Sign Up For 2018 BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camp

Young players can learn the game from the BlueClaws players at one of three Youth Baseball Camp Sessions this summer.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – Learn the game from BlueClaws players each day as part of the BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camp at FirstEnergy Park. The BlueClaws will hold three sessions this summer, with each session including three days of instruction from a variety of BlueClaws players.

Camp each day runs from 9 am – 12 pm and includes lunch from 12 pm – 12:30 pm, an autograph session with BlueClaws players on the last day of camp, BlueClaws merchandise, and one ticket to the September 1st BlueClaws game with a pre-game parade on the field.

The camp will cover all aspects of the game, with emphasis on hitting, base running, fielding, throwing, pitching, and position work. The objective of the camp is to instill the fundamentals of baseball, promote good sportsmanship, and create an enjoyable learning atmosphere for all.

2018 Youth Baseball Camp Sessions
Session 1: July 12 – 14
Session 2: July 24, 26, & 27
Session 3: August 16-18

Each session is just $140.

BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camp sessions typically sell out and those interested are encouraged to book their spot as soon as possible.

How to Sign Up: Sign up online by clicking here, return this order form, or call Kevin McNellis at 732-901-7000 ext 164.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment.

– BlueClaws –

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

OKC Dodgers and Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Announce Formation of OKC Dodgers Rookie League

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation have joined forces to create the OKC Dodgers Rookie League in order to help bolster youth baseball participation in the community as well as foster an environment that emphasizes leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship, the organizations announced today.

Last year, Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation was forced to cancel its baseball league due to low participation. The OKC Dodgers have stepped in to provide Dodgers-branded jerseys and hats for all players, in addition to other resources, thereby reducing participation costs and making the game more accessible.

“It was heartbreaking to learn Parks and Rec could not host a league last spring, and over the last few months we realized this was an opportunity for our organization to pitch in for our community,” said OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “The game of baseball had an impressionable effect on so many of us at a young age. The Rookie League will provide further opportunities for our community’s youth to be active and to learn skills such as teamwork and leadership.”

The OKC Dodgers Rookie League will consist of four baseball divisions to accommodate boys and girls in multiple skill levels and age groups. A goal of six to eight teams will compete in each division: 4U T-Ball, 6U T-Ball, 8U Coach Pitch and 10U Kid Pitch. Registration is now open and the deadline to sign up is March 19. Those interested in having their children participate in the OKC Dodgers Rookie League can visit okc.gov/parksignup and use the event code 13205. Registration is also available by calling (405) 297-3882. The cost is $55 per child and is necessary for operation expenses, such as umpires and field maintenance.

The OKC Dodgers Rookie League will also host a registration event at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on March 10, with further details to be announced in the future.

Practices will be held once per week starting the week of March 26. Game play starts April 7 and runs through May 26. The season schedule consists of eight games played at either Wheeler Park (1120 S. Western Ave.) or Stars and Stripes Park (3701 Lake Hefner Dr.).

“What better place than here in Oklahoma City – the very heart of America – to develop a partnership that will make it possible to preserve and protect and breathe new life into the all-American pastime of baseball,” said Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Director Douglas Kupper. “We truly love having the Dodgers organization here and we greatly appreciate the OKC Dodgers’ support of our efforts to bring baseball to our youth.”

The OKC Dodgers Rookie League is currently in need of coaches and volunteers. To volunteer, or for more information, please call (405) 297-1489 or email christopher.lucas@okc.gov.

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE OKC DODGERS ROOKIE LEAGUE

The OKC Dodgers Rookie League is committed to enriching the lives of our youth and fostering a love of the game. The league provides a developmental, fun and safe environment for the enjoyment of the game of baseball. The OKC Dodgers Rookie League intends to help youth to set and work towards common goals, and to build the citizens of tomorrow though character, leadership ability and confidence.

Additionally, the OKC Dodgers Rookie League emphasizes four core values through P.L.A.Y.

Participation

Leadership

Accessibility

Youth Education

To learn more about the OKC Dodgers Rookie League, contact Grant Hansen with Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation by calling (405) 297-1591 or by emailing grant.hansen@okc.gov. The OKC Dodgers can be reached at (405) 218-1000 and more information is available at okcdodgers.com/rookieleague.

Hooks Direct Harvey Funds to Area Youth

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Hooks plan to distribute $113,000 to Little League and youth programs in Rockport, Port Aransas, Refugio, Ingleside, and Aransas Pass.

The resources, generated by the team’s #CoastalBendStrong campaign and Minor League Baseball, will aid the funding of scholarships which cover entry fees and uniform expenses. Monies are also earmarked for new scoreboards and a spring break camp hosted by the Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department.

In addition to cash donations at Whataburger Field, money was raised online at YouCaring.com/CoastalBendStrong.

The Hooks designated a portion of the proceeds from their final homestand of 2017 for Hurricane Harvey relief. During the Labor Day weekend series, fans were offered free parking and “Pay What You Can” seating. Hooks players dedicated their season-long home run dollar earnings to the recovery effort. An autographed Corpus Christi game-worn jersey auction, and the sale of Coastal Bend Strong t-shirts contributed to the initiative.

Ainsworth Trucking also assisted in the collection of critical supplies.

The Akron RubberDucks, Biloxi Shuckers, Lansing Lugnuts and Fort Wayne TinCaps joined the relief effort by sending clothes, toiletries, and other essential items.

“It’s overwhelming when you look at what our neighbors and Minor League Baseball have done to help those greatly affected by the storm,” Hooks general manager Wes Weigle said. “Now is the time to put those funds to good use. We want to lend a hand in making sure kids, who’ve had their world turned upside down, take the field this spring and summer.”

During the offseason, Hooks front-office staffers volunteered in Aransas Pass, Port Aransas, and Rockport, clearing downed trees and debris.

Teams across Minor League Baseball rallied to raise over $300,000 in the aftermath of Harvey and Hurricane Irma. Funds went to the Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group and other relief organizations, including the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and United Way Worldwide.

This announcement also coincides with the launch of the Hooks’ Community Leaders Program. The club is currently seeking to team with corporate partners and civic leaders to support local youth sports initiatives.

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

Media Advisory: RailRiders University Community Series starts April 2

MOOSIC, PA (February 13, 2018) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to announce the
RailRiders University Community Series, presented by Geisinger. Each spring, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
RailRiders welcome local collegiate, high school, little league and special needs teams onto PNC Field to
showcase their talents where the professionals play.

2018 RailRiders University Community Series

April 2- Holy Cross High School vs. Mid Valley High School- 4:30 p.m.
April 4- Holy Redeemer High School vs. Hanover Area High School- 6:00 p.m.
April 8- Lakeland High School vs. Dunmore High School- Immediately after the RailRiders game
Bill Howerton Strike Out Cancer Weekend-
April 14- Scranton High School vs. Crestwood High School- 11 a.m.
Holy Cross High School vs. Holy Redeemer High School- 1:00 p.m.
April 15- Lackawanna College vs. Harford Community College- 12:00 p.m. (doubleheader)
April 22- Lackawanna County Little League games- Times TBD
Northwest Lehigh High School vs. Northern Lehigh High School- Immediately after the RailRiders game
April 28- Lackawanna College vs. Rowan College- 12:00 p.m. (doubleheader)

May 5- Abington Heights High School vs. North Pocono High School- 2:30 p.m.
Scranton High School vs. West Scranton High School- 4:30 p.m.
May 6- Lackawanna Trail High School vs. Mountain View High School- 1:00 p.m.
Valley View High School vs. Honesdale High School- 3:00 p.m.
May 13- Western Wayne High School vs. Carbondale High School- Immediately after the RailRiders game
May 27- PIAA District 2 Championships- 6:00 p.m.
May 28- PIAA District 2 Championships- 6:00 p.m.
May 29- PIAA District 2 Championships- 5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
May 30- PIAA District 2 Championships- 5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

The RailRiders are also proud to host the Wyoming Valley Challenger League as part of the Community
Series at 10 a.m. on May 13, June 10, July 15, 29 and August 5. Additional dates, camps and clinics will be added as the 2018 season approaches.

The RailRiders University Community Series is presented by Geisinger as part of their continued commitment to Northeast Pennsylvania. For more information, please contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL.

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

2018 Meijer Baseball Academy Registration Now Open

SOUTH BEND, IN – With Major League Baseball Spring Training right on the horizon, the South Bend Cubs are excited to open registration for the annual Meijer Baseball Academy. The South Bend Cubs will welcome young baseball players to Four Winds Field to participate in the Academy for two three-day sessions that run from July 11 through July 13, and again from July 25 until July 27.

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

“The Meijer Baseball Academy is an event we look forward to every year,” South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart said. “It’s a chance for young boys and girls who are just getting into the sport to learn proper baseball fundamentals and for the more advanced players to improve their game with the help from the players and coaches in the Chicago Cubs organization. ”

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

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

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 30 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. This year, Four Winds Field, home of the Cubs, was named Ballpark Digest’s Best Single-A ballpark. In 2015, the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

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

Kernels seeking nominations for Kids Heroes Baseball Card Set

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels have partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois (RMHC-EIWI) to release a Kids Heroes Baseball Card Set, sponsored by McDonald’s. The card set will spotlight kids who have used RMHC-EIWI services and showcase some of the incredible kids they meet and serve every day.

The card set will be given away to the first 1,000 fans that enter Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday, June 15th. Those kids selected to appear in the card set and their families will be honored on the field prior to the June 15th game, and will receive four tickets to the game.

The Kernels will begin taking nominations for the Kids Heroes Card Set on Thursday, February 1st. The first 20 submissions will make it into the card set, so we urge people to turn in nominations right away. Nominations will be taken until Friday, March 30th OR until 20 submissions are received.

Nomination forms can be accessed by visiting the Kernels offices during normal business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday) or online by clicking here. A PDF version of the nomination form can be accessed by clicking here. Nominations can be submitted online, or mailed directly to the Kernels offices. Please include a photo of the Kid Hero that will be used on the baseball card, along with the completed nomination form.

For more information on the Kids Heroes Baseball Card set, or to access a nomination form, please contact Jessica Fergesen at (319) 896-7608 or by email at jessica@kernels.com.

Need a Fundraiser? Try Ours!

CORPUS CHRISTI – The 2018 Kleberg Bank College Classic, featuring Mississippi State, University of California-Santa Barbara, Nicholls and host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, is February 23-24-25 at Whataburger Field.

If your club, association, or organization has fundraising needs, we can help.

Your group can sell 2018 Kleberg Bank College Classic tickets and retain half the proceeds!

Including tax, daily adult tickets are $10.83, $5.41 for children 4-12.

To start your Kleberg Bank College Classic fundraiser, contact Zach Kaddatz of the Corpus Christi Hooks at 361-561-HOOK (4665). You can also e-mail him at zkaddatz@cchooks.com

∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙

2018 Kleberg Bank College Classic Schedule

Friday, February 23
Mississippi State vs. UC Santa Barbara, 2 p.m.
Nicholls State vs. Islanders, 6 p.m.

Saturday, February 24
Nicholls State vs. Mississippi State, 2 p.m.
UC Santa Barbara vs. Islanders, 6 p.m.

Sunday, February 25
UC Santa Barbara vs. Nicholls State, 11 a.m.
Mississippi State vs. Islanders, 3 p.m.

Click Here to read more on the 2018 KBCC field.

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

AquaSox Release 2017 Community Relations Report

Everett, WA – The Everett AquaSox Community Fund launched in 2009 to help fund many community projects, with a focus on education, youth programming and youth sports. Since its inception, the Community Fund has donated over $100,000 in grants to Little Leagues, Boys & Girls Clubs and other local organizations.

In 2017, the Everett AquaSox Community fund donated $21,307 in monetary donations to several non-profit organizations and foundations in the area. The Community Fund raises money primarily through auctions at the ballpark. The season featured six different auctions with the first auction being the Relay for Life jersey. In addition to the Relay for Life jersey, there were Pink in the Park hats, 4th of July hats, FrogStock jerseys, Star Wars jerseys and the fan favorite, FROGS faux-throwback jerseys.

Hit-a-Home-Run in Reading Program increased its enrollment to nearly 23,000 students between Snohomish, King, Island and Skagit counties. Students who read “around-the-bases” received a coupon from Alfy’s pizza, Woodland Park Zoo and a ticket to a game with their school.

The AquaSox continued supporting the Challenger League by hosting two games in 2017. Each game allowed every player in the Challenger League to show off their skills at the plate, in the field and on the mound. All the AquaSox players participated in both events after their game.

Webbly and staff participated in multiple events throughout the season. This included Camp Erin, Socktoberfest, Celebrate Schools 5K, National Adoption Day and more! If your organization has an event you would like Webbly or the AquaSox staff to attend, contact Ashlea LaPlant at (425) 258-3673 or at ashleal@aquasox.com.

Click here to vew the complete 2017 Community Relations Report.

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

Tides to continue Youth Field Renovation Project

The Norfolk Tides today announced the return of The Youth Field Makeover Project presented by Orkin, a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff. This field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface, an improvement to existing dugouts, and pest prevention services courtesy of Orkin. The recipient of the makeover will be determined by a fan vote on the Tides Facebook page in late February.

“Our entire organization is excited for this contest to return, and we’re very appreciative of the folks at Orkin for helping to make this project a reality,” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “Baseball is such an integral part of the Hampton Roads community, and we’re happy to do our part in helping children play the game in facilities they can be proud of.”

Those interested in having the Tides make over their facility should submit a picture of their field to Heather McKeating. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief description of why their league’s field should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is February 16, with online voting taking place on the Tides Facebook page from February 19 to February 23.

Since the inaugural renovation in 2012, the Tides have renovated 10 local fields: 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) and Deer Park Youth Field (Newport News).

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 “community” section.

The Tides will open the regular season on Friday, April 6th with a 7:05 p.m. contest vs. Gwinnett. Season tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2018 season. For pricing and additional information, visit the Harbor Park box office, call (757) 622-2222 or visit NorfolkTides.com.

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.

Ports Release 2017 Community Relations Report

STOCKTON, Calif.- Through the organization’s non-profit sector, the Anchor Fund, the Ports gave $32,464 in monetary donations and nearly $240,000 of in-kind donations to local non-profits within the San Joaquin community in 2017. Through various fundraisers held at Banner Island Ballpark, the Ports were able to raise almost $11,000 with the help of generous fans.

The revenue-leading event was the eleventh annual Pink Night, in which $5,493 benefited Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Additional fundraisers included Root Beer Float Day and Youth Baseball Camps presented by Amy L. Scriven, DDS., and Anchor Fund Weekend.

The Ports also had over 50,000 individuals participate in community programs such as Silver Sluggers presented by SCAN Health Plan, Amy L. Scriven, DDS. Kids’ Club, Baseball by the Books courtesy of Smack Pie Pizza, and the Summer Reading Program in partnership with San Joaquin County Libraries. Additionally, the Ports teamed up with Valley First Credit Union for this year’s Community Corner. Valley First donated 625 tickets to the Anchor Fund, and the Ports matched that donation for tickets to be distributed in the community.

Through these outreach programs, the Ports were able to provide people of all ages with donated or discounted tickets.

New to the 2017 season, the Ports partnered with Sutter Gould Medical Foundation to create a program called “Community Person of the Month,” in which select members of the local community were recognized in a monthly pre-game ceremony and a $500 donation was made to a non-profit organization of each recipient’s choice.

Finally, the Ports’ mascot, members of the front office, and Ports players were out in the community approximately 180 days out of the 2017 calendar year for events such as Little League Opening Ceremonies, school and library visits, grassroots events, and more.

“We are proud of the impact the Ports Community Department has made in the city of Stockton and beyond, in conjunction with the many people and organizations in our market,” said President Pat Filippone. “Over the 10 years since we’ve established the Anchor Fund, the Ports have remained committed to supporting the community and we look forward to growing upon this season’s success in the upcoming year.

The Stockton Ports’ Anchor Fund was established in early 2007 and has helped support many community projects, with a primary focus on youth centers and youth sports. The charitable fund reflects and reaffirms the Ports’ commitment to strengthening the community using baseball and entertainment as a backdrop, with 457 non-profit organizations receiving donations in 2017.

To view the Community Relations Report and receive ticket information on the 2018 season, please visit www.stocktonports.com.

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

Aces Donate $303,046 to 650 Groups in Northern Nevada, California

RENO, Nev. – Since the Reno Aces Baseball Club’s inception in 2009, the club has maintained a dedicated focus on making a positive impact in Reno and the surrounding Northern Nevada region. The Aces posted record-breaking charitable donations in 2017, thanks to overwhelming support from Aces fans and the community.

“In return to our great fans and wonderful community, we strive to impact Reno and Northern Nevada through a variety of programs and charitable donations,” said Reno Aces and Reno 1868 FC president Eric Edelstein. “Our vision builds on making Greater Nevada Field more than just a sporting venue, but a center for community empowerment and celebration.”

The Aces and their staff focused on four key components to the club’s overall community impact: baseball development, community events at Greater Nevada Field, community outreach and in-game fundraising and awareness.

BASEBALL DEVELOPMENT

In 2017, the Aces showed their continued support to baseball at all levels locally by hosting youth baseball fundraising programs and high school games at Greater Nevada Field.

$15,000: The Reno Aces and University of Nevada Baseball team played its annual exhibition game prior to the first game of the season. This game provides not only an opportunity for our players to get back in the game, but gives Nevada Baseball the experience of playing on a professional field and a fundraising source. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales of that night’s game are donated to the Nevada Dugout Club. This season, the Reno Aces donated $15,000.

Youth Baseball & Softball Days: The Reno Aces partnered with multiple Northern Nevada and California Little League and softball leagues to provide on-field inspiration and once-in-a-lifetime experiences through Reno Aces Youth Baseball and Softball Days. Youth teams attend a Reno Aces game, parade around the field pre-game and have their team’s name announced by the PA announcer for all of those in attendance to hear. In addition, the Reno Aces staff and mascot, Archie, attend each leagues’ opening ceremonies and bring baseball into more communities.

$54,000: For the past nine seasons, the Aces invited local high schools to play regular-season games at Greater Nevada Field. To participate in the program, high schools committed to purchasing 500 tickets (good for any Aces regular season home game) to sell to local community supporters, with the proceeds benefiting their respective school’s athletic program. Twelve high school baseball programs participated in 2017, and a total of 4,500 tickets were sold, equating to $54,000 in donations.

COMMUNITY EVENTS AT GREATER NEVADA FIELD

In 2017, the Aces and Greater Nevada Field hosted multiple programs and events, ranging from the Biggest Little Startup Fair to Trick-or-Suite prior to Halloween. A few major events are highlighted below:

30: Biggest Little Startup Fair, benefiting the Northern Nevada Community – Greater Nevada Field hosted the Biggest Little Startup Fair for a fourth consecutive year. The fair is a cooperative effort between 30 Reno startup companies, the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, the University of Nevada and Truckee Meadows Community College. Students from across Northern Nevada were given the opportunity to meet potential employers and find out about volunteer opportunities, internships and job openings.

City of Reno Stuff-A-Buss- In 2017, Greater Nevada Field again hosted the City of Reno Stuff-A-Buss event to benefit local senior citizens in need. The Regional Transportation System parks a bus in front of Greater Nevada Field from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in an effort to “stuff the buss” with new and unused items. Upon donation, those who donated received free Aces tickets or free skate rental to the Reno Ice Rink.

Trick-or-Suite, benefiting the Food Bank of Northern Nevada – The Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field hosted the fifth annual Trick-or-Suite event to provide a safe trick-or-treating environment for children in the Northern Nevada community. Aces community partners assisted in decorating the NVision Glass Suite Level and passed out candy to local children. Attendees donated a total of $972, an increase of 77% from 2016, and over 1,100 pounds of canned and boxed food equating to 1,948 meals.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The Aces heightened focus on community outreach paid dividends in 2017.

2017 monetary donations: $36,075.00

Archie’s Kids Club – Since the inaugural season, the Aces have provided Archie’s Kids Club to Aces fans between the ages of 3 and 12. For the third consecutive season, Kids Club has been free to these fan to provide as many individuals as possible the gift of Aces Baseball including: Access to the lovable Aces mascot, Archie continued education of the game of baseball, a t-shirt, exclusive Kids Club event invites, personal e-mails from Archie and much more. In 2017, over 1,100 young Aces fans participated in Kids Club.

Nevada Humane Society – In the fall of 2014, the Aces fostered Princess, a pit bull from the Nevada Humane Society, in effort to get her adopted and begin the organization’s goal to be ambassadors for not only pit bulls, but all animals in need of a home. After five months of no potential adopters, the organization officially adopted Princess and crowned her the “Princess of the Field.” This year, the Reno Aces continued to sell Princess Plush toys in the Team Shop. Overall, over 150 Princess Plush Toys were sold and approximately $3,200 will be donated to the Humane Society.

In-Kind Donations/Donation Requests- Throughout the year, the Reno Aces donated tickets, memorabilia, mascot appearances, merchandise and ice skating admissions to as many organizations in the Northern Nevada and California communities as possible. Donated items are used for members of those organizations to raise funds for their cause, provide awards and spread the love of baseball. The Aces donated to 650 organizations, totaling over $182,818.

 IN-GAME FUNDRAISING AND AWARENESS

The Aces hit a home run with their in-game fundraising and awareness in 2017, with fundraising totals reaching $87,353.00.

Saint Mary’s Home Run For Life – In 2017, Saint Mary’s Home Run for Life returned for a fifth consecutive season. Once a month, a brave individual in the Northern Nevada Community was honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases with each team lining the baselines. The ceremony symbolizes the end of a battle against adversity. Individuals honored had overcome a significant medical event in their life with the help of their families, physicians and healthcare professionals. Five individuals were honored during the 2017 season.

Non-Profit Ticket Fundraising Program Presented by Greater Nevada Credit Union – The Non-Profit ticket Fundraising Program presented by GNCU returned for the fourth consecutive season, with over 100 organizations participating in 2017. Available to non-profit organizations, schools, sports teams, special causes and community organizations, the Aces provide tickets and fundraising materials for groups to sell game tickets at a value price in the effort to make the attributed organization the most money possible. Groups also receive a variety of benefits to spread awareness about their cause during their game, depending on the number of tickets sold. This season, non-profit organizations raised $77,000.

JAKKS Pacific Home Run for the Holidays,- For the sixth consecutive year, the Reno Aces partnered with JAKKS Pacific, Inc., and Reno 1868 FC to donate toys to help less-fortunate children living in Northern Nevada. This holiday season, 2,000 toys were donated to organizations in the Reno-Sparks/Carson community assisting at risk and in need youth. Since 2011, JAKKS Pacific has donated over 44,500 toys to the Northern Nevada community.

To view the entire 2017 Community Impact Report click the link.

The Aces will begin their 2018 campaign on April 5th against the Fresno Grizzlies at Greater Nevada Field. 2018 Aces ticket packages are on-sale now at www.renoaces.com or by calling (775) 334-4700. Follow the club during the offseason on Twitter (@Aces) or like the team on Facebook.

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

Cedar Rapids Kernels release 2017 Community Report

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Kernels have released their second annual report showcasing how the organization supported the Cedar Rapids community in 2017.

The eleven page report features new community programs “Catch with a Cop” and “Home Run for Hunger” while also breaking down the $256,000 in charitable donations contributed by the Kernels organization. Other highlights include a recap on the thriving “Kernels Summer Reading Program” and a page dedicated to The Kernels Foundation in their efforts in supporting recreational activities for the youth in Eastern Iowa.

“The work we do in Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities is something we are very proud of.” says Ryne George, Kernels Director of Community Relations. “Back in 2016 we started the “Take the Lead” community relations initiative to help brand our efforts and today it has really grown into a way of thinking here at the ballpark and pushes us to do more.”

The 2017 Cedar Rapids Kernels Community Report can be viewed by clicking here.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. For more information, visit www.kernels.com and follow the Kernels on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

PawSox Infielder Mike Miller Refurbishes Field in Hawaii with “More Than A Game”

When the grueling “every day” grind of a baseball season finally comes to an end, rarely do players opt to spend more time away from their families, and impact communities that they often have no connection to. After going back to his home in California at the conclusion of the 2017 PawSox season, Mike Miller began preparing for a new venture in Hawaii, where plans to refurbish a field on the Big Island would soon come to fruition.

Miller was awarded with the PawSox’ Sullivan Tire Community Spirit Award in 2017, an award given to a PawSox player who goes above and beyond in the Rhode Island Community. His most notable community efforts came over the All-Star Break when his comrades from “More Than A Game” flew to Pawtucket, and together refurbished Pawtucket’s Fairlawn Little League Field with PawSox Front Office members.

Also known as MTAG, More Than A game is an organization that uses baseball to impact lives domestically and around the world through field construction, equipment donation, and instructional clinics. The project executed in Hilo, Hawaii was their sixth community service project of the year, including the group’s efforts in Pawtucket.

“Mike continues to exemplify what ‘More Than A Game’ is all about,” said Marshall Murray, Miller’s longtime friend, and President/CEO of More Than A Game. “His leadership and inspiration impacts the game of baseball and communities no matter where we go.”

Miller and his team rolled up their sleeves in Hilo, Hawaii, and got back to work this November. Placing down new field turface, installing a new practice mound, and donating a beautiful new set of bleachers were all some of the more notable changes made to the field on the Big Island. Their efforts concluded with a Youth Clinic put on for over 50 kids from the Big Island’s Boys and Girls Club— Kids who will all be able to enjoy the newly conditioned field for years to come.

“Mike Miller is one of the most community-minded baseball players I have had the pleasure to meet,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “Mike’s love of the game, and his desire to attract young people to our game, was illustrated when he spent his All-Star Break physically fixing a field in Pawtucket, and now he’s spending precious off-season days refurbishing a diamond in Hawaii. He embodies the organization to which he is dedicated: ‘More Than a Game.’ He has our admiration, respect, and gratitude.”

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

Jays Donate Equipment To Youth In Nicaragua

The Blue Jays were in a hurry following their Florida State League North Division Championship victory over the Tampa Yankees in early September. Hurricane Irma was bearing down on Florida, forcing the FSL to cancel it’s championship series and cram the final two games of the North Division championship into a doubleheader, and most of the team was set to be shuttled to the airport as soon as they got their bags packed following Dunedin’s title win.

Despite their tight schedule and the emotions piling up in the room, the euphoria from having just won a championship, the anxiety from the impending hurricane, and the sadness always found at the end of a long season bidding farewell to teammates and friends, the 2017 Dunedin Blue Jays team united for one final community service project before they parted ways.

The team pulled a large cardboard box into the clubhouse and began filling it with their equipment. When it overflowed with cleats, bats, hats, batting gloves, and other gear, they grabbed a second box to hold even more equipment to be donated to youth baseball players in need.

This past week, the Blue Jays equipment was transported to Nicaragua and distributed to youth baseball players and teams.

Despite baseball being the national sport of the Central American country, civil war, natural disasters, and poverty have created conditions that make it difficult for young ballplayers to access the basic equipment needed to play the game at a high level. Only fourteen Nicaraguans have ever played in the Major Leagues and just three appeared in an MLB game during the 2017 season. With three quarters of the country living on less than $2 per day, sports equipment is simply too expensive for most families.

Partnering with the non-profit Helping Kids Round First and the St. Petersburg College baseball team, the Blue Jays helped make it possible for children in the impoverished Somotillo and Somoto regions of northern Nicaragua and young athletes in the city of Rivas to play the game of baseball. Players ranging in ages from 5 to 16 were provided with gloves, bats, hats, batting gloves, baseballs, cleats, and catching gear, many receiving those items for the first time in their lives.

In northern Nicaragua, the equipment was delivered in small communities of subsistence farmers where highly competitive youth baseball leagues are played on livestock grazing land between villages. Too excited to even wait for the pastures to be cleared of animals to play, bullpen sessions broke out next to bean fields outside of the farmers’ houses.

When volunteers arrived in Rivas, the team chosen to receive equipment was in the middle of a sandlot game with two dirt-blackened baseballs and a single hand-made wooden bat. Players on both sides shared fielding gloves. Within minutes of receiving their new equipment, the ballplayers had returned to the field, too anxious to try out their new gloves and bats to be herded together for a photo.

For many players, Dunedin is a step on the path to a Major League career. Thanks to the generosity of the 2017 Blue Jays players, Dunedin has helped young baseball players in Nicaragua take the first step towards a career in baseball that otherwise would not have been possible.

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

Fightins and Rip it Batting Cages Announce Baseballtown Baseball Classic

(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils are excited to announce a new partnership with Rip It Batting Cages and Baseball Skill Training and the 2018 Baseballtown Baseball Classic.

The 2018 Baseballtown Baseball Classic will welcome the most amateur baseball games to America’s Classic Ballpark in the stadium’s long history! The collection of games will be known as the 2018 Baseballtown Baseball Classic, and will give the Citizens of Baseballtown an unprecedented opportunity to not only enjoy 70 Fightins home games, but also many terrific amateur games at the historic ballpark. Thanks to Rip It’s sponsorship, the Fightins will host the following amateur baseball games at FirstEnergy Stadium:

  • Wilson High School vs. Governor Mifflin High School – Sunday, April 29th at 6:00pm
  • Albright College vs. Kutztown University, Date TBD
  • Baseballtown BCIAA High School Semi-Finals (2) – Tuesday, May 15th
  • Baseballtown BCIAA High School Championship – Thursday, May 17th
  • PIAA District 3 High School Championship Games – Thursday, May 31st
  • Baseballtown High School All Star Game, Date TBD
  • Additional High School Game Dates are Available!
  • More game dates will be announced at a later time.

The most exciting aspect about Rip It’s sponsorship is that it gives additional area high schools the opportunity to play at America’s Classic Ballpark! The high school games are designed to be a gathering for the two competing towns, as is the case with the Wilson vs. Governor Mifflin game on April 29th. In that example, both the Wilson Youth Baseball and Softball program, and the Mifflin Area Youth Baseball Association, have partnered for what guarantees to be an amazing event. Before the high school game, every youth baseball player in the Mifflin Youth Baseball program, along with every member of the Governor Mifflin Middle School and High School teams (Freshman, JV and Varsity) will be introduced on the field. Following that, every youth baseball and softball player in the Wilson Youth Baseball and Softball program, along with every member of the Wilson West Middle School, Wilson Southern Middle School and Wilson High School baseball and softball teams (Freshman, JV and Varsity) will be introduced on the field. In addition, both the Mifflin Area Youth Baseball Association and the Wilson Youth Baseball and Softball Program will host their player photo sessions at FirstEnergy Stadium that day. The event guarantees that every baseball and softball player from both school districts will be introduced, and then watch the Wilson High School vs. Governor Mifflin High School baseball game that evening. Other area High School baseball teams, and youth organizations, are encouraged to contact Stephen Thomas at the Reading Fightin Phils to schedule their High School game, and youth photo day! Stephen can be reached at sthomas@fightins.com, or at 610-370-BALL, ext. 213. A limited number of game dates are still available, and Rip It Batting Cages and Baseball Skill Training underwrites much of the cost.

“We can’t thank Rip It Batting Cages and Baseball Skill Training enough”, said Scott Hunsicker, General Manager of the Reading Fightin Phils. “Thanks to their sponsorship, the 2018 Baseballtown Baseball Classic looks to welcome literally thousands of high school and youth baseball and softball players to FirstEnergy Stadium. We have this wonderful baseball facility, and the thought was how we can open the field up to even more area baseball and softball players. We sincerely hope many more high schools and youth baseball and softball programs will partner together, like Wilson and Mifflin have.”

Rip It Batting Cages and Baseball Skill Training is located at 1037 MacArthur Road in Reading, PA, near Reading Airport (it is the former home of Grand Slam USA). The facility is owned and operated by Mike Spidale and Eric Valent, two Baseballtown Hall of Famers who played for the Reading Fightin Phils. As part of Rip It’s sponsorship of the 2018 Baseballtown Baseball Classic, youth baseball and softball players that attend the games will also receive free hitting tokens for the Rip It batting cages. More information about Rip It Batting Cages and Baseball Skill Training can be found at ripit.org.

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Season tickets for the 2018 season 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.