Mallards to Host Annual First Pitch Event
January 26th, 2012Madison, WI – January 26, 2012. The Madison Mallards will host their annual first pitch event on Thursday, February 9th at 6:00 pm at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center.At this event the Mallards will be announcing a special event for the 2012 season as well as several ballpark improvements at the “Duck Pond.” A first look of the promotional schedule for the season will also be announced.
Speakers at the event will include City of Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, Mallards Owner Steve Schmitt, and Mallards President Vern Stenman. A question and answer session about the Mallards with Stenman and Mallards General Manager Conor Caloia will follow the announcement.
This family friendly event will include ballpark food and soda and will be open to the public, free of charge. Mallards Mascot Maynard G. Mallard will be in attendance as well as plenty of kids activities including the Mallards bounce house.
7-Game Packs can be purchased at the event as the Mallards sales staff will be on-hand to assist fans and answer questions. Current 7-Game Pack holders will also be able to select 7-Game Pack and seat preference for 2012.
For further information on this event, contact the Mallards office at 608-246-4277 or info@mallardsbaseball.com.
Doug Raftery Hired as Express Broadcaster
January 17th, 2012
The Eau Claire Express front office announced the hiring of Doug Raftery as the fourth radio broadcaster in the team’s history. Raftery replaces Rob Silvers, who called games in 2011. This will mark his first year in the Northwoods League, but third year broadcasting baseball. Doug’s past experience is at the independent and collegiate levels.
“Coming into this position, I know that both the Northwoods League and Eau Claire Express organization are top-notch,” Raftery said. “This position gives me the opportunity to provide Express fans with an exciting, in-depth broadcast, which is really exciting.”
Raftery began his broadcasting career as a summer intern with the Rockbridge Rapids in the Valley Baseball League in 2010 and continued gaining experience with the Florence Freedom of the Independent Frontier League in 2011. In addition, he broadcasted basketball and softball while attending college at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland.
“We are very excited to add Doug to the broadcast booth,” Express General Manager Andy Neborak stated. “It became clear to us that Doug enjoys and places a high value on preparation for each game, which is something that we think will be evident in the quality of his broadcasts.”
In addition to broadcasting all 70 Express games in 2012, Raftery will assist in the media relations department of the organization. This will include occasional game recaps on the website, integration of social media into the broadcast and contributions to the Express game-day program.
The Brick, NJ native is on track to graduate from Hood College in May of 2012 with a Communication Arts degree with a broadcasting emphasis. He follows Greg Pangallo, Scott Montesano and Rob Silvers to become the fourth broadcaster as Eau Claire enters its eighth year of play in the Northwoods League.
7th Annual Bucks Baseball HOF Banquet, Jan. 21
December 21st, 2011Waterloo, IA – The Waterloo Bucks, members of the Northwoods League, have announced that the Seventh Annual Bucks Baseball Hall of Fame Banquet will be held Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 7:00 pm at Beck’s Sports Brewery in Waterloo. A chance for the Bucks to honor past Waterloo Buck greats, all proceeds for this event will go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The public is invited to attend with tickets available for $10.
The evening will begin at 7:00 pm with hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at 7:30 pm. Hall of Fame inductees will be announced at a later date.
Interested parties may call (319) 232-0500 for ticket information, or mail their checks payable to MDA to: Bucks Baseball Hall of Fame Banquet, PO Box 4124, Waterloo, IA 50704.
Beck’s Sports Brewery is located at 3295 University Avenue in Waterloo. The Hall of Fame Banquet will be held in the private dining room on the lower level.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is a voluntary health agency – a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans. MDA combats neuromuscular dieses through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.
Bombers Unveil Championship Rings
December 7th, 2011The Battle Creek Bombers unveiled the teams 2011 Northwoods League Championship rings today.
The rings, designed by Balfour, include the team’s logos, 47-26 record and slogan “Never Panic” as coined by Bombers field manager Donnie Scott.
The Bombers swept through the 2011 Northwoods League playoffs by defeating the Green Bay Bullfrogs and Mankato MoonDogs in two games apiece. It was the 5-year old franchise’s first NWL Title.
River Bats Youth Pass Benefits Salvation Army
November 30th, 2011(ST. CLOUD, MN) – The St. Cloud River Bats announced Tuesday that they will partner with The Salvation Army to provide fans with the team’s first-ever Kid’s Season Pass. For $50, kids 12 and under receive admission to 35 River Bats home games. For every Season Pass purchased, $15 will go to The Salvation Army’s annual “Back to School” program.
“This is an incredible value and for a great cause,” River Bats Media Director Travis Lucian said. “We are very excited to work in conjunction with The Salvation Army and their Back to School program.”
Last fall, The Salvation Army’s Back to School program provided a backpack full of school supplies to nearly 400 children in St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Sartell, Waite Park, St. Joseph, St. Augusta and Cold Spring.
“Helping these children was made possible by community organizations like the River Bats who understand the importance of giving back,” said Jim Muellenbach, Community Development Director for the St. Cloud Area Salvation Army.
The River Bats will be offering the season passes during the entire month of December. The pass will come in the form of a punch card, whereby kids are entitled to 35 “punches,” with each “punch” granting the holder admittance to a River Bats game. Pass holders can use any of their 35 “punches” to bring friends 12 and under.
The River Bats and The Salvation Army plan to announce the “money raised” during the team’s annual Christmas in July event during a to-be-determined River Bats game in 2012.
The River Bats Kid’s Season Pass is a $210 value that you can receive for just $50 during the month of December. Admittance to River Bats home games with the Kid’s Season Pass is based on availability. Pass not valid for home opener. Offer not valid after Dec. 31.
For more information or to purchase the River Bats season pass, call the team’s Business Office at 320-240-9798.
Woodchucks, Local Businesses, Raise Over $33,000 for Non-Profits
November 22nd, 2011(Wausau, WI) – The Wisconsin Woodchucks and local area businesses teamed up during the 2011 season to raise money for non-profit organizations. Through the use of unique promotions, the Woodchucks were able to raise money for multiple organizations in the Central Wisconsin area.
Together, the Woodchucks and Marshfield Clinic teamed up on the Hits for Charity program. For every double, triple, home run and grand slam hit, Marshfield Clinic donated $25, $50, $100 and $250 respectively to the Wausau Area Youth Baseball and Softball organization. This organization works with area youth to teach them the fundamentals of baseball and softball while at the same time instilling in them values and character that will help them in the future.
The Woodchucks and Marshfield Clinic also teamed up for “Go Pink Night” on July 29th. During the game, Woodchucks players wore special pink jerseys that were signed by the players and auctioned off after the game. There was also a silent auction during the game for fans to bid on. Proceeds from these auctions helped raise money for breast cancer awareness and screenings.
In addition to the pink jerseys, the Woodchucks also wore limited edition 1911 jerseys on July 12th and July 20th to celebrate 100 years of baseball at Athletic Park. Through their partnership with the Wisconsin Valley Credit Unions, the Woodchucks auctioned off the jerseys after the July 20th game, with all proceeds going to the Childrens Miracle Network.
The Woodchucks realize the importance of non-profit organizations and their work in the community. That is why they were proud to team up with Fred Mueller Automotive to bring to Athletic Park, the Fred Mueller Organization of the Night. At every Woodchucks home game, one local non-profit was provided with 50 tickets and food vouchers, free of charge, courtesy of Fred Mueller Automotive and recognized as the Organization of the Night. In addition, for every home run hit by a Woodchucks player, Fred Mueller and the Wisconsin Woodchucks donated $50 each to local area non-profits.
Evans Promoted to Bombers’ Assistant GM
November 22nd, 2011
Fresh off of a Summer Collegiate World Series Championship, the Battle Creek Bombers have promoted Cory Evans to Assistant General Manager. In his first year as the Director of Sales, Evans helped the Bombers to one of the largest turnarounds in Northwoods League history. Evans was instrumental in helping the Bombers branch out into the community of Battle Creek as the Bombers increased their attendance by 49% (largest NWL attendance increase since 2002). The Bombers also had a 23 game win increase which marked the largest turnaround in Northwoods League history.
“Cory was a key asset to many of the things we were able to accomplish in 2011. Our organization is very lucky to have Cory with us for the 2012 season.” said Bombers GM Brian Colopy.
Evans recently graduated from Southern Virginia University with a major of Physical Education and Recreational Administration. While at Southern Virginia University, Evans became a 4-time Academic All-American and was also a two year Captain of the Men’s Basketball team. Evans brings a very strong sports and sales background to the Bombers team. Evans has played baseball throughout his life and was also a very successful collegiate basketball player. Evans has worked for Pinnacle Security and Elite-ADT Security where he was an Advertising Director and an Assistant Sales Manager.
“It was so exciting to be a part of the first ever championship season for the Bombers” Evans said. “I look forward to helping the Bombers organization to build off of that success and I am grateful for all of the community support this last season.”
Evans currently resides in Battle Creek with his wife Lindsay and their 2 year old child Owen.
The Host Family of a World Series Star
November 2nd, 2011When St. Louis Cardinals’ outfielder Allen Craig was coming up with clutch pinch-hit singles, big home runs, and memorable defensive plays during this year’s World Series, the world was watching. One group of people with an interesting perspective on the former Alexandria Beetles’ player’s rise to prominence is the Alexandria family that called him a son for a couple summers not too many years ago.
The Brands are just like the rest of the hundreds of families that share their home with a Northwoods League player each summer. They are giving people that see value in trading space in their house and extra groceries for a few months for the opportunity to help a young man that’s trying to live his dream. Not only does this type of exchange make it possible for each Northwoods League franchise to exist and make a positive impact on the community, but it also makes it possible for the giving family to build lasting relationships with special individuals.
The Brands were able to watch their former host son excel on baseball’s grandest stage.
MoonDogs Honored As Mankato’s Distinguished Business
October 31st, 2011(Mankato, Minn) The Mankato MoonDogs, a member of the Northwoods League, will be honored by the Greater Mankato Growth with this year’s Distinguished Business Award. The award is given annually to a Mankato Business that has been established for three to 10 years and has had positive impact on the Mankato Community. The award will be presented at the Greater Mankato Growth Business Awards and Hall of Fame Dinner on Tuesday, November 15th at the Verizon Wireless Center.
The MoonDogs are the 12th Mankato business to be honored with this prestigious award since its inception in 2001. Some of the previous winners of the award include: LIV Aveda Salon & Spa, ECS- Electrical Communications Specialists and Angie’s Kettle Corn.
Greater Mankato Growth President and CEO Jonathan Zierdt had this to say regarding the award. “The Greater Mankato Distinguished Business Award honors an outstanding business that has been in business 3 – 10 years and contributed to our community vitality. The MoonDogs have certainly done that. In addition to being a successful business in and of itself, having attractions like Mankato MoonDogs games improves the quality of life in Greater Mankato and helps strengthen our position as a key regional center.”
“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor for the MoonDogs.” Said MoonDogs owner Joe Schwei “Previous recipients of the Distinguished Business Award are some of the most respected and enduring companies in the Greater Mankato area. The MoonDogs are humbled and thrilled to be associated with them. The MoonDogs would like to thank Greater Mankato Growth for recognizing our organization and our family-friendly brand of sports entertainment.”
Rafters Help Raise over $12,000 for Non-Profits
October 14th, 2011(Wisconsin Rapids, WI) – The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters of the Northwoods League and local businesses teamed up this summer to raise money for non-profit organizations during the 2011 season. Unique promotions during the summer with the Rafters have raised money for various local organizations that surround the Wisconsin Rapids area communities.
“We want to send a special thank you to our corporate partners and our fans for being very generous in their contributions to these local organizations throughout the year,” said Rafters general manager Liz Kern.
The Rafters teamed up with Marshfield Clinic this summer to provide to local youth baseball organizations based on the Rafters on-field success. Marshfield Clinic made a charitable donation for every double, triple, and home run hit by the Rafters this summer, benefitting multiple area little league organizations including WRYSA, Vesper, Pittsville, Nekoosa, Rudolph, and the Gary Varsho League.
This season, every home run hit by a Rafters player at Witter Field again meant a bit more than just tacking another run on the scoreboard. Thanks to West Bend Mutual Insurance, a charitable contribution of $50 was made to Opportunity Development Centers, Inc. every time a Rafters player circled the bases at historic Witter Field. Lester & Smart Insurance also added an additional contribution for the cause. The Rafters ended up hitting at total of 28 home runs at Witter Field in 2011.
The Rafters held Fey Printing “Turn Back the Clock Night” on July 11th, with all Rafters players sporting jerseys to commemorate the Rapids Twins teams of the past. All of the game-worn jerseys were auctioned off following the game against the Madison Mallards, with proceeds from the auction benefitting the Witter Field Baseball History Committee. The committee hopes to use the funds to produce a mural to permanently hang at Witter Field.
Aside from bringing in elite talent from around the nation to showcase on the baseball diamond, the 2011 Marshfield Clinic Northwoods League All-Star Game also provided an opportunity to raise funds for a newly formed organization. The All-Star Game jersey’s were auctioned off to benefit the Northwoods League Foundation, which was formed in early 2010 as a channel for the Northwoods League to further achieve its goal of enriching the quality of life in its member communities, with the ultimate goal of making them all finer places to live.
On August 6th the Rafters partnered with Marshfield Clinic to hold “Cancer Awareness Night” at the ballpark. As part of this promotion, Rafters players wore pink jerseys, hats, and socks in the contest against the Waterloo Bucks. Pink bats were also used for this special occasion. The Rafters hosted a silent auction during the game and fans were able to bid on the game-worn uniforms, with proceeds benefitting the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation. The jerseys were autographed by the Rafters players and presented, after the game, to the highest bidders from a silent auction.
