M-Braves Announce 2018 Baseball Camp

PEARL, MS – The annual Mississippi Braves Baseball Camp is scheduled for July 25-26. The two-day event takes place at Trustmark Park from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm each day and offers boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 14 the opportunity to work with professional baseball players and the M-Braves staff.

The cost of the camp is $100 per child or $75 for 2018 M-Braves season ticket holders. All participants must pre-register. Each camper receives individualized instruction on the fundamentals of baseball, a Mississippi Braves baseball and other merchandise, as well as a certificate of achievement at the completion of camp. Lunch will be served daily at approximately noon. Campers also receive two tickets to the Mississippi Braves game each night.

On the final day of camp, participants may obtain autographs from Mississippi Braves players and staff during an organized autograph session. Due to limited space, the camp is limited to 200 participants and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Each camper is required to bring his or her own glove. For more information, call 888-BRAVES4 or click the link below for the registration form.

2018 M-Braves Baseball Camp Registration Form

The Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural 2005 season, 132 M-Braves have gone on to Major League Baseball. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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

U.S. Cellular and Timber Rattlers Present Youth Baseball Takeovers!

GRAND CHUTE, WI – U.S. Cellular and the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are taking over area youth baseball again this season. This is the third year in a row the Rattlers and U.S. Cellular are teaming up to make a special day for future Rattlers. The first of the scheduled U.S. Cellular Takeovers will be Saturday, May 5 at Memorial Park for Opening Day for Appleton Little League.

Fang’s Fanatics and the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers promo crew along with staff from the Timber Rattlers and volunteers from U.S. Cellular will bring their high energy and fun in-game promotions to Memorial Park for Appleton Little League’s Opening Day at Memorial Park on Saturday, May 5 at 11:30am.

“We are committed to creating a positive impact in the communities where our associates live and work,” said Eric Larson, U.S. Cellular’s area sales manager in Northern Wisconsin. “By once again teaming up with the Timber Rattlers, we are bringing additional excitement and family fun to three area Little League games. Maybe in the future, we’ll see these young athletes playing for the Timber Rattlers or the Brewers.”

Timber Rattlers public address announcer Joey D. will announce kids’ names prior to each at-bat and the team’s production staff will provide walk-up songs as well. The team will bring the Bratzooka!, the Bubble Ball Battle, and the Sub Race Characters and have an array of t-shirt tosses and other in-game surprises. U.S. Cellular volunteers will be distributing customized t-shirts and will also hand out complimentary hot dogs to fans throughout the games.

“We are excited to once again team up with U.S. Cellular to bring our game day experience to these great Youth Baseball Organizations,” said Seth Merrill of the Timber Rattlers. “This is a small way to show our gratitude to the countless Youth Baseball Volunteers and Players in the Fox Valley. Our staff always has a great time at these events and we are excited to keep this tradition going.”
U.S. Cellular and the Timber Rattlers have scheduled two other Takeovers this summer: June 21 at Plamann Park for Grand Chute Baseball and July 27 at O’Hauser Park for Suburban Athletics.

“As Appleton Little League celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2018, we’re pumped about the excitement and energy the U.S. Cellular Takeover and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers will bring to our Opening Day celebration, propelling us into our next 60 years,” said Appleton Little League President Kevin Kostelecky.

Partial season, group ticket packages, and Individual game tickets for the 2018 season are on sale now. Tickets are available online, over the phone at (920) 733-4152 or (800) WI-TIMBER and in person. Groups of 20 or more may order tickets over the phone or in person. The Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office is open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and from 10:00am to 3:00pm on Saturdays.

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

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RECAP: 8th Annual ‘4 in 24’ Youth Field Renovations!

The Tri-City ValleyCats, along with their corporate partners BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets, undertook the 8th Annual ‘4 in 24’ youth field renovation project on Wednesday, April 11.

The project’s mission is to assist local youth leagues with the maintenance and upkeep of their playing fields, allowing for a safe place for children to learn and play the game baseball and softball.

Each year since 2011, the ValleyCats and their partners simultaneously renovate four youth fields on one day in April, prior to the opening of the youth baseball season.

This year, the chosen leagues were American Little League in Albany, Cairo-Durham Little League, Scotia-Glenville Girls Softball, and Round Lake Malta Youth Baseball.

Tweet from @ValleyCats: Today is the day! #4in24! American Little League in Albany, Cairo-Durham Little League, Scotia-Glenville Girls Softball, and Round Lake Malta Youth Baseball will all receive brand new infields!! Thank you to our major sponsors, @BSNENY & @Hannaford!! pic.twitter.com/LRHMhXHaeD

Upon completion, over 30 fields have now been revamped thanks to this program, which has positively effected thousands of youth ball players in the ValleyCats’ community.

“When we first embarked on this ambitious project in 2011, we felt that it would have an enormous positive impact on many youth ballplayers within the Capital Region,” said ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan. “Now in its eighth year, and 30 plus leagues later, the need and project scope continues to grow exponentially. We are incredibly thankful to BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets who have been instrumental in keeping the program going strong.”

Tweet from @JohnCraigWNYT: A team on a #fieldofdreams #AlbanySouthEnd @ValleyCats @BSNENY @Hannaford @WNYT pic.twitter.com/blkv8CWpJ9

Both longtime supporters of this important community initiative, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets have aided in supplying the necessary resources and volunteer commitment to complete these renovations.

Tweet from @BSNENY: We���re kicking off #4in24 at Albany American Little League field! pic.twitter.com/0zYM939noF

Tweet from @BSNENY: The #4in24 renovation crew gathered for a press conference at the American Little League field in Albany. Thank you to the @TCValleyCats and all of the volunteers! pic.twitter.com/5U4AiWdAUA

“BlueShield knows how important programs like ‘4 in 24’ are to ensuring children in our community have access to healthy activities,” said Dr. Kirk Panneton, Vice President, Regional Executive and Medical Director, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “Through our partnership with the Tri-City ValleyCats, our company and employees have helped transform over 30 fields and we are thrilled to be a part of this community initiative again this year.”

Tweet from @CBS6Leanne: #NOW: Renovations are beginning at the American Little League field in Albany. Four fields across the region are being renovated today as part of the @ValleyCats “4 in 24” project. https://t.co/kcMOJCzdwM pic.twitter.com/8fZ2fOtwJP

“Active kids make for healthy communities, which is why youth sports are so important. Hannaford is pleased to once again partner with the Tri-City ValleyCats to provide young people with wonderfully improved facilities for healthy play and growth,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre. “We look forward to seeing kids throughout the greater Capital Region rush the field this spring as they learn the values of teamwork and dedication.”

The efforts were also assisted by Profile Products and Turface Athletics, who contributed some of the necessary equipment and materials. In order to complete the entire project, 300+ clay bricks, 23 tons of infield mix, and 3600 square feet of sod are needed. Additional support comes from ‘Cats Care, the ValleyCats’ arm of the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation.

Tweet from @ValleyCats: Thank you, @Turfaceproducts!! #4in24 pic.twitter.com/MnCqvF658x

Tweet from @WTEN: ValleyCats team up to renovate 4 little league fields in 24 hours. https://t.co/LZ3gjx1hyz

It was an early morning for ValleyCats Media Relations Manager Chris Chenes, who arrived at American Little League in Albany at 5:00am for the morning news coverage. Each of the local TV stations went LIVE from the ballpark to talk about the ambitious project.

Crew call for the four renovation teams was 7:30am, and consisted of over a dozen volunteers at each of the four fields being renovated.

Each field had their old infield grass replaced with brand new sod (minus Scotia-Glenville Girls Softball), the pitcher’s mound and home plate areas completely rebuilt, infield surface leveled, graded and raked, baselines measured and cut to the correct specifications, and all new bases, a pitching rubber and home plate installed.

Tweet from @ValleyCats: We’re almost ready to lay new sod at @AmeLeagueAlbany! GM Matt Callahan making progress with the new home plate! #4in24 @BSNENY @Hannaford pic.twitter.com/E8JiZRdqP4

Tweet from @ValleyCats: Work is also progressing well at Round Lake Malta!! #4in24 @BSNENY @Hannaford pic.twitter.com/fCJ1PYBbAc

Tweet from @ValleyCats: About to begin laying new sod at Cairo-Durham Little League! #4in24 @BSNENY @Hannaford pic.twitter.com/jfnY3CNab3

Tweet from @SMLorey: Thank you @ValleyCats 4 in 24! Scotia Glenville girls softball field progressing pic.twitter.com/plS3YhBgl8

The temperature was unseasonably cold for spring, especially early in the morning, as frost covered the tips of the grass. That didn’t slow down the progress, though!

Tweet from @SPECNewsAlbany: While it may not feel like the start of baseball season outside, volunteers are upgrading the American Little League field in #AlbanyNY as part of the annual #4in24 project. https://t.co/nDHmQvZsqU via @JorjaRoman @ValleyCats pic.twitter.com/DSU5tQ9zWN

At 9:00am, the crew at American Little League in Albany paused for a brief ceremonial press conference to officially kick off the renovations. New York Senator Neil Breslin was in attendance, and praised the work of the program.

Tweet from @JohnCraigWNYT: Former #littleleague player @NeilBreslin44 during #4in24 @ValleyCats field renovation #AlbanySouthEnd #KrankPark @BSNENY @Hannaford. Story at noon @WNYT pic.twitter.com/exZtZm3mzg

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan talked about the impact the renovations have on the local youth ballplayers.

Tweet from @JohnCraigWNYT: During a break #4in24 @ValleyCats @Hannaford @BSNENY #albany #KrankPark @AlbanyCityHall. Story at noon @WNYT pic.twitter.com/xDKZFzeq0K

The ValleyCats were presented with a citation from both the New York State Senate and Assembly, recognizing this 8th annual community project.

 

MiLB.com’s Benjamin Hill ranks this ValleyCats community initiative as one of the best in Minor League Baseball.

Tweet from @bensbiz: One of Minor League Baseball’s best annual philanthropic endeavors. https://t.co/zBhh7qHkFA

The ValleyCats recognize that one of the major roles they play within their community is to be ambassadors for the game of baseball. Each year their staff, corporate partners and volunteers put a ton of work into making sure these renovations are a success.

ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan has served as the foreman for the project, and is now an expert at the installation of new home plates and pitching rubbers!

Tweet from @JohnCraigWNYT: The international field in American #LittleLeague #albany #southend gets home plate lined up. #4in24 @ValleyCats GM Matt Callahan @Hannaford @BSNENY @WNYT pic.twitter.com/dwVkVA9Wxu

Tweet from @CBS6Leanne: Fresh sod has arrived & home plate is close to being set! It’ll be a full day worth of work to renovate American Little League field. https://t.co/kcMOJCzdwM pic.twitter.com/7dVlbEnRyy

While the mound and home plate are being worked on, volunteers are busy removing the old sod from the infield, adding topsoil to level the playing surface, and then laying down brand new grass! (This was the first order of the year for Saratoga Sod here in upstate New York!)

 

And now, prepare to be amazed, as we check out the before and after photos from each field!

American Little League, Albany

League statement:

“The Albany American Little League would like to thank the Tri-City ValleyCats and their partners for their timeless efforts, support, and commitment to Little League Baseball. The renovation of our field will help our players develop into young athletes, provide our youth a safe and structured environment where they can grow to become productive caring members of our communities. The work that the ValleyCats will do for our field will add value to the community and place smiles on the faces of our little leaguers.”

Sentaria Depass-Murray, President

Before:

 

After:

Cairo-Durham Little League

League statement:

“During the past several years, little league participation has been falling, which has affected our ability to help afford all things needed to improve the conditions for the kids. Last year we focused on getting our kids all new catching equipment and renovating our girls softball field (all new dirt, excavation and a new drainage system). This year is on new bats and our main field really needs attention. Your help with our field will help improve the main baseball field, not just cosmetically but in functionality as well. This huge gift will allow us to focus on buying a machine to pull our rascal in order to maintain the 5 fields we play on.

It truly is an honor and a gift to be chosen and I am beyond grateful for your generosity. Look forward to seeing this all come together. Thank you again!”

Jesse Walz, President

Before:

After:

Round Lake Malta Youth Baseball

League statement:

“We are absolutely thrilled to be selected for the ValleyCat’s 4 in 24 Field Renovation project. The native soil at our field is particularly challenging to maintain and this overhaul will bring both the financial investment and expertise that we lack to make a lasting improvement to the ball field. The ValleyCat’s commitment to youth baseball programs is truly impressive. You make the kids feel like all-stars when they visit the stadium and I know they are going to feel like they made the big leagues when they step on to their newly renovated field! Thank you for supporting our players and the countless volunteers across the Tri-City area who work to bring a positive youth baseball experience to our children!”

Lori Sievers, President

Before:

After:

Scotia-Glenville Girls Softball

League statement:

“On behalf of Scotia Glenville Girls Softball League, our board of directors and our girls, we would like to thank the Tri-City ValleyCats organization as well as their sponsors, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford for awarding us the 4 in 24 field renovation for 2018. As a small community and league, we rely on volunteers for all field maintenance and fundraising. We appreciate the ValleyCats commitment to our local communities and the betterment of our area youth sports programs. Our secondary field was in dire need of renovation. Fixing this field will ensure that all of our girls share the same great, and more importantly safe, softball experience!

Lisa DiSorbo, League President

Before:

After:

The response from the community was tremendous, and many voiced their opinions on social media.

Tweet from @NYNick1127: The Cats are Champs on & off the field! Well done! We are lucky to call @ValleyCats our own can���t wait for the season!������ @CBS6Leanne @CBS6Albany https://t.co/XFHOMAvzhH

Tweet from @NLL_Albany: Congratulations to our friends at @AmeLeagueAlbany, and thank you to the @ValleyCats for this great program in giving back to the community! https://t.co/gLN3LFVY3j

Tweet from @hooseyadaddy: That���s awesome and definitely much needed! Thank you @ValleyCats for helping out my hometown!

Tweet from @LydiaOn10: 👍🎉Great job by the @ValleyCats “4 in 24 Baseball Field renovations” https://t.co/289Qf8oEpZ

Tweet from @dfleming16: Nassau���s kids benefited greatly from this program. Love the @ValleyCats ! https://t.co/VSx2A4AlZ2

Tweet from @CDSFSportandFit: 4 in 24 is a great initiative by the @ValleyCats to renovate four local youth baseball and��� https://t.co/yu8aGB6maN

Additionally, here are some of the stories from the Capital Region media outlets:

Tweet from @WTEN: ValleyCats team up to renovate 4 little league fields in 24 hours. https://t.co/LZ3gjx1hyz

Times Union: https://www.timesunion.com/7dayarchive/article/Volunteers-begin-marathon-4-in-24-effort-to-12824757.php

Hudson Valley 360: https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/article/cairo-durham-little-league-receives-facelift

Your Clifton Park: https://yourcliftonpark.com/2018/04/11/round-lake-baseball-field-gets-some-tlc-from-valleycats/

That concludes this recap, but be sure to join the ValleyCats on Friday, June 22 for their Youth Baseball Celebration! On that night the ‘Cats will recognize the 2018 ‘4 in 24’ renovations, while also inviting Capital Region youth baseball teams to come to the game and participate in a pregame parade on the warning track.

For all softball leagues out there, don’t you worry! Softball Night is on Thursday, July 5, and the same pregame parade will be taking place on that night.

Be sure to visit tcvalleycats.com for ticket information, or call 518-629-CATS.

If your league would like to apply for a renovation, visit the ValleyCats Community Grounds Crew page at tcvalleycats.com/fieldrenovations.

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

Threshers Baseball Camp June 11-14

2018 Clearwater Threshers Baseball Camp Info & Forms

CLEARWATER THRESHERS BASEBALL CAMP 2018

Registration is open and space is limited.

  • Monday, June 11 – Thursday, June 14; 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Children ages 6-13
  • $160 per child

Each camper receives:

  • Group and individual instruction by Threshers players and coaches, and NextUp Academy
  • Camp t-shirt and Threshers hat
  • Lunch each day from 12-12:20 p.m.
  • Wednesday’s 10:30 a.m. Threshers game and one free ticket to Thursday’s 7 p.m. game

To Register:

  • Fill out the forms below and mail with a check
  • OR register and pay with a credit card in-person in the Spectrum Field administrative office during business hours
  • Call Will at 727-712-4415 with any questions

2018 Clearwater Threshers Baseball Camp Info & Forms

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

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Miracle League game, Hoskins statue highlight Saturday

You’ll want to be early for this one.

An eventful Saturday lies ahead at Coca-Cola Park as the IronPigs will host their annual Miracle League game, jersey auction and give away a Rhys Hoskins Bronze statue to the first 3,000 adults (18+) through the gates.

Saturdays are for the bacon, but this one is for so much more. Gates will open at 5 p.m. so fans are able to watch the Miracle League game, which allows kids from the Miracle Leagues of Northampton and Lehigh Counties to swing for the fences on the Coca-Cola Park field before an IronPigs contest. IronPigs players will be on the field to act as “angels” for our Miracle League players before they match up with the Louisville Bats.

During the Pigs’ game (6:35 p.m. first pitch) the Pigs will be wearing special Miracle League jerseys that will be available via an auction presented by Majestic/Fanatics. Details on the auction will be available on gameday.

In addition to all this excitement, the Pigs will give a Rhys Hoskins bronze statue to the first 3,000 adults through the gates. The statue immortalizes Hoskins , who was named the International League MVP and Rookie of the Year in 2017. Hoskins, who joined the Philadelphia Phillies last summer, is one of baseball’s most exciting young players and is batting .364 in 2018.

Here are more details on the remaining games in our opening homestand:

4/15 (1:35 p.m.): Jackie Robinson Day | Jackie Robinson commemorative glass (3,000 adults 18 and over)
4/16 (7:05 p.m.): Youth knit cap (First 1,500 kids 17 and under)
4/17 (7:05 p.m.): Wrestling Night
4/18 (7:05 p.m.): Dance Night | Bacon Cap presented by Hatfield (First 3,000 adults 18 and older)

Check out all of our 2018 promotions, IronPigs promotions schedule.

Tickets for these contests, and any game on our 2018 schedule, are available online at IronPigsBaseball.com, by phone (610) 841-PIGS (7447) or at the Coca-Cola Park ticket windows during regular business hours.

The 2018 IronPigs baseball season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

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 Saturday, April 7th at Farragut Baseball fields from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. The U.S. Cellular Little League Takeover will allow the youth baseball players ages 5-14 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 Knoxville community.”

The event will take place at the Farragut Baseball fields located at 11719 S. Northshore Drive. 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 base¬ball 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 and Rally Crew members interacting with the players throughout the event.

The Smokies will commence their 2018 home campaign against the Jackson Generals on Wednesday, April 11, 2018. The full schedule for this season and season ticket information can be found online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.

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 fourth 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.

Kernels Kids Heroes card set nominations closed

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Kernels are proud to announce that we have collected all the nominations for the 2018 Kids Heroes Baseball card set and nominations for this year’s card set are now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted a hero for this year’s set!

We still encourage all fans to attend our Kids Heroes Night on Friday, June 15th at 6:35 PM as the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free set of Ronald McDonald House Kids Heroes Baseball Cards, sponsored by McDonalds. Gates open at 5:30 PM.

With the strong interest in our first Kids Heroes Baseball Cards sets, the Kernels plan to continue this annual tradition by releasing a second Kids Heroes Set for the 2019 season. Nominations for this set will open in mid-January of 2019.

Pulaski Yankees bring back Free Youth Outings Program for 2018 season

Pulaski, Va. – The Pulaski Yankees are excited to announce they will once again offer free admission to area youth groups during the 2018 season as part of the Calfee Park Free Youth Outings Program presented by Virginia529 and Shelor Motor Mile Growing the Future.

The program is open to all area youth groups, including sports teams, church groups, school groups, Boy and Girl Scouts, and child care centers. Each child in the group will receive one (1) free General Admission (GA) ticket. Youth group leaders accompanying the group will also receive one (1) free GA ticket. Parents, guardians, and other family members may join the group by purchasing GA tickets at a discounted rate of $5 per ticket.

“The youth in our community are an important part of Calfee Park,” said Pulaski Yankees General Manager Christina Edney. “We are grateful for our partners who help make this program possible, ensuring every child has the opportunity to enjoy a safe, fun, family-friendly event during the summer.”

Last year the Yankees distributed nearly 3,000 tickets through the free youth outings program, which has been in place since the 2015 season.

All youth group outings through the Calfee Park Free Youth Outings Program presented by Virginia529 and Shelor Motor Mile Growing the Future must be booked in advance. Interested groups can contact Yankees’ Assistant General Manager Betsy Haugh by email (bhaugh@pulaskiyankees.net) or by calling (540) 980-1070. For additional information, click here.

The Pulaski Yankees open the 2018 season on the road with a three-game series against the Danville Braves June 19-21. The Yankees will host the Greeneville Reds Friday, June 22 at Calfee Park in their 2018 home opener. Flex tickets and season tickets are available now by calling 540.980.1070. Individual game tickets will go on sale later this spring.

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

FREE YOUTH BASEBALL CLINIC ON SATURDAY, MAY 12

SPRINGDALE, AR – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to partner with Mercy Kids on the eleventh annual FREE Youth Baseball Clinic that will take place at Arvest Ballpark from 2 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 in advance of that night’s 6:05 p.m. game against the Tulsa Drillers, the Double-A Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Naturals FREE Youth Baseball Clinic presented by Mercy Kids is open to children ages 6-12. Instruction during the clinic will be given by members of the Naturals’ team and coaching staff, which will cover basic fundamentals, including hitting, fielding, pitching, and base running. Following the clinic, an autograph session will occur on the concourse from approximately 3:45 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. before the ballpark is cleared in preparation for the game.

All participants will receive a complimentary 1B/3B Reserved Ticket to the Saturday, May 12 Naturals game at 6:05 p.m., featuring a Mike Moustakas Career Highlights Bobblehead Giveaway. Additional tickets for the game against the Tulsa Drillers will be available at Guest Services and the Arvest Ballpark Box Office, which will be open throughout the clinic. Participants that are attending the Naturals game must exit the ballpark once the clinic ends and re-enter when gates open to the general public for the game at 4:35 p.m. when the giveaway will be available.

There is a registration form titled YOUTH BASEBALL CLINIC BY MERCY KIDS located on the Naturals website, nwanaturals.com, under the TICKETS & PROMOTIONS tab that interested parents can fill out to register their son or daughter for the clinic. The FREE Youth Baseball Clinic is also open to local youth coaches and they can register their team by calling (479) 927-4900. The deadline to register for the event is Friday, May 4 but participants are encouraged to sign up quickly, as previous events have filled to capacity prior to the deadline. Check-in begins at Arvest Ballpark at 1:00pm on the day of the event so we ask that you arrive early as participation is limited to the first 400 children. Participants are asked to only bring their glove and wear proper baseball attire. Please leave all baseball bags in the car or in the seating bowl during the clinic as only a glove is needed while on the field.

The 2018 season of Naturals baseball at Arvest Ballpark will begin when Northwest Arkansas hosts the Corpus Christi Hooks, the Double-A Affiliate of the World Champion Houston Astros, on Thursday, April 5 at 6:25 p.m.

Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtags #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for all of our up-to-date information on the 2018 schedule, tickets, group outings, promotions, roster, and Spring Training information as we prepare for the upcoming 2018 season.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information, including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

-Naturals-

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

Fort Myers Miracle offer $15,000 in sponsorships to Little League, Cal Ripken organizations in Southwest Florida

The Fort Myers Miracle are donating $15,000 to sponsor 21 youth baseball and softball organizations across Southwest Florida.

The sponsorships will help area leagues pay for much-needed equipment, supplies and operational costs. In Southwest Florida, the spring season for Little League and Cal Ripken seasons began in January and runs through May, with all-star teams forming at season’s end. Some leagues also offer fall ball.

“Youth baseball and softball leagues strive to keep registration costs as low as possible, and many organizations are run entirely by volunteers, from the local governing boards down to coaches, umpires and concession stands,” said Chris Peters, president and general manager of the Fort Myers Miracle. “That’s why it is so important for businesses to take a leadership role in supporting youth sports. Every child deserves a chance to play ball.”

In addition to Little League and Cal Ripken sponsorships and frequent community appearances by players and staff, the Miracle also offer a variety of youth-oriented programs at the ballpark. The Achieva Credit Union Baseball Buddies program recognizes youth teams by allowing children to stand side-by-side with Miracle players during the National Anthem. On Family Sundays, children can play catch on the field before the game and run the bases after the game. At select home games, children can receive free tickets by showing their report cards or coming dressed in their team uniform.

“The Miracle have long been a supporter of youth sports in Southwest Florida, and we gladly welcome their teams and players at the ballpark,” said Jason Hochberg, founder and CEO of SJS Beacon, which owns the Miracle. “We hope to continue our partnership with area youth organizations for many years to come.”

Little League International is a nonprofit organization based in South Williamsport, Penn., and organizes baseball and softball leagues throughout the world. Programs are available for boys and girls ages 4 to 16. Cal Ripken Baseball is a division of the Babe Ruth League and headquartered in Hamilton, N.J. Its leagues are designed for players ages 4 to 12.

The Fort Myers Miracle, the Class-A Advanced Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, begin the 2018 season on Thursday, April 5 against the Charlotte Stone Crabs. The 140-game regular season schedule runs through Sunday, Sept. 2.

For more information about the Fort Myers Miracle, visit MiracleBaseball.com or call 239-768-4210.

About the Miracle

The Fort Myers Miracle are the Class-A Advanced Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, and have played home games at Hammond Stadium since 1992. Notable Miracle alumni include Joe Mauer, Miguel Sano, Byron Buxton and Torii Hunter. Follow the Miracle online at MiracleBaseball.com or through its social media channels: Twitter (@MiracleBaseball), Instagram (fortmyersmiracle), Facebook (Fort Myers Miracle) and Snapchat (ftmyersmiracle). Opening Night at Hammond Stadium is Thursday, April 5 against the Charlotte Stone Crabs. For questions or ticket information, call the Miracle at 239-768-4210.

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

8th Annual ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovations to take place April 11

TROY, NY – The Tri-City ValleyCats and their field renovation teammates, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets, are set to renovate four more youth ballfields in 2018. The 8th Annual ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovation Project will take place on Wednesday, April 11, where each of the chosen fields will undergo a necessary overhaul.

The four leagues to receive the work will be American Little League in Albany, Cairo-Durham Little League, Scotia-Glenville Girls Softball, and Round Lake Malta Youth Baseball.

Each baseball field will have their old infield grass replaced with brand new sod, their pitcher’s mound and home plate areas completely rebuilt, the infield surface leveled, graded and raked, the baselines measured and cut to the correct specifications, and all new bases, a pitching rubber and home plate installed. The softball field will receive the same scope of work, but without grass on the infield.

“When we first embarked on this ambitious project in 2011, we felt that it would have an enormous positive impact on many youth ballplayers within the Capital Region,” said ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan. “Now in its eighth year, and 30 plus leagues later, the need and project scope continues to grow exponentially. We are incredibly thankful to BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets who have been instrumental in keeping the program going strong.”

Both longtime supporters of this important community initiative, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets have aided in supplying the necessary resources and volunteer commitment to complete these renovations.

“BlueShield knows how important programs like ‘4 in 24’ are to ensuring children in our community have access to healthy activities,” said Dr. Kirk Panneton, Vice President, Regional Executive and Medical Director, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “Through our partnership with the Tri-City ValleyCats, our company and employees have helped transform over 30 fields and we are thrilled to be a part of this community initiative again this year.”

“Active kids make for healthy communities, which is why youth sports are so important. Hannaford is pleased to once again partner with the Tri-City ValleyCats to provide young people with wonderfully improved facilities for healthy play and growth,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre. “We look forward to seeing kids throughout the greater Capital Region rush the field this spring as they learn the values of teamwork and dedication.”

Work on each field will commence at daybreak on April 11 and will continue through the night if necessary. The efforts will also be assisted by Profile Products and Turface Athletics, 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.

2018 ‘4 in 24’ Youth League Snapshots

American Little League
Urban youth league serving approximately 200 children ages 4 to 12 playing at all Little League levels. The field is in much need of repair, and these renovations will make it a safer surface to play on.

League Statement:
“The Albany American Little League would like to thank the Tri-City ValleyCats and their partners for their timeless efforts, support, and commitment to Little League Baseball. The renovation of our field will help our players develop into young athletes, provide our youth a safe and structured environment where they can grow to become productive caring members of our communities. The work that the ValleyCats will do for our field will add value to the community and place smiles on the faces of our little leaguers.”

Sentaria Depass-Murray
President

Cairo-Durham Little League
10 teams serving multiple towns, approximately 150 children ages 4-12. The mound, home plate, and baselines all need significant work.

League Statement:
“During the past several years, little league participation has been falling, which has affected our ability to help afford all things needed to improve the conditions for the kids. Last year we focused on getting our kids all new catching equipment and renovating our girls softball field (all new dirt, excavation and a new drainage system). This year is on new bats and our main field really needs attention. Your help with our field will help improve the main baseball field, not just cosmetically but in functionality as well. This huge gift will allow us to focus on buying a machine to pull our rascal in order to maintain the 5 fields we play on.

It truly is an honor and a gift to be chosen and I am beyond grateful for your generosity. Look forward to seeing this all come together. Thank you again!”

Jesse Walz
CDLL President

Scotia-Glenville Girls Softball
The league serves over 100 girls ages 4-18, with approximately nine teams. The application was submitted by two girls that play in the league, as part of an initiative to earn a Silver Award through their Girl Scout Troop. The field is overgrown with weeds in portions, home plate is missing, and the pitcher’s mound is not in the correct location.

League Statement:

“On behalf of Scotia Glenville Girls Softball League, our board of directors and our girls, we would like to thank the Tri-City ValleyCats organization as well as their sponsors, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford for awarding us the 4 in 24 field renovation for 2018. As a small community and league, we rely on volunteers for all field maintenance and fundraising. We appreciate the ValleyCats commitment to our local communities and the betterment of our area youth sports programs. Our secondary field was in dire need of renovation. Fixing this field will ensure that all of our girls share the same great, and more importantly safe, softball experience!”

Lisa DiSorbo
League President

“Working towards our Girl Scout Silver Award has been an amazing experience, and having the Tri-City ValleyCats be part of that journey is awesome. We are so excited and happy that our softball field is going to be redone and fixed!! It has been in rough condition for awhile and nobody has wanted to play on it. Now with your help it’s going to be the best field ever! This will mean a lot to the younger kids and will hopefully bring more girls to the Scotia-Glenville Softball League!! Thank you again for choosing us and helping our Girl Scout Troop earn our Silver Award!”

Arrianna Stark and Maddie Cook
8th graders at Scotia-Glenville Middle School, Girl Scout Troop #2104

Round Lake Malta Youth Baseball
Round Lake Malta Youth Baseball serves approximately 140 players ages 5-10 across 12 teams. Portions of the infield are overgrown with weeds, and the mound and home plate areas need significant work.

League Statement:
“We are absolutely thrilled to be selected for the ValleyCat’s 4 in 24 Field Renovation project. The native soil at our field is particularly challenging to maintain and this overhaul will bring both the financial investment and expertise that we lack to make a lasting improvement to the ball field. The ValleyCat’s commitment to youth baseball programs is truly impressive. You make the kids feel like all-stars when they visit the stadium and I know they are going to feel like they made the big leagues when they step on to their newly renovated field! Thank you for supporting our players and the countless volunteers across the Tri-City area who work to bring a positive youth baseball experience to our children!”

Lori Sievers, President
Round Lake/Malta Youth Baseball

ABOUT THE ‘4 IN 24’ FIELD RENOVATION PROJECT
The ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovation Project is a collaborative effort between the ValleyCats, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets that takes place each April. In less than 24 hours, four youth ball fields receive a complete infield overhaul. The project’s mission is to assist local youth leagues with the maintenance and upkeep of their playing fields, allowing for a safe place for children to learn and play ball. Following the 2018 ‘4 in 24’ project, over 30 fields will have been revamped, impacting thousands of local youth ballplayers.

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

Scrappers Host Youth Baseball Camp & One Day Hitting & Pitching Clinics

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are excited to announce that they have partnered with Vlad Pediatircs to host a three-day Youth Baseball Camp July 24-26.

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 Scrappers players and coaches in a small group setting.

Camp registration includes instruction each day from 9 am until 12 pm, a ticket to the Thursday, July 26th Scrappers game vs. the Brooklyn Cyclones, on field recognition prior to the July 26th game, a camp t-shirt, and lunch following the final day of camp. To ensure your child receives individualized attention, the Youth Baseball Camp has been limited to 100 campers and early registration is highly encouraged. The Scrappers Youth Baseball Camp is $100 per child.

Additionally, the Scrappers will host a one-day hitting and pitching clinic for teen’s ages 13 to 17 years old. The Hitting Clinic will be held on Saturday, July 7 fro 9am-12pm. The Pitching Clinic will be held on Saturday, July 14. Both clincs will be taught by Scrappers players and are $60 per clinic.

The Youth Camp and Hitting and Pitching Clincs can be purchased by calling 330-505-0000 or by clicking here to register online.

The Scrappers open their 20th season at Eastwood Field on June 15 vs. the West Virginia Black Bears. Ticket memberships and packages can be purchased online at mvscrappers.com, at 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.

Adopt-a-Field: Nominations due by April 9

Moosic, Pa. (March 12, 2018) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are excited to announce the Adopt-a-Field program has been renewed for 2018, thanks to Northeast Prestige Landscaping. One local youth softball, baseball, high school field or community field will receive a professional consultation and renovation this year courtesy of the program.

Interested parties can fill out an application and send photographs along with a nomination form to the RailRiders. Nomination forms are available by request or under the “Adopt-a-Field” section in the “Community” tab at swbrailriders.com. Completed forms and the accompanying information should be sent to Jordan Maydole, the RailRiders Director of Community Relations, no later than April 9.

The winner will be announced the week of April 16.

The Adopt-a-Field program affords an individualized evaluation and athletic field maintenance clinic to the chosen sites. Those using the selected facility will also be taught how to maintain the professional-level look for years to come by the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Director of Field Operations, Steve Horne, and his staff.

For more information on the Adopt-a-Field program, please contact Jordan Maydole in the RailRiders front office at (570) 558-4616 or via email at jmaydole@swbrailriders.com.

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

2018 Summer Camp Sessions Announced

– The San Jose Giants announced today two sessions for their twelfth annual Summer Camps at Municipal Stadium. The organization will offer one camp in June and one in July providing families with a pair of options for getting their kids involved. Session 1 will take place June 18-21 and Session 2 July 9-12. Both camp sessions run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day and focus on developing baseball skills for boys and girls ages 7 through 14.

Campers will receive expert instruction from former college and high school players who are passionate about skills development and teaching the game of baseball. Participants can expect to improve their all-around skillset including baserunning, hitting, pitching, catching and fielding.

“With the 2018 season quickly approaching I am eager and excited to get on the diamond and develop young athletes’ baseball skills while also focusing on the broader lessons that can be learned from this game,” said Jimmy Quintanilla, Account Executive and Camp Director. “I would encourage anyone who is serious about improving or who is just learning the fundamentals to come out this summer and take same field that many of our favorite Giants have played on.”

Both camp session costs $295 per camp prior to April 26. Following April 26, the cost to register will increase to $315. Included in the registration price, each camp participant will receive tickets for the entire family to a designated San Jose Giants game, Summer Camp T-Shirt, lunch provided each day, and over 20 hours of baseball instruction! To learn more about the San Jose Giants Summer Camps visit sjgiants.com, call 408.380.4603 or email JimmyQuintanilla@SJGiants.com.

Registration and payment for San Jose Giants Summer Camps will take place through sjgiants.com. Click here to begin registration and payment. Please note that registering your child is not complete until both the form and payment have been completed.

The 2018 San Jose Giants first home game is Thursday April 12 at Municipal Stadium against the Stockton Ports. Single game tickets and ticket packages are on sale now! For more information, visit sjgiants.com or call 408.297.1435.

Summer Camp Registration

Purchase San Jose Giants Tickets

View the 2018 San Jose Giants Schedule

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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. The team has been an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants since 1988 and has boasted one of the best records in the minor leagues after partnering with the big-league club, going 2,300-1,891 (.548). San Jose has won six California League Championships as a Giants affiliate (2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2001 and 1998) and eleven overall. In 30 seasons, the San Jose Giants have graduated 199 Major League players, 143 of whom have played or currently play for the San Francisco Giants. The Giants won back to back league championships in 2009 and 2010 and are also the first team in California League history to have won four titles over a six-year span. Municipal Stadium, the home of the San Jose Giants, first opened in 1942 and has seen over 7 million fans enter through its gates. In 2018, the San Jose Giants look to continue their tradition of playing winning baseball while providing fun, affordable, family-entertainment. To be a part of the 2018 season, 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

Brock Holt, Spinners to Run Baseball Camp

The Lowell Spinners, short season affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, are proud to announce a new collaboration with All-Star utility man Brock Holt on a new baseball camp experience for 2018.

“Brock Holt Camp with the Lowell Spinners” will be hosted at LeLacheur Park from Tuesday July 24 through Friday July 27. The camp includes instruction from Spinners players and coaches as well as an appearance from Brock Holt in which he will host a Q&A session and each camper will receive autographed memorabilia from Holt.

“We can’t wait for the kids to able learn from Red Sox personnel and to spend time with Brock, who is one of the most fundamentally sound players in the league.” said Spinners General Manager Shawn Smith. “This will be a unique new experience for our fans and their families and who better to learn from than a guy who plays all over the field at Fenway Park!”

In addition, campers will be provided with lunch, a customized Spinners jersey, and four tickets to the game on Friday, July 27th as the Spinners host the State College Spikes, affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. During the day, campers will participate in drills highlighting basic fundamentals while receiving instruction from professional baseball players, some of whom will one day be playing in the majors. Camp runs Tuesday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and is available for both boys and girls ages 6-13.

Registration is available now at lowellspinners.com or by calling the box office at (978) 459-1702.

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