Baseball Buddies Program Better Than Ever

The Red Wings Baseball Buddies program has been revamped in 2016 thanks to our friends at Dairy Queen!

Want your team to take the field in uniform before a Red Wings game? How does 10 FREE tickets sound? Or how about a FREE Wings cap for all your players?

As part of the Baseball Buddies program, your Little League team…

  • will be introduced individually over the PA system prior to first pitch.
  • will stand with the Red Wings players and coaches for the National Anthem.
  • receives 10 FREE tickets.
  • gets a FREE Red Wings cap for each player.
  • receives coupons for a FREE Blizzard at Dairy Queen

Need more than 10 tickets? Additional tickets are available for friends and family of the team at the discount group rate.

Sign your team up today by contacting Bob Craig at (585) 454-1001 ext. 3021 or email him.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

Promotions || Schedule || Ballpark Birthdays || Knot Hole Gang Kids Club

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

Darnell honored for his community service

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Rochester Red Wings starting pitcher Logan Darnell made significant contributions both on and off the baseball diamond in 2014. Along with combining on a no-hitter for the Red Wings and making his Major League debut with the Minnesota Twins, Darnell has been named co-winner of the John L. Seebach Volunteer Award as announced by the Federation of Social Workers. Darnell has been named a co-winner along with Larry and Jane Glazer.

Darnell, 25, will be honored at the 10th Annual Human Service Worker of the Year Awards Luncheon hosted by the Federation of Social Workers on November 7 at the Joseph Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Red Wings President/CEO/COO Naomi Silver will be accepting the award on behalf of Darnell.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Darnell. “Giving back to the community is something that is very important to me, the Red Wings and the entire Twins organization. Rochester is a great baseball town and a wonderful place to call home during the summer months.”

In his second season with the Wings, the southpaw endeared himself to the Rochester community. Despite the rigors of a 144-game minor league baseball schedule — which includes just eight off days — Darnell made more than 15 appearances at various community events throughout the year — a number that easily led the team and made him the runaway winner as the Red Wings “Most Civic-Minded” player and the Twins Harmon Killebrew Award honoree for the Rochester club.

“Logan had to lead the league in community appearances this season,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “He’s been a great ambassador for the Red Wings and the City of Rochester in his time here.”

The majority of Darnell’s appearances came at various local little leagues and camps. A few of his more notable appearances included the Challenger Baseball World Series held at Frontier Field, The Mary Cariola Children’s Center and The Dave Clark D3 event held at the ballpark in August.

Darnell, who went 7-6 with a 3.60 ERA in 23 games (19 starts) for Rochester, made his Major League debut with the Twins on May 6 this season. He also combined with Trevor May on the 22nd no-hitter in Rochester franchise history, throwing the final six innings on August 11 vs. Durham.

Other notable award recipients at this year’s luncheon include RPD Officer Daryl Pierson and his partner Officer Mike DiPaola (Human Service Worker Courage Award) and New York State Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy (Human Service Worker Lifetime Achievement Award).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rochester Red Wings. Click here to view the original story.

E-Twins Look To Impact Area Youth

Minor League Baseball has much to offer all age groups but this season E-Twins staff are focusing on youth with a variety of promotions and stadium ticket packages. “We are extremely excited about this season and the impact we can have on our area youth,” said Mike Mains, General Manager. “We have put together a nice package of promotions for all ages but especially for our youth as we hope parents will notice the inexpensive family entertainment that they can enjoy this summer at Joe O’Brien Field.”

With hundreds of local youth participating in baseball and softball programs throughout our area the Twins are offering free youth team baseball and softball parties at Joe O’Brien Field. Admission is free to all players and coaches and parents will enter at a discounted rate of $3.00. In addition to free admission, teams will be announced during pre-game ceremonies and they will take the field during the National Anthem with the E-Twins.

Throughout this season the E-Twins have scheduled several weekly promotions that will give families an opportunity to enjoy an inexpensive night at the ballpark including Tuesday Dollar Nights and Kids Eat Free Wednesday’s. Sponsored by UDC and WCQR Tuesday Dollar Nights will feature $1.00 admission for all along with $1.00 hotdogs, programs and a few other concession items all sold for $1.00. While Wednesday night games this season will feature a free meal for all kids under the age of twelve.

Continuing a long standing tradition the Elizabethton Twins will host two free baseball clinics for area youth including the Todd Walker Baseball Clinic held at Joe O’Brien Field on July 11 and the Blue Gray’s Baseball Clinic held at Historic Blue Grays Field located at Douglas Park on August 1st. Youth between the ages of 6 and 14 will receive instruction in baseball fundamentals, meet E-Twins players and lunch will be provided.

Joe O’Brien Field has much to offer including a great setting for birthday parties and a unique family fun package which offers four reserved seats, four hotdogs with drinks, four programs and one individual in the family will be allowed to throw out the first pitch. This special package will provide a great night of baseball fun and memories for years to come.

The Elizabethton Junior Twins Club is another youth program the E-Twins are proud of. Club membership offers a reduce rate for a season ticket pass to all 34 home games, a Twins tee-shirt and an invitation to a pre-game cookout with E-Twins players.

“The Elizabethton Twins have a great deal to offer our youth,” said Mike Mains. “When you look at the number of families that have kids in this area participating in youth sports its really amazing and then you have this team that is a showcase of future major league stars it’s really special. I just hope parents will see what we have to offer and the great opportunity they have to build a natural love for this game by bringing their children to Joe O’Brien Field.” The E-Twins have produced some great talent through the years including one former 2012 player in Byron Buxton who is right now the number one prospect in Major League Baseball.

For ticket information and other promotional event information call the Elizabethton Twins at 423-547-6441.

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

Storm Chasers Participating in Omaha Gives! on May 20

Charitable challenge benefits the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. – Last season the Omaha Storm Chasers and the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha, the charitable arm of the organization, participated in Omaha Gives! for the first time. On May 20, the Storm Front Team Store will be the home for the charitable challenge from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Omaha Gives! is a 24-hour, online giving event organized by the Omaha Community Foundation to grow philanthropy in Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie counties, with the goal to inspire the community to come together for 24 hours to contribute as many charitable dollars as possible to support the work of local non-profit organizations participating. Those interested in donating to the Home Run Foundation can do so online at www.omahagives24.org from midnight to midnight on May 20 with a minimum donation of $10.

As a part of the Omaha non-profit community, the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha seeks to raise funds for their charitable contributions that benefit sports and recreational activities with a focus on youth. In addition to donating online, the event at the Storm Front Team Store will reward fans for donating to the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha. Full details for the event:

  • 50 Mystery Autographed Baseballs to be given out to those who donate $20 or more. Autographs include Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and more.
  • 30% off at the Storm Front Team Store (in store only on full-priced items, some exclusions apply)

All attendees at the Storm Front Team Store will have the chance to speak with representatives of the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha and learn about the various programs involved in the organization before donating.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

2015 Rome Braves Baseball Camp

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The Rome Braves will host our annual Baseball Camp this year on June 1-3. The cost is $150 per camper and the camp is open to children ages 4-14. Each camper will receive:

  • Instruction by members of the 2015 Rome Braves Baseball Team and Staff
  • One ticket to the game each night of camp
  • On-field recognition prior to the June 4 game
  • Official camp t-shirt and lunch served daily
  • Certificate of Achievement

Call the Rome Braves ticket office at 706-378-5100 for more information. Be sure to register your child as soon as possible to ensure a spot. Click HERE for registration form.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rome Braves. Click here to view the original story.

Loons, MBF Team Up for Baseball Camps

Clinics focus on skill development, coached by Loons

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MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation is pleased to announce the dates of this season’s Loons Summer Baseball Camps – presented by Culver’s of Midland & Mt. Pleasant – at Dow Diamond. The first two-day camp will be held June 17-18.

The camps will pair participants with professional players and coaches from the Great Lakes Loons in a strong learning environment. Loons manager Luis Matos will serve as Camp Director.

Campers will learn various aspects of hitting, throwing, fielding and pitching while being instructed in the characteristics that define successful baseball players. The drills taught will be the same ones utilized by the coaches and player personnel of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Great Lakes Loons.

Loons Summer Baseball Camp Dates
June 17 & 18 (ages 7-12) • July 8 & 9 (ages 7-12)

As part of the camp, each participant will receive two days of instruction from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Campers will also receive a camp t-shirt and two tickets to a Loons game that will take place following the second day of instruction. All campers will be invited on the field for a special pre-game recognition.

Each two-day Loons Summer Baseball Camp is $90 per person with all proceeds benefiting the Michigan Baseball Foundation. A portion of the entry fee is tax deductible.

All interested parties should reserve their spot now as space is limited. To secure a spot or to obtain more information, please contact Amy Charboneau at 989-837-6137, cpmpone@loons.com or Aaron Cole at 989-837-6148, cpmptwo@loons.com. Fans can also visit Loons.com. You can download a registration form here.

Through your support at Loons games, the Michigan Baseball Foundation has been able to award $829,486 to youth baseball leagues, schools and other deserving non-profit organizations throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. To continue its economic and charitable impact and to meet its obligations as a public charity, MBF must raise annual funds from public support.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and public charity, which was formed in 2006 to generate regional economic development through creative partnerships and grants and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a ninth-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

River Cats, Access Leisure Present 14th Annual “Baseball for All” Skills Clinic

Free Baseball Skills Clinic to be Held at River Cats Independence Field

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Sacramento River Cats, in partnership with the City of Sacramento and Access Leisure, are excited to participate in this weekend’s 14th annual “Baseball for All” free skills clinic at River Cats Independence Field. The clinic will take place this Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The “Baseball for All” clinic is run in part by current members of the River Cats. Players will work with and coach the junior athletes in attendance in basic skills and other baseball fundamentals. The clinic is open to youth with disabilities age four through school age. The clinic is held at the fully accessible River Cats Independence Field, located at the Sam Pannell Community Center.

“‘Baseball for All’ is one of our favorite community events, not just for us, but for the players, as well,” said River Cats President, Jeff Savage. “We all look forward every year to coming out here to River Cats Independence Field and connecting through the sport we all love. It’s impactful for everyone involved and we couldn’t be more excited.”

In addition to hands-on coaching with current River Cats players, each participant will receive a “Baseball for All” tee shirt. Lunch will also be provided for participants and their parent/guardian. In addition, each ballplayer will receive two tickets to a River Cats home game at Raley Field. Additional tickets will be available through the Round Table Pizza Ticket Office at Raley Field.

Pre-registration is required for athletes to participate in the clinic. The registration form can be found online at cityofsacramento.org.

River Cats Independence Field opened in 2005 and has hosted the “Baseball for All” clinic since 2006. Located in South Sacramento, the River Cats Independence Field baseball diamond is resurfaced with a custom rubberized turf, similar to that used for the track and field surfaces in the Paralympics. The River Cats Foundation and River Cats Baseball contributed cash, goods, and services totaling more than $250,000 to River Cats Independence Field to help in its construction and upkeep.

***

The Sacramento River Cats are the Triple-A affiliate of the 2014 World Champion San Francisco Giants. The team plays at Raley Field in West Sacramento, consistently voted one of the top ballparks in America. River Cats Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, and Flex Plans can be purchased for the 2015 season by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). For more information about the River Cats, visitwww.rivercats.com. For information on other events at Raley Field, visitwww.raleyfield.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Sacramento River Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Little League Day

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Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Yankees will host their annual Pepsi Cola Little League Day at Steinbrenner Filed on Sunday, May 3rd when they take on the Lakeland Flying Tigers at 1:00 PM.

The first 250 fans to enter the stadium will receive a Collector’s Pepsi Cola Yankees Pin. All guests wearing their Little League uniforms will receive free admission from the Box Office (players and coaches).

There will be Food Trucks that will be serving food outside of the stadium beginning at 11:00AM. Food Trucks participating will be Tasty Stacy, Sarge’s BBQ, Disco Donuts, Kona Ice, Enjoi Sweets & Company, Hott Mess, and Street Surfer. After the game, the Tampa Yankees invite kids, ages 14 and under, to run the bases on Steinbrenner Field.

Palma Ceia Little League Challenger Teams will play a game on Steinbrenner Field after the Tampa Yankees game concludes. The Tampa Yankees Actively assist youth baseball and softball programs in the Tampa area to promote the Little League Mission, developing qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork, and physical well-being.

Tickets are $4 for general admission, $6 for reserved seating. Fan can also purchase the Sonny’s BBQ 2-Pack for $20. It includes 2 reserved ticket, 2 Sonny’s BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, 2 sides of mac & cheese, 2 drinks and 2 passes to The Florida Aquarium and can only be purchased at the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single A-Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information you may contact the Tampa Yankees offices at (813)-673-3055 or visit www.tybaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tampa Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

Learn from the pros at Fifth Third Field this summer

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It’s your chance to hit, catch, throw and run the bases at Fifth Third Field, under the guidance and instruction of current Mud Hens players and coaches. The 2015 Future Mud Hen Baseball Camps and Clinics are back and better than ever! Hone your skills to become a future Mud Hen!

The schedule is set:

  • May 23: Future Mud Hen Skills Camp
  • June 20: Future Mud Hen Special Needs Field of Dreams Clinic
  • July 8-10: Future Mud Hen Three-Day Skills Camp
  • July 18: Future Mud Hen Adult and Child Skills Clinic
  • Aug 4-6: Future Mud Hen Three-Day Skills Camp

For more information about the camps and clinics, click HERE. Contact Tyler Clark by phone at 419-725-HENS or email at tclark@mudhens.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toldeo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Blue Wahoos Renovate Bill Gregory Park

The Blue Wahoos front office renovated Bill Gregory Park’s fields on Monday.

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PENSACOLA, Fla., – Members of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos front office renovated Bill Gregory Park’s tee-ball field on Monday as part of MLB’s RBI program. Renovations included measuring and moving the bases and mounds, mowing the grass, edging the dirt areas, picking up trash and painting the dugouts.

“We couldn’t have been happier about getting out into the community and helping with the tee-ball field at Bill Gregory, in support of MLB’s RBI program,” said Director of Guest Services and Community Relations Donna Kirby. “We have such a dedicated staff that truly cares about improving our community and making a difference in people’s lives, so it’s truly a pleasure for us to carve out time out of our calendars for this very worthwhile project each year. Bottom line, giving back to the community, it’s the #WahoosLife.”

After making the tee-ball field safer and up to code, the staff worked on the two other fields at the park.

“We were happy to help spruce up these fields today,” said Director of Sports Turf Management Ray Sayre. “Today’s young players are the future of the game of baseball. I hope to see some of these kids playing on a Big League field one day.”

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are committed to giving back to the local community and dedicated fans. The field refurbishment is part of the organization’s partnership with Major League Baseball’s RBI program – Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities. Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities focuses on youth outreach by fostering the growth of young ballplayers on and off the field.

–www.bluewahoos.com–

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Click here to view the original story.

Kroger Baseball Buddies Program Returns to Fifth Third Field

Take the Field with the Dragons!

Visit your local Kroger store to sign up for a chance to be a Baseball Buddy! Kids (ages 7-13) who are randomly selected as winners will get the experience of a lifetime! To enter, look for the display at your local Kroger store (at the Customer Service Desk).

The Kroger Baseball Buddies experience includes:

  • Hanging out in the dugout during pre-game to meet the Dragons players
  • Getting autographs and photos with the Dragons team
  • Being introduced over the PA like a player
  • Running out on the field with the team before that day’s game

Kroger Baseball Buddies will also receive several gifts including:

  • A replica Dragons jersey
  • Dragons baseball hat
  • Drawstring backpack
  • Dragons pen and baseball to be autographed
  • And more!

One lucky baseball buddy will win a free kickball game to be played at Fifth Third Field with 20 of their friends and Dragons players!

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

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Dayton Dragons. Click here to view the original story.

Crawdads Barkley Baseball Camps

Free clinic April 25th; Paid camp July 14th – 17th

 

Hickory, NC – The Hickory Crawdads and Barkley Baseball School are once again teaming up to provide fans with both a free, one day clinic and a four-day, paid camp this season at L.P. Frans Stadium.

The Free Clinic is scheduled for Saturday, April 25th from 10am – 12:15 pm. Fans ages 5-14 will receive training from both the Barkley Baseball School instructors and Crawdads players, while also taking home a free ticket to that night’s ‘Dads game.

The four-day, paid Baseball Camp will run from Tuesday, July 14th through Friday, July 17th. In addition to the in-depth instruction from Barkley teachers and Crawdads players every day from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, attendees of the camp will receive a baseball camp t-shirt, a free meal each day, a ticket to every ‘Dads game during the camp, and a pre-game parade around the field on July 17th.

Registration for the Baseball Camp is only $80 for Claw Club members and $99 for non-members until June 26th. The fee rises to $115 from June 27th – July 13th, and is $130 if paid the day of the camp.

For more information or to register for either the Free Clinic or paid Baseball Camp, contact the Crawdads front office at (828) 322-3000.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Hickory Crawdads. Click here to view the original story.

MBF Announces 2015 Grant Recipients

22 organizations are part of 2015 grant class

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MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation (MBF) is pleased to announce that 22 organizations are part of its 2015 grant class. The 2015 grant total is $108,477.

At Olson Park in Saginaw County, Heritage High School Athletics will install two scoreboards with an $8,000 grant. The Mt. Pleasant School District in Isabella County received $6,900 for construction of a press box at their athletic complex. Improvements to the horse arena at the Bay County Fair and Youth Expo received 6,858 this year. In Tuscola County, the Reese High School softball program received $5,000 to build batting cages for their teams to use.

Since 2008, the Michigan Baseball Foundation has awarded 231 grants to deserving non-profit organizations across 14 counties, bringing the grant program’s total to $829,491 since its inception.

The Foundation began its eighth annual grant process in April 2014 and solicited grant applications from non-profit organizations throughout the region. All applicants were required to meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflected the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation was organized:

•   The organization contributes to regional economic development.
•   The organization is based in Mid-Michigan and serves young people.
•   The organization promotes amateur sports and fitness

The 2016 grant session begins Monday, April 20, 2015 and applications will be accepted until February 19, 2016. For more information, contact Eric Ramseyer at 989.837.6166, or at eramseyer@loons.com.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and public charity, which was formed in 2006 to generate regional economic development and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people through creative partnerships and grants. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Foundation received its initial funding from The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, The Dow Corning Corporation, The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation and The Bill and Linda Stavropoulos Foundation.

Full list of grant recipients (by county):

Bay County

Bay City Central High School – $5,000
Bay City Northeast Little League – $3,770
Bay County Fair and Youth Expo – $6,858

Gratiot County

Breckenridge Little League Association – $1,755

Isabella County

Mt. Pleasant School District – $6,900

Midland County

Chippewa Nature Center – $4,900
Edenville Township – $2,834
FRC Team 2619 – $1,900
HH Dow H.S. All Sports Booster Club – $4,550
Midland Center for the Arts – $4,764
Midland Public Schools; Midland High School – $4,000
Midland Speed Skating Club – $5,000
Momentum Midland – $20,000
Sanford Youth League – $4,900

Saginaw County

Carrollton Township Recreation – $4,800
Hemlock Boosters – $1,763
Heritage High School Athletics – $8,000
Mid‐Michigan Children’s Museum – $1,200
Saginaw Community Foundation – $2,583
Swan Valley Little League – $5,000
YMCA of Saginaw – $3,000

Tuscola County

Reese High School Softball – $5,000

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

Smokies To Renovate Youth Fields Saturday

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Club Teaming Up With U.S. Cellular To Pitch In For Local Community

Tennessee-Smokies-2015Members of the Tennessee Smokies front office will be teaming up with U.S. Cellular and other partners to help clean up and renovate two East Tennessee baseball fields on Saturday, March 28, including the Boys & Girls Club of Halls/Powell, and the Christenberry Ballfields. Volunteers from U.S. Cellular will be pitching in at both locations, working side-by-side with Smokies front office members on all tasks. In addition, U.S. Cellular will also be donating $1,000 dollars to each location for equipment upgrades.

“This is a very important project for us, and another way to truly make a difference in the East Tennessee community,” stated Smokies Team President Doug Kirchhofer. “We’re also very grateful to U.S. Cellular and our other partners for working together with us on this venture to ensure baseball is played safely and on a good field for years to come.”

“U.S. Cellular has long enjoyed its partnership with the Tennessee Smokies and the opportunity it gives us to connect with East Tennessee residents,” said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “We are looking forward to rolling up our sleeves to help with the baseball field makeovers. Every young child should have the opportunity to play ball on a safe, well-maintained field.”

“Saturday is an important undertaking by all parties involved, and we’re very excited to be able to provide nice ballfields for kids and the community,” added Smokies General Manager Brian Cox. “Our hope is for this to become a yearly endeavor in which we continue to provide a place to play baseball and help the game flourish.”

Work to be done includes field clean-up and the creation of new dugouts, in addition to adding fencing at the Boys & Girls Club, as well as installing batting cages at Christenberry Ballfields, including new turf, placing padding behind home plate, and field clean-up among other tasks. The team will also be donating several items for use at those locations, including a home plate, bases, chalker, rakes and shovels.

This marks the second time the Smokies have teamed up with The Boys & Girls Club this month, after Smokies Stadium hosted a Pitch, Hit & Run Competition exclusively for club members on March 17 in association with the Boys & Girls Club of Tennessee Valley, and the Smoky Mountains. Additional partners assisting the Smokies with Saturday’s effort are Blalock Construction, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Jet’s Pizza.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tennessee Smokies. Click here to view the original story.

Four youth ball field renovations set for April 16

‘4 in 24’ will see four fields renovated in under 24 hours

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Tri-City-Valley-CatsThe Tri-City ValleyCats have partnered with BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets to revamp the ball fields of four local youth baseball/softball leagues: Cohoes Little League, Coxsackie-Athens Little League, Town of Hoosick Youth Baseball/Softball League, and Niskayuna Baseball. Known as the ‘4 in 24’ Extreme Field Renovation Project, the work will take place within a 24-hour time period on Thursday, April 16.

The four fields will receive brand new sod, bases, a home plate and pitcher’s mound, and the baselines will be measured to the correct specifications.

Cohoes Little League is implementing a Challenger Program, but the host field has been damaged due to the harsh winter.

“We wouldn’t have been able to obtain the field conditions needed to support this program without assistance,” said Mike Smith, President Cohoes Little League. “This renovation will give us the opportunity for children with all abilities to have a safe place to play baseball this season.”

Coxsackie-Athens Little League has had a softball program for some time, which has gained popularity in recent years. Following the work of the ‘4 in 24,’ the field will be fit enough to become home to the newly formed Coxasckie-Athens Girls Softball.

“Coxsackie-Athens Little League is excited that Rainey Field has been selected by the Tri-City ValleyCats as a ‘4 in 24’ field,” said league President Steve VanHoesen. “As volunteers, preparing and maintaining the field is a perpetual struggle. With help of the ValleyCats, Isabella C. Rainey Field will once again be put back atop of that pedestal and reclaim its diamond status in the community.”

The Town of Hoosick Youth Baseball / Softball League is still feeling the effects of hurricane flood damage, and their primary field is filled with sandy dirt and large stones.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to have the ValleyCats organization assist us in providing the best experience possible for our youths,” said league president Tony Thayne. “After the flood a few years ago, we have done our best to recover the fields, but are still in need of help in getting them done correctly.”

Niskayuna Baseball has seen its league size grow over the past few years, which now consists of 50 teams and approximately 600 players. With the growth comes the need for greater field options and maintenance requirements.

“On behalf of Niskayuna Baseball, its Board of Directors, and most importantly the baseball community that we represent, I want to say thank you for this tremendous opportunity,” said Christopher Mennillo, Niskayuna Baseball President. “This renovation will make the playing surface more conducive for multiple age groups, expand the flexibility from a league scheduling standpoint, and better position the league to host future tournaments.”

The ‘4 in 24’ is the marquee event and kick-off of the Community Grounds Crew Program, which assists local youth leagues with maintenance and upkeep of their playing fields throughout the spring and summer. This will mark the fifth straight season of the Community Grounds Crew, which the ValleyCats widely consider to be one of their most important yearly initiatives.

“As a part of the Capital Region since 2002, the ValleyCats recognize the importance of being an active member of the community and an ambassador for the great game of baseball,” said Rick Murphy, ValleyCats Vice President / General Manager. “Over the years, our field renovation program has been a key component in furthering this mission. Through our partnerships with BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets, the 4 in 24 program will officially reach 20 fields renovated this year as we seek to provide continued opportunities for our youth to grow and excel.”

“BlueShield is proud to continue our support of the ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovations in partnership with the Tri-City ValleyCats and Hannaford Supermarkets,” said Dr. Kirk Panneton, Regional Executive and Medical Director, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “At BlueShield we strongly believe that every child should have the opportunity to explore his or her potential through safe and healthy recreational activities. Playing on a safe and well-maintained field is good for our region’s children, and it’s good for our community. ”

“By helping to improve these playing fields, Hannaford is investing in two of the things that matter most to us – healthy kids and healthy communities,” said Brian Fabre, Hannaford community relations specialist. “Hannaford is committed to providing healthy options to our customers and to strengthening our communities. Through this partnership with BlueShield of Northeastern New York and the ValleyCats, we will be helping our young people to play and to compete in a safer, more-enjoyable environment.”

The efforts will also be aided by the support of Admar Construction and Turface, who will provide the necessary equipment and materials to complete the renovations. Other support comes from the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, whose contributions come from past events held at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tri-City ValleyCats. Click here to view the original story.