamrock Heights Golf Course and raised over $6,700 with the participation of 82 area golfers plus 17 members of the Timber Rattlers team including players, coaches, and front office personnel. The team held seven auctions for their alternate jerseys that included the Brats, Salute to Cows, Star Wars™, Wisconsin Badgers, & Brewers Sunday uniforms and raised nearly $13,000 for local charities. The 2019 Timber Rattlers Golf Outing is scheduled for June 3. The Rattlers are in the process of creating their alternate jerseys for next season.

The team was also involved in programs like Whiffer’s Fitness Program and Fang’s Reading Club. The fitness program helped to get kids in the Fox Cities to get and stay active. The reading club is an incentive-based program that allows schools in Northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula to get children from Kindergarten through fifth grade involved in reading.

Mascots Whiffer & Fang got into the charitable spirit on their birthdays, too. Whiffer’s Birthday in March coincided with the team’s individual tickets on sale date and a Help for the Homeless Drive that collected hygiene products for area homeless shelters. Fang’s Birthday in August collected 328 pounds in non-perishable food items as part of the Cans for Cake food drive.

The Rattlers didn’t just collect food. They also grew and harvested over 400 pounds of food in the Greenstone Farm Credit Services Ballpark Garden at Neuroscience Group Field. The fresh vegetables were taken to St. Joe’s Food Pantry.

Area Little Leagues were presented with over 2000 hats with the support of the Rattlers.

Some of the charities helped by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in 2018 included Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Fox Valley Veterans Council, Children’s Cancer Family Foundation of Northeast Wisconsin, St. Joe’s Food Pantry, Freedom Food Pantry, and Miracle League of the Fox Valley.

Numerous other charities were also given Timber Rattlers ticket vouchers to be used in their own fundraisers. The Timber Rattlers could not have accomplished this without the support of the players, coaches, and community.

The team established the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Fund with the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley Region in 2016 to benefit the team’s charitable works.

The schedule for the 2019 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers season is available here. Fans may purchase full season, half season, seven-game, and ten-game packages for next season through the Timber Rattlers Ticket Office at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium by calling (800) WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152; stopping at the Ticket Office; or online through timberrattlers.com.

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

Soap Box Derby Named as Charity Recipient for Corbin Bernsen-headlined 2019 Hot Stove Banquet

(AKRON, OHIO) Dec. 3, 2018 – The Akron RubberDucks announced today the International Soap Box Derby® will be the charity benefactor from the 2019 RubberDucks Hot Stove Banquet on Feb. 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Akron. The Hot Stove Banquet will be headlined by Emmy-nominated actor Corbin Bernsen, who played Roger Dorn in the classic hit movie “Major League” and directed the Soap Box Derby-themed “25 Hill.”

The third annual Hot Stove Banquet is presented by FirstEnergy. It will be a celebration of baseball to help get fans prepared for another exciting season from the RubberDucks and Cleveland Indians. Fans will have an opportunity to ask Bernsen about his acting career, which includes his famous role as Dorn in “Major League” and his time as Arnie Becker on the hit ’80s series L.A. Law. In 2011, he wrote, directed, and produced the Soap Box Derby-related film “25 Hill,” which helped provide extra funds to the long-standing Akron institution.

“We are pleased to be partnering with the RubberDucks for their kickoff Hot Stove Banquet,” said Mark Gerberich, president and chief executive officer of the Soap Box Derby. “Corbin Bernsen’s tie to ’25 Hill’ and ‘Major League’ are both classics, and we are grateful and proud to be this year’s recipient. This will help further our leadership, STEM education and racing programs in the Akron Community,” said Gerberich.

Bernsen previously appeared as a guest at Canal Park in July 2013, when he met fans and signed autographs while the team gave away Roger Dorn snow globes.

“It’s an honor to partner with an Akron institution such as the Soap Box Derby and help this great organization raise money for its mission of helping kids in the community,” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. “It will be an extra special Hot Stove because of Corbin’s connection to the Derby and his because of his beloved role as Roger Dorn from ‘Major League,’ which is a cult favorite of Indians fans around the country.”

The doors open at 4:30 p.m. with cocktails and silent auction, which will feature autographed items from current Indians and RubberDucks, as well as some unique items donated by corporate partners and other teams across baseball.

Starting at 6:30 p.m., a full-plated meal and dessert will be served (vegetarian option available), and the program and question-and-answer session will follow dinner. All attendees are guaranteed to receive Bernsen’s autograph, and they will have the opportunity to meet him after the program’s conclusion.

The Hot Stove Banquet is open to the public and tickets may be purchased for $100 per person or $750 for a table, fans can call (330) 253-5151 or visit akronrubberducks.com. Space is limited. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 26.

Bernsen most recently has starred as Henry Spencer on the USA Network’s hit original series Psych. He was first catapulted to stardom during the 1980s by the hit NBC TV series, L.A. Law, earning nominations for both Emmy and Golden Globe awards for his performance as Arnie Becker. He played Roger Dorn in the “Major League” film series and starred in the movie “Hello Again.” He has several directing credits, including “Carpool Guy” and All-American Soap Box Derby film, “25 Hill.” He lives in Los Angeles and is from North Hollywood. Bernsen is a graduate of UCLA where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Theater and a master’s degree in Playwriting.

2019 RubberDucks Hot Stove Banquet Details:

When: Fri., Feb. 1 at 4:30 p.m. (Doors), 6:30 p.m. (Dinner), with program and Q & A to follow

Where: Hilton Garden Inn – Akron (1307 E. Market St., Akron, Ohio, 44305)

Who: Emmy-nominated actor Corbin Bernsen, aka Roger Dorn from “Major League”

What: Cocktails, Silent Auction, Dinner/Dessert, Program, Q & A Session, Autographs (guaranteed autograph per ticket)

Tickets (On sale Monday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m.): $100 per person; $750 per table of eight; To purchase: (330) 253-5151 or akronrubberducks.com

Benefactor: International Soap Box Derby®

About the Akron RubberDucks

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 2019 season, powered by FirstEnergy, will be the franchise’s 23rd since moving to Akron. The 2019 Home Opener is on Thursday, April 4, at 6:35 p.m. vs. Altoona Curve.

For more information about the team, please visit the RubberDucks’ website, www.akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page www.facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, Twitter feed @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks. Tickets packages for the 2019 season can be ordered online or by calling 330-253-5151 Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About the Soap Box Derby

The International Soap Box Derby® is a non-profit youth education and leadership development organization whose mission is to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through fair and honest racing competitions, STEM curriculums, and other community-focused activities. The Derby’s Core Values and Drivers include: Youth Education and Leadership Development; Family Engagement and Enrichment; Honesty, Integrity and Perseverance; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Teamwork and Collaboration; Mentoring; Volunteerism; and Commitment to Community. The Derby’s two youth initiatives are the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby racing program and the STEM-based Education Program, which provides educational opportunities for K-12 youth worldwide through Soap Box Derby racing. The Derby dates to 1934, when the first All-American race was held in Dayton, Ohio. For more information, visit www.soapboxderby.org.

JetHawks Foundation to Host 3rd Annual Hot Stove Banquet

The Lancaster JetHawks are proud to announce they will be hosting their Third Annual Hot Stove Banquet on Thursday January 31st, 2019. The Hot Stove benefits the JetHawks Baseball Foundation, presented by Learn 4 Life. This evening event will be held at the University of Antelope Valley Ballroom.

In the coming weeks we will be releasing more information on time, speakers, auction prizes and more. Last year’s event was completely sold out. Do not miss your chance to attend this fantastic event that will feature great food and a night of fun benefiting the JetHawks Baseball Foundation and the youth of the Antelope Valley. Order your tickets today by calling 661-726-5400, or stopping by the stadium offices at 45166 Valley Central Way, Lancaster, CA.

The Lancaster JetHawks are proud to announce they will be hosting their Third Annual Hot Stove Banquet on Thursday January 31st, 2019. The Hot Stove benefits the JetHawks Baseball Foundation, presented by Learn 4 Life. This evening event will be held at the University of Antelope Valley Ballroom.

Since its inception in 2017, the JetHawks Baseball Foundation has provided more than 240 children in the Antelope Valley with the opportunity to learn baseball and vital life skills at The Hangar. Through the support of our sponsors and donors, the JetHawks Baseball Foundation provides bats, gloves, shirts, hats, and experiences that will last a lifetime for each child who participated, all at no charge to them or their families.

In the coming weeks we will be releasing more information on time, speakers, auction prizes and more. Last year’s event was completely sold out. Do not miss your chance to attend this fantastic event that will feature great food and a night of fun benefiting the JetHawks Baseball Foundation and the youth of the Antelope Valley. Order your tickets today by calling 661-726-5400, or stopping by the stadium offices at 45166 Valley Central Way, Lancaster, CA.

For all the information on this year’s Hot Stove Banquet, click here.

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

9th Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Canadians Hot Stove Luncheon Tickets Now On-Sale

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, B.C.) – Tickets to the 9th Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Canadians Hot Stove Luncheon set for Friday, January 25th, 2019 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver from 12pm to 2pm are now on-sale as we look to sell this event out for it’s 9th consecutive year!

At this year’s event, we will feature a handful of special guests from the Toronto Blue Jays family that will surely bring out the true baseball fans in each and everyone as this event has brought everyone from Marcus Stroman, Russell Martin and Aaron Sanchez to Hall of Famers Tim Raines and Roberto Alomar. This year, we will feature several baseball greats that will not disappoint!

Bring your family, friends and colleagues together for an afternoon of fun, food and familiar faces as we support the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation on Friday, January 25th, 2019. This event has sold out in each of its first eight years so don’t delay.

Click HERE for the 9th Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Canadians Hot Stove Luncheon Order Form

About the 9th Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Canadians Hot Stove Luncheon:

Each year, the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation brings fans together to celebrate our efforts from within our Foundation. Are goal is not only to raise funding for our many programs, but also bring awareness to the many local children from our own neighbourhoods that need our commitment and support. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, we have been able to welcome more than 1,500 children between the ages of 8 and 13 out to historic Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium and provide them with the opportunity to play organized baseball, cost-free which includes their equipment, transportation and meals. We are also proud to say we have had more than 100 local volunteers donate their time to this project allowing children to feel safe, build confidence and learn the game of baseball on the same diamond that the Vancouver Canadians play on each summer.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation has helped a number of community programs, teams and organizations with funding and this year we will unveil our newest community initiative which will give baseball leagues from all across the Lower Mainland the chance to receive much needed support.

Since 2010, the VCBF has helped a number of teams, programs and community initiatives including:

Challenger Baseball – Not only have the Canadians provided funding to the league inself dating back to 2009, but in 2016 the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation in cooperation with Variety – the Children’s Charity, the Vancouver Board of Parks & Recreation & Jays Care created Western Canada’s first fully synthetic baseball field specifically designed for Challenger Baseball which included dugouts and a playing surface that met needs ensuring that all children could discover and enjoy the game of baseball. The Variety Challenger Baseball ‘Field of Dreams is located just steps away from historic Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium.

UBC Thunderbirds Baseball – For nearly a decade the VCBF has donated nearly $200,000 to the UBC Thunderbirds Baseball Program to provide scholarships set aside exclusively for local student/athletes who want to continue pursuing their post-secondary education while playing for Canada’s most celebrated collegiate baseball program. Since our donations began, UBC has seen more than 35 players receive direct funding thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Women’s National Baseball Program – Still in it’s infancy, the VCBF has supported Baseball Canada’s efforts to elevate women’s baseball across the country. The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation provided financial support to the Women’s Program to send their players to the Dominican Republic for a player identification camp that also gave the players and coaching staff the chance to immerse themselves into one of the world’s most passionate countries when it comes to the game of baseball.

Vancouver Canadians Baseball League – This cornerstone program of the VCBF brings out upward of 300 local children each summer to play organized baseball, many of them for the first time in their lives, cost-free thanks to your generosity. This League transports children from 11 different districts throughout the Lower Mainland, provides them with certified equipment, a warm supper mid-game and gives them a safe place to receive mentorship and guidance that helps them both on and off the field. This program which operates in cooperation with The Boys & Girls Clubs of B.C. have provided an opportunity for more than 1,500 local children between the ages of 8-and-13 since 2009.

Jeff Mooney & Suzanne Bolton Youth Scholarship Program – Created in 2017, Vancouver Canadians co-owner Jeff Mooney & his wife Suzanne Bolton created a Scholarship Program donated to The Boys & Girls Clubs of B.C. in hopes of providing an opportunity for up to seven local children who aspire to continue their education beyond high school. The requirements are that they apply for this $10,000+ scholarship showing a commitment to both the classroom and the community. In 2017, all seven scholarships were presented thanks to the overwhelming generosity of both Jeff Mooney & his wife Suzanne Bolton. This year, we look forward to awarding seven more scholarships to deserving young men and women who are making a difference at home, in their communities and in the classroom.

Our newest Community Commitment will be unveiled at this year’s event and we look forward to sharing this exciting “hands-on” project with you all on Friday, January 25th, 2019 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

We cannot help without your support, and tickets to this event go on-sale starting Thursday, November 15th at 12:00pm by calling 604.872.5232, online here at www.canadiansbaseball.com or by visiting the Nat Bailey Stadium Box Office at 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver, B.C.

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

Fightins Receive 2018 John Henry Moss Community Service Award

(Reading, PA) – Minor League Baseball has announced the Reading Fightin Phils have received the 2018 John Henry Moss Community Service Award. They are the sixth-ever recipient of the award. The award was introduced in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of John Henry Moss, who founded the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007. The award is given to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership. The award will be presented at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Dec. 9, 2018, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to the award, Minor League Baseball Charities will make a $2,500 donation on behalf of the Fightin Phils to Baseballtown Charities.

“On behalf of Baseballtown Charities and the Reading Fightin Phils, we are honored, and humbled, to receive the John Henry Moss Community Service Award”, said Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “Baseballtown Charities thanks the many sponsors, volunteers, R-Phils Front Office staff, game staff, and the fans – the citizens of Baseballtown – for giving of their time, and of their treasure, to help the kids. The Savage 61 Dream Field, and Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer’s Park, are incredible facilities that will help children for many years to come. They provide the physical place where volunteers can interact with the children on a human level, and really make a difference.”

This past April, the Fightin Phils unveiled the brand new Savage 61 Dream Field, which is a facility that provides children with physical and developmental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. The unique rubberized surface is the first field of its kind to be built in Berks County. The project is fully funded by Baseballtown Charities, the Reading Fightin Phils charitable organization. 110 children with physical and developmental challenges played in the inaugural spring league, plus another 60 children played in the fall league. More than 850 volunteers have devoted their time in working with these children.

The Dream League Field is the second one million dollar stadium built by Baseballtown Charities. The first, Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer’s Park, built in 2006 has provided more than 1,000 children from Reading the opportunity to learn baseball, softball and life lessons through the game.

The momentum of Gordon Hoodak Stadium, the Baseballtown Dream League, and now the John Henry Moss Award, Baseballtown Charities is even more energized and ready to tackle their next challenge: Baseballtown Charities Rip It for Life. Rip It for Life is a program that will identify young baseball and softball players who want to get better as players, but who face socio-economic challenges. Players identified to participate in the newly formed Baseballtown Charities Rip It for Life program will receive incredible baseball and softball training at no cost to them. The goal of Rip It for Life is to make the kids the best they can be, both as players, and as people, one kid at a time.

Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Reading, Pa. that focuses on making dreams come true one pitch at a time. Since 2002, Baseballtown Charities has worked to build inclusive baseball diamonds as well as bonds between players, teammates and supportive communities. For more information, visit www.baseballtowndreamleague.com.

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Individual and group tickets are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

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

Giants Release 2018 Community Report

SAN JOSE, CA– The San Jose Giants released today their 2018 Community Report. The report serves as an overview of the organization’s community outreach, charitable fundraising efforts, youth development, in-stadium service and community events hosted at Municipal Stadium as well as a ‘thank you’ to all fans, partners, players and staff members.

“I wish to personally thank everyone in the San Jose community for your loyalty and support. We hope our Community Report illustrates the San Jose Giants’ sincere commitment to generosity, outreach and community growth,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “We are eager to do even more in 2018 and are diligently working on new programs and initiatives to further enhance our community next year.”

 

The 2018 Community Report demonstrates the club’s activity in the community and overall pledge to giving back both inside and outside the stadium’s gates. Highlights of the report include information about Giants player and mascot appearances, staff volunteer efforts, Alliance Credit Union Hometown Heroes, special fundraising programs, Minor League Baseball community initiatives, in-stadium service, San Jose Giants baseball and more. For the complete 2018 San Jose Giants Community Report, click on the link below.

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved next season, call 408.297.1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

View 2018 Community Report

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ABOUT THE SAN JOSE GIANTS

The San Jose Giants are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League and have been an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants since 1988. San Jose has won six California League Championships as a Giants affiliate (2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2001 and 1998) and eleven overall. The San Jose Giants have graduated 206 Major League players, 149 of whom have played or currently play for the San Francisco Giants. Municipal Stadium, the home of the San Jose Giants, first opened in 1942 and has seen well over 7 million fans enter through its gates. The organization has been honored with the Larry MacPhail Award, presented to the club with the best creative marketing and promotions, and the President’s Trophy, granted to the most complete franchise. For 2019 tickets or to reserve your group outing, please contact the San Jose Giants Box Office at 408.297.1435 or visit us online at sjgiants.com. San Jose Giants baseball in your backyard since 1942, Our Town, Our Team, Our Giants.

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

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.

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.

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 Monday, October 1st at Sevierville City Park Baseball fields from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. 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 Smokies mascots 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 offers coverage where the other carriers don’t and a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. For the fifth time in a row, U.S. Cellular has the Highest Wireless Network Quality Performance, according to J.D. Power’s twice-annual U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study, and 99 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds. 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.

Riders Foundation busy in community during August

FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 12, 2018) – The RoughRiders Foundation logged more than 200 volunteer hours during the month of August, registering another busy month working with the North Texas community.

“Each month, it seems we take another step forward and that was certainly the case in August,” said Breon Dennis, Executive Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “It gives me immense pride to see our players and staff contribute to this great community as much as they have been lately.

Here’s a full breakdown of how the Riders got involved in the community throughout August.

* Play Ball event (August 5): In conjunction with Minor League Baseball, Riders catcher Jose Trevino and Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney helped run a clinic for kids, encouraging them to maintain an active lifestyle.

* Habit for Humanity (August 8): Staff members painted the exterior of a home and assisted with other construction projects.

* Frisco Fastpacs (August 15): Volunteers sorted and inventoried more than 10,000 goods to be packaged and sent to schools throughout Frisco ISD.

* Children’s Health visit (August 17): Riders President & General Manager Andy Milovich, and players Wes Benjamin, Tyler Davis, Ryne Slack and Jose Trevino spent the morning playing with kids at Children’s Medical Center’s Dallas campus.

* Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery (August 21): Riders representatives helped clean headstones throughout the complex to benefit veterans and their families

* Keeper of the Game clinic (August 25): Riders players Tyler Davis and Ryne Slack helped with the Keeper of the Game Foundation’s special needs clinic at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

* Children’s Health visit (August 29): Riders players Wes Benjamin, Tyler Davis and Jose Trevino spent their morning with kids at the Children’s Medical Center campus in Plano.

For more information on how the RoughRiders Foundation is making a difference in North Texas, click here. If you would like the RoughRiders to volunteer with your organization, please contact Breon Dennis at (972) 334-1978 or breon@ridersbaseball.com.

The 2019 season begins April 4 at Dr Pepper Ballpark. Ticketing information will be distributed soon. For more information, visit RidersBaseball.com.

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 14 seasons (2005-2018). 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.

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

Churchland Little League in Portsmouth wins Field Renovation Project

As part of The Youth Field Makeover Project presented by Orkin, Churchland Little League in Portsmouth, VA has won a contest in which the Tides organization will renovate their baseball field. This field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface, an improvement to existing dugouts, and pest prevention services courtesy of Orkin. The field renovation is set to take place this fall.

In addition to Churchland Little League, the Tides will also be renovating Thalia/Malibu Rec Association in Virginia Beach, with that renovation set to take this fall. Thalia/Malibu Rec Association won that renovation in a contest that took place in February.

“We are continuously amazed at the outpouring of support we receive each time we run these contests” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “Our entire organization is excited to help make a difference for the young ballplayers in our community.”

Since the inaugural renovation in 2012, the Tides have renovated 11 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).

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, and those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so via norfolkides.com under the “Harbor Park” section.

Season tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2019 season. For pricing and additional information, visit the Harbor Park box office or call (757) 622-2222. For more information about Orkin’s pest control services, visit Orkin.com.

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

Shorebirds Win SAL Community Service Award

SALISBURY, Md. — The Delmarva Shorebirds have been named the 2018 Community Service Organization of the Year by the South Atlantic League. This award recognizes the Shorebirds’ outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, philanthropy, and leadership within the Delmarva community. The Community Service Organization of the Year award is one of the league’s Outstanding Achievement Awards, which are announced every year after the conclusion of the regular season.

The Shorebirds strive to be more than just a baseball team by supporting the community that supports us. The Shorebirds organization, front office staff, players, and coaches have been extremely committed to serving and supporting the Delmarva community in any way possible.

With the help and partnership of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, the Shorebirds rebranded the Community Fund to the Shorebirds’ Fly Together Fund. The Fly Together Fund coincides with the social media usage of #FlyTogether but also encompasses support of the Delmarva Peninsula.

The Fly Together Fund was created to help fund local community projects, Little Leagues, and nonprofit organizations. So far this calendar year, the fund has donated $24,384 along with in-kind donations valued at $23,010.

“The Shorebirds are proud to be involved with and provide numerous community programs on the Delmarva Peninsula. I want to thank everyone in the Delmarva community who has been a part of the Shorebirds community outreach programs and events. We hope you will continue to join us in our Fly Together Fund and community relations initiatives in the future,” said Shorebirds’ General Manager Chris Bitters. “Winning this award is such a great honor. Thank you so much to Shorebirds’ Community Relations Manager, Kathy Damato, for leading the organization in all of our community relations efforts. She has gone above and beyond to help us win this award and it is thoroughly appreciated.”

Each of the 14 South Atlantic League teams, along with field managers and umpires, participated in the voting for the South Atlantic League Outstanding Achievement Awards. The Shorebirds will be nominated for the Minor League Baseball John Henry Moss Community Service Award, which honors the founder of the South Atlantic League for his dedication and charitable service to baseball and his community during his 50-year tenure as a league president. Moss founded the South Atlantic League and presided over it from 1959-2008. The winner of this prestigious award will be announced at the Baseball Winter Meetings this December in Las Vegas, NV.

For more information about the Delmarva Shorebirds’ community relations involvement, please contact Kathy Damato at kdamato@theshorebirds.com. The Shorebirds are owned and operated by Seventh Inning Stretch, LLC, who also own the Stockton Ports of the California League and the Everett AquaSox of the Northwest League. Delmarva opens up the 2019 season on the road in Lexington on Thursday, April 4th. The Shorebirds’ first home game at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium will be on Thursday, April 11th against the Lakewood BlueClaws.

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

Pelicans give back to area high schools with rivalry series

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (August 22, 2018) – The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are giving back to area high schools through their rivalry series this coming week, August 27-30. Fans can purchase tickets online through MyrtleBeachPelicans.com/rivals. A portion of the proceeds from tickets purchased through this link will be donated to the school of their choice.

On Monday, the battle will be between Georgetown and Waccamaw High Schools. Carolina Forest and Conway collide on Tuesday while Wednesday features Socastee versus St. James. The Pelicans’ home slate concludes on Thursday with the Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach rivalry.

As part of Grand Strand Rivals Week courtesy of Angelo’s Steak and Pasta, each game will feature between-inning match-ups between the schools. All game times are 7:05 p.m. against the Buies Creek Astros. Gates will open at 6 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now and are available online at MyrtleBeachPelicans.com/rivals

The 2018 season is the 20th season for the Pelicans franchise and fourth as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For tickets visit MyrtleBeachPelicans.com/softball, 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. Since being acquired by a group led by Chuck Greenberg during the 2006 season, the Pelicans have repeatedly set team attendance records and become known as one of Minor League Baseball’s most innovative and creative franchises. The team and its employees have been dedicated to making a difference in the Myrtle Beach community, specifically giving back over $2 million in donations, fundraising proceeds, in-kind services and community service since launching the Pelicans Play It Forward Community Initiative in 2013. TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark 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. In June 2017, the Pelicans won the 2017 TripAdvisor.com Certificate of Excellence award. On the field, the team has 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 email Info@MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

Wahoos Team Up with Community Partners to Renovate Century Ball Fields

PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Blue Wahoos helped to renovate a cluster of fields at Showalter Park in Century, Fla. on Tuesday. The team had help from Pensacola State College baseball and softball, the PSC foundation, Bill Bond Little League and Waste Management.

The group got started at 9 a.m. and worked together to overhaul the infield clay, clean up weeds and mow the fields. The crews also worked to edge the dirt and paint the foul poles. The improvements brought the fields up to game-ready condition so that teams have a safe place to practice and play games.

“This was a great day for our community and our organization,” said Blue Wahoos President Jonathan Griffith. “It’s tremendous to see the enthusiasm that all of our volunteers had while taking time out of their busy schedules and give back to the community.”

Roughly 100 volunteers worked together on the coordinated effort led by Blue Wahoos groundskeeper Dustin Hannah. The crews worked in two shifts, morning and afternoon with lunch provided for everyone by the Blue Wahoos. Work wrapped up at roughly 5:00 p.m. with the fields looking ready for action.

This is the third year, the Blue Wahoos have led a local field renovation project. Showalter Park was selected based on the Century community’s request for assistance to revitalize the busy complex.

– Pensacola Blue Wahoos –

 

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The 2018 season is winding down, and the playoffs are on the horizon. Postseason tickets are available now by calling (850) 934-8444 or online. Follow the Blue Wahoos at bluewahoos.com, facebook.com/PensacolaBlueWahoos, and twitter.com/BlueWahoosBBall

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