Youth Sports – Page 35

Ports To Host Challenger Little League Game May 29

May 29, 2013

STOCKTON, Calif.-Before the Ports face the Inland Empire 66ers in the final game of the three-game homestand, they will participate in the third annual Challenger Little League game starting at 5:30 p.m. Participating in the game will be Challenger little leaguers from the California District 8 Little League who play on Western Little League’s field in Stockton. The game will give all Challenger participants the chance to take some swings on the field at Banner Island, as well as interact with Ports players.

The Challenger Division was established in 1989 as a separate division of Little League to enable boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school, to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide. Today more than 30,000 children participate in more than 900 Challenger Divisions worldwide.

Contact the Stockton Ports (209)644-1900 with any further questions.

Fans can purchase tickets at the Ports ticket office, online at www.stocktonports.com or by phone at (209) 644-1900. The Ports ticket office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the season.

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

Gwinnett Braves Award April Grant to Gwinnett County Special Olympics

May 22, 2013

“Take Me Out to a Ball Game” themed grant will help fund sports programs for disabled youth

The Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of April to Gwinnett County Special Olympics. The “Take Me Out to a Ball Game” themed grant, aimed at assisting organizations that promote youth athletics and activities, will help fund Special Olympics’ sports programs for youth with intellectual disabilities.

The Special Olympics program was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and provides year-round training and athletic competition for more than one million athletes in nearly 150 countries and all 50 states in the United States. Gwinnett County Special Olympics is the agency that operates the Special Olympics program in Gwinnett County. Their program supports more than 2,000 athletes of all ages including school-age children with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy of sports participation.

The funds from the grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will help Gwinnett County Special Olympics in its continued mission to provide uniforms, transportation, sports facilities and equipment for youth athletes specifically in Gwinnett County. The Gwinnett Braves and Gwinnett County Special Olympics have had a strong partnership for the past five years, including an annual “Best Buddies” clinic where disabled youth learn baseball skills from G-Braves players at Coolray Field.

“The Special Olympics mission remains as vital today as it did when the movement was founded in 1968 by Eunice Shriver,” said Karen O’Connor, Fundraising & Outreach Chairman of Gwinnett County Special Olympics. “Through the power of sport, Special Olympics strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. Our 2,100 school age athletes, parents and volunteers are so appreciative for the Gwinnett Braves’ support.”

The original story appeared on the Gwinnett Braves’ website can can be viewed by clicking here.

2013 Timber Rattlers Golf Outing for the Miracle League of the Fox Valley

May 21, 2013

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to hold charity golf outing on June 24

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Hit the links with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to benefit The Miracle League of the Fox Valley. The Midwest League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers will hold their annual golf outing on Monday, June 24 at Shamrock Heights Golf Course in New London.

A foursome may register for $350. Foursomes have the opportunity to play with a Timber Rattlers player, but that chance is based on a first come, first serve RSVP. Individuals may register for $100.

The outing tees off with registration beginning at 8:00am and a shotgun start at 9:00am. Lunch is included with registration and will be served at the turn. Snacks will be available after the round of golf from 2-4pm. A raffle drawing and awards presentation will conclude the event.

If you wish to participate in the 2013 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Golf Outing, please contact Hilary Bauer at (920) 733-4152 or hbauer@timberrattlers.com by June 14. Registration forms are also available at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium and online at timberrattlers.com.

Persons unable to golf, but looking for a way to contribute may consider a hole sponsorship package at $100 or an in-kind donation toward raffle/hole prizes.

The Miracle League of the Fox Valley, an organized baseball league for children aged 4-19 with physical and/or mental disabilities, was formed in 2008 by Fox Valley parents Lisa and Mark Robbins. The league has an Opening Day Celebration set for Saturday, June 8 from 10am to noon at the John Wollner Fox Cities Miracle Field in Appleton’s Memorial Park. The Miracle League of the Fox Valley starts its fourth season of play on Monday, June 10 at Miracle Field.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

RiverDogs Buddy up with the Summerville Miracle League

May 20, 2013

On Saturday, May 11th, the Summerville Miracle League welcomed the Charleston RiverDogs to their facilities in Summerville for a morning of fun, and baseball. Ten players from the 2013 RiverDogs team volunteered as “Buddies” for the league, assisting the young players hit the ball, run the bases, and play the field.

“It was amazing to watch these kids on the field,” says Community Relations Intern, Lily Belter. “They were having so much fun! And it was great to see them interacting with the RiverDogs players.”

The goal of The Summerville Miracle League is to enhance the lives of people with special needs. The league uses primarily the national pastime of baseball, as well as other activities, to bring together the athletes and their families and enrich their lives in a meaningful way. For more information about the Summerville Miracle League, how to join or how to volunteer, please visit http://www.summervillemiracleleague.org/

The Charleston RiverDogs join the Summerville Miracle League RiverDogs for a team cheer!

The Charleston RiverDogs buddy up with the Summerville Miracle League

River Cats to Honor Valley High School Baseball Team

May 15, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2013

RIVER CATS TO HONOR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAM

On-field recognition ceremony scheduled for Friday, May 17

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Sacramento River Cats will honor the heroic act of the Valley High School baseball team this Friday, May 17, with an on-field ceremony, in addition to treating the entire team to a night of baseball at Raley Field.

The Valley High School team received national attention recently for pulling a car off a young girl and saving her life on Tuesday, May 7. According to the Sacramento Bee, players from Valley High’s varsity and JV baseball teams heard a girl screaming and came to her aid, pulling a sedan off her and allowing their coaches to pull her from underneath the car.

In addition to the on-field recognition prior to Friday’s 7:05 p.m. game, the Cats are treating both teams and their coaches to complimentary tickets to Friday’s game against the Oklahoma City RedHawks.

Valley High School co-head coach Brett Sawyer said that his team is “beyond ecstatic” for the opportunity to take his players to Raley Field this weekend.

“John Wooden once said, Sports don’t build character, they reveal it,” Sawyer said. “The Valley baseball team exuded character in the truest form that day, and the school, administration, community and coaching staff are proud of each and every one of them.”

The Cats open an eight-game homestand beginning Thursday, May 16, at 7:05 p.m. During the homestand, fans will be treated to two nights of fireworks, two Miller Lite Thirsty Thursdays, and the first of nine bobblehead giveaways of the season, scheduled for Sunday, May 19, when 2,500 fans will receive Barry Zito bobbleheads. Tickets are available at rivercats.com, ticketmaster.com, Raley Field’s Round Table Pizza Ticket Office, or by calling (916) 371-HITS.

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

San Jose Giants to Host Second Annual Strikeout Violence Night

May 10, 2013

Country singer Matt Kennon returns to lead Junior Giants in Peace Pledge Ceremony

SAN JOSE, CA– On Friday, May 31, the San Jose Giants will present the second annual Strikeout Violence Night at Municipal Stadium. The evening will once again center on an anti-bullying message. The San Jose Giants are excited to welcome back country artist Matt Kennon who performed at the inaugural Strikeout Violence Night. Festivities will include a pregame performance by Kennon, presented by KRTY, and a Junior Giants Peace Pledge Ceremony. Following the pregame events, the San Jose Giants will take on the Stockton Ports at 7:00 PM.

Country rocker Matt Kennon is best known for his Top 20 hit “The Call,” shining a spotlight on the conversation to help prevent suicide. Since performing at last year’s inaugural Strikeout Violence Night, Kennon began a “Stop the Bull” campaign. This effort has taken him to six states and 55 schools, where he has impacted the lives of over 100,000 children. His single, “You Had to Pick On Me” was inspired when Matt ate lunch at the school where his sister works as a teacher’s aid and saw a young boy having a tough time. This experience led Kennon to take a stand against bullying. As part of this campaign, Kennon is available to attend one school in the San Jose area on May 31, prior to performing at Municipal Stadium. For more information, please contact Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer, at (408) 380-4505 or email juliana@sjgiants.com.

“We are honored to be bringing Matt Kennon back to Municipal Stadium for the second annual Strikeout Violence Night,” said Paoli. “Kennon’s message last year not only impacted the hundreds of students in attendance, but spread through the community. It also spawned his ‘Stop the Bull’ campaign that has brought national attention to the preventable tragedy of bullying. This night is about driving home the message that the rules we learn on the field can be applied to all of our lives and we are excited to have Kennon be part of the evening.”

Junior Giants, the flagship program of the Giants Community Fund, is a free, non-competitive and innovative baseball program for boys and girls ages 5-18 years old. Beyond baseball, Junior Giants focuses on the Four Bases of Character Development – Confidence, Integrity, Leadership and Teamwork – and offers programs in Education, Health and Violence Prevention. Each of the 20,000 Junior Giants in the program take the Junior Giants Peace Pledge vowing to Strikeout Violence in their communities by preventing bullying, standing up for what is right, praising people and helping others. Prior to the May 31 game, Junior Giants will take the Peace Pledge on the field and receive Strikeout Bullying wristbands. For more information, please visit jrgiants.org.

Friday, May 31 will also be a KRTY Family Friday at the ballpark. On May 30, Matt Kennon will perform An Evening of Music that Matters, with special appearance by Morgan Frazier, at Club Rodeo in San Jose. Country artist Morgan Frazier is a 19 year-old who has been performing since the age of five, sold her first CD when she was nine and signed a record deal at 16. Her not yet released single “Hey Bully”, was inspired by her experience as a bullied child. She is a People’s Choice Award winner who is best known for her debut single, “Yellow Brick Road”, which she released on Curb Records’ sister label, Sidewalk Records. For tickets and more information on this performance please visit krty.com. All fans who purchase a ticket will also receive free admission to the Strikeout Violence Night game on May 31.

Great seats are still available for Strikeout Violence Night. For tickets, visit the Municipal Stadium Box Office, call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com. The game will also be broadcasted live on Comcast Hometown Network Digital Channel 104.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

Captains Charities Baseball Classic is May 3 and 11

May 1, 2013

(Eastlake, OH) – The Lake County Captains, the Class A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, has announced the line-up for the ninth Annual News-Herald Captains Charities High School Baseball Classic for 2013. Eight local teams will be featured in four games over two days at Classic Park. The event raises funds for Captains Charities, the non-profit charitable arm of the Lake County Captains organization, as well as the participating schools.

This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 11. On May 3, the Madison Blue Streaks will play the Notre Dame Cathedral Latin Lions beginning at 4 PM, followed by the nightcap featuring the Willoughby South Rebels and the Eastlake North Rangers

On May 11, the Painesville Riverside Beavers will take on the Mayfield Wildcats at 1PM and the Painesville Harvey Red Raiders will play the Gilmour Lancers at 4PM.

Tickets for the event will be just $6 each and will be available for purchase at each of the participating schools, on the Captains web site at www.captainsbaseball.com, in person through the Captains Ticket Office during normal business hours, or by calling 440-954-WINS (9467). Daily tickets are goods for both games that day.

Individual game tickets for all Captains home games, may be purchased at the Captains official website www.CaptainsBaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lake County Captains. Click here to view the original story.

Adopt-a-Field Program Returns

April 29, 2013

Four Area Little League Fields to Receive Much-Needed Help

Moosic, Pa. – When the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre baseball franchise spent 2012 on the road, it still had its home at heart. The team christened a program that focused on rejuvenating area Little League fields. Even though the now-RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) have a home of their own in the beautifully reconstructed PNC Field, the Adopt-a-Field Program is back and better than ever.

What began with two teams getting the annual makeover, one each from Lackawanna County and Luzerne County, has blossomed into a four-team program in 2013. A Facebook contest chose the four lucky recipients. It gets underway Wednesday, May 1 when Scranton’s Marvine Dutch Gap Little League gets some love for its field. On June 3, the attention shifts to the Avoca/Dupont Little League. Come June 14, the RailRiders will adopt the South Scranton Little League field before closing things out on June 27 at Staback Park in Archbald.

“Let’s spread the wealth a bit and bring the beauty of the new PNC Field to the Little League fields right here in our communities,” said RailRiders team president/GM Rob Crain. “I love this program. We as a franchise are committed to doing what we can for our neighbors and this is one of the most fun and directly impactful efforts we can provide.”

The program provides an individualized evaluation and athletic field maintenance clinic to the chosen leagues. More than the initial facelift the RailRiders’ raw manpower provides, the teams will be taught how to keep up that same professional-level look for years to come. Last season, Moosic Little League and Kingston/Forty Fort Little League were the benefactors of the program’s launch.

“This is a great opportunity to provide those maintaining local Little League fields with the knowledge needed to maintain a safe and beautiful playing surface,” said the team’s director of field operations, Steve Horne. “Many leagues don’t have the tools, manpower or guidance needed to keep their fields in good shape. Hopefully, after our crew comes in to help get them started, we can develop a plan that will benefit the leagues and their players for years to come.”

The makeover will get underway at 8 a.m. on each date listed above and will run until around 5 p.m. Media members and fans are invited to document and watch the progress throughout the day. Below are the addresses of the four sites:

Marvine Dutch Gap, 170 Wells, Scranton 18508

Avoca/Dupont, Mill & Commerce Streets, Avoca 18641

South Scranton, 430 Meadow Ave., Scranton 18505

Staback Park, Eynon Jermyn Rd., Archbald 18403

The RailRiders are in the midst of a nine-day, eight-game road trip before returning home for an eight-game homestand on Monday, May 6. It starts with the first of four against the Indianapolis Indians (Pittsburgh Pirates) at 6:35 p.m. Fans will be able to dine on just a few dimes with dollar hot dogs all night long at PNC Field. Great ticket packages, group deals and single-game tickets are available. With no upper deck at PNC Field anymore, every seat in the ballpark provides the supreme views and intimacy that make minor league baseball so special at incredibly affordable prices. For more information, please visit the team’s official website, www.swbrailriders.com, or call 570-969-BALL (2255).

– SWB RailRiders – All Aboard! –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

Tides to renovate Shore Little League Wednesday

April 23, 2013

The Norfolk Tides organization will be renovating the Shore Little League field in Northampton County on Wednesday, April 24. Shore Little League was a participant in the 2012 Field Renovation Contest, with the Eastern Shore community garnering over 2,700 votes for the field.
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Phoebus Little League makeover photos

Members of the Tides front office staff, including head groundskeeper Kenny Magner, will take part in the field makeover, which will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts. The staff will spend 9 am – 4 pm Wednesday working on the field.

“We were extremely impressed by the number of votes Shore Little League field received in our inaugural Field Renovation Contest last year” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “The outpouring of support the small community received was overwhelming, and we are very happy to do our part in helping city of Nassawadox have a field their children can be proud to call their own.”

Shore Little League, which is the only chartered league in the county of Northampton, is the fifth youth field the Tides have renovated since the beginning of 2012. The Tides helped to renovate three fields in 2012 – Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield) and Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk) – before renovating the Phoebus Little League field in Hampton last week.

The project is possible because of the 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.

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

2013 Baseball Camps SOLD OUT

April 11, 2013

Learn from the pros at FirstEnergy Park

LAKEWOOD, NJ – Youth baseball players can learn the game from BlueClaws players right on the field at FirstEnergy Park at one of the team’s three Youth Baseball Camp sessions in 2013.

UPDATED – All sessions are SOLD OUT.

The camps are open to players ages 7-12 and will cover all aspects of the game, including pitching, hitting, base-running, fielding, and throwing.

Each session runs from 9 am – 12 pm over four days and includes lunch each day and an autograph session with BlueClaws players on the final day of camp.

2013 Youth Baseball Camp Sessions
Session 1 – July 9, 11, 12, 13 [SOLD OUT]
Session 2 – July 25, 26, 29, 30 [SOLD OUT]
Session 3 – August 20, 21, 22, 23 [SOLD OUT]

The objective of the BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camp is to instill the fundamentals of baseball, promote good sportsmanship and create an enjoyable learning atmosphere for all.

These camps sell out each year and parents interested in signing up their kids are encouraged to do so early.

Registration is $175 per session, or $475 for all three sessions. To sign up, call Maggie Devlin at 732-901-7000 ext 164 or return this order form.

– BlueClaws –

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

Mets Hosting Field of Dreams Program

April 10, 2013

The St. Lucie Mets have announced they will be hosting the Field of Dreams program for all youth sports teams during the 2013 season at Tradition Field.

All little league baseball or youth sports teams can celebrate the end of their season with a party at Tradition Field.

The Field of Dreams program allows a team an opportunity to take the field with the St. Lucie Mets players prior to the national anthem.

The rookie package is $8 and provides each player a ticket to the St. Lucie Mets game, a Hot Dog and soda voucher, and on-field opportunity with the Mets.

Teams can also sign up for the All-Star package at a cost of $15. The package includes a ticket for each player to the St. Lucie Mets game, a pizza party, two reserved terrace tables, and an on-field opportunity with the Mets.

Teams are encouraged to reserve their party with limited spots available per game.

To reserve a spot with the Mets for the Field of Dreams program, contact Cassie Younce at 772-871-2100.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the St. Lucie Mets. Click here to view the original story.

June 11-13: Pelicans youth baseball clinic

March 19, 2013

Hands on instruction from players and coaches

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are holding a three-day Youth Baseball Clinic June 11-13 at TicketReturn.Com Field. The clinic, open to youth ages 7-14, will run from 9 a.m. to Noon each day.

Registration Form:

The clinic will feature:

-Hands-on instruction from The Myrtle Beach Pelicans Coaches and Players

-Participant T-shirt

-Lunch provided each day

-2 Grand Strand Reserve Box seats for the June 13th Pelicans home game vs. the Carolina Mudcats .

-A special ceremony recognizing all clinic participants will take place on-field prior to the game on June 13th .

Purpose: The Myrtle Beach Pelicans Baseball Clinic is designed to teach students solid fundamental baseball skills as well as raise their level of understanding of the game baseball. We will provide each young player with the instruction and encouragement needed to develop individual skills. In addition, we want the young player to understand how individual skills may be incorporated into developing a team attitude. Participants will be divided by age and ability level.

Equipment: Each participant must bring his or her own baseball equipment. Players should bring a glove, bat, running shoes, hat, helmet, and water bottle. Cleats are prohibited.

Logistics: Please arrive at the ballpark at 8:30am on June 11^th for check-in. You will enter through the main gate which is gate one. Parents are welcome to observe the camp from the picnic area. In the event of rain, we will move activities to the concourse area. Please label all equipment with the participant’s name.

To register , call Dan Bailey at 843-918-6008 or fax completed form to 843-918-6001.

For questions please contact Tyler Alewine talewine@myrtlebeachpelicans.com

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Youth Clinic & Scout Campouts

March 14, 2013

Campouts & Clinic Offer Kids Exclusive On-Field Experience

Scout Campouts and the annual Youth Baseball Clinic give kids an exclusive on-field experience.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Indians are proud to announce the return of the annual Youth Baseball Clinic as well as Boy and Girl Scout overnight Campouts for the 2013 season.

Bisons’ coach’s clinic at City Honors

March 8, 2013

On Friday March 1, the Buffalo Bisons sponsored a Buffalo Public High School Baseball Coaches Clinic at City Honors High School. The sponsorship of the clinic is part of the ongoing support of the Bisons and the Rich Family Foundation given to the Buffalo Public High School baseball program.

The clinic was held in City Honors’ new gymnasium with the coaching staff and team members for the Medaille College Mavericks baseball team as the instructors. The clinic covered coaching instruction on hitting and bunting drills and mechanics, fielding drills for both infielders and outfielders, base running drills, pitching drills and mechanics, throwing exercises and strength and conditioning exercises. The focus was on conducting good indoor baseball practices but also covered some outdoor and pregame drills and preparation.

Coaches_Clinic_480x270_50xxm87t_urx10j1p — Photo courtesy of bisons.com

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

Hits for Home Invitational will benefit tornado-affected communities in Kentucky

February 27, 2013

Sixteen Kentucky high school teams to compete in the invitational with funds going to those affected by the tornadoes.

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Whitaker Bank and the Lexington Legends will serve as hosts for the Hits for Home Invitational March 13-16. Proceeds will go to the Salvation Army, which will then allocate funds to assist communities affected by the March 2012 tornadoes.

Sixteen Kentucky high school baseball teams, many of them representing tornado-affected areas, will participate in the eight-game event at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, home of the Legends, who are a class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.

Tickets to each session (two games per day) are five dollars per person at the gates on the days of the games. There will be no advance sale of tickets. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Winning tickets will be drawn and prizes awarded at the end of the final day of competition.

“We are super excited to be part of this event,” said Legends General Manager Seth Poteat. “It’s a great way to give back in some small way to those communities that were devastated last year.”

The worst of the severe weather hit Kentucky on March 2, 2012, causing 24 deaths. More than 300 people were injured, and many Kentuckians are still struggling to repair and rebuild their lives, homes and communities.

To make a personal donation to the tornado survivors, contact Lindsay Hinkebein at Whitaker Bank, 859-293-6005.

Hits For Home Invitational Schedule at Whitaker Bank Ballpark:
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
5 p.m. Elliott County vs. Menifee County
7 p.m. Powell County vs. South Laurel

Thursday, March 14, 2013
5 p.m. Johnson Central vs. North Laurel
7 p.m. Prestonsburg vs. Lawrence County

Friday, March 15, 2013
5 p.m. Hazard vs. Sheldon Clark
7 p.m. Montgomery County vs. Nicholas County

Saturday, March 16, 2013
11 a.m. Wolfe County vs. Morgan County
1 p.m. Paintsville vs. Bath County

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends1. Click here to view the original story.