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Bombers to Celebrate Life of Caitlyn Jackson

admin-duluth — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 20:43:38 +0000

Strikeout-Cancer Night to celebrate honorary BC Bomber Caitlyn Jackson

BATTLE CREEK, MI--The Battle Creek Bombers are saddened to announce the recent passing of one of our own – Caitlyn Jackson. Caitlyn was a beloved member of the Bombers family, and attended nearly every home game with the Jackson family, many of whom work for the franchise throughout the season.

Caitlyn Jackson, at just eight-years-old, was diagnosed with leukemia. She bravely battled for years, and even finished treatment in July of 2012. Unfortunately, during July of this past baseball season, Caitlyn relapsed. Sadly, due to complications related to her treatments, this past weekend Caitlyn Jackson “earned her angel wings” as her friends and family would describe.

The outpouring of support and love for Caitlyn’s family has been incredible, and recently grabbed national headlines when students at Caitlyn’s school were shockingly asked to cover up shirts in Caitlyn’s honor. Fortunately for the family, this situation has recently been resolved.

Now, Caitlyn’s baseball family and her summer home, wish to honor her as well. The Bombers plan to celebrate the life of Caitlyn Jackson throughout the 2014 season, and have some very special plans in particular during their annual Strike-Out Cancer Night.

The Bombers, as they typically do, will wear special Strikeout-Cancer jerseys for this game night. However, these jerseys will now incorporate Caitlyn’s favorite colors blue and orange, to pay homage to those still fighting leukemia.

In addition, the Bombers are enthused to announce the new, “Caitlyn Jackson Spirit Award” – which will be presented annually to the game-day employee whom best represents Caitlyn’s love of the ballpark, the Bombers, and her fellow fans. A special plaque will remain on display in the ballpark to honor Caitlyn, and the annual recipients of this award. The Bombers hope, that for years to come, this award will remind and inform others of Caitlyn’s incredible life.

Bombers General Manager Anthony Iovieno added, “This little girl and her family have meant a great deal to this franchise, our fans, and our community. If you ever had the pleasure of meeting Caitlyn, or any one of her family members for that matter, you’d understand. The entire Jackson family epitomizes the ideal human spirit; these are special, special people.”

The time and date for this special night will be released with the Battle Creek Bombers promotional schedule later this spring. Additional details will also be made available at that time.

The Battle Creek Bombers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21^st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including MLB All-Stars Max Scherzer (DET), Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYY), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live and free of charge via the Northwoods League YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.battlecreekbombers.com

Human Cannonball to Launch at the November 23 Kenosha Baseball Party

admin-duluth — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 15:28:42 +0000

McGee and the Fibbers to Perform at the Event

Kenosha Baseball is thrilled to announce that Dave “The Bullet” Smith will perform a Human Cannonball show at the November 23 Launch Party. Smith is the current world record holder having traveled 193′ 8.8″ in Italy in 2011.

“We will always put fun first at Simmons Field and watching The Bullet perform is about as much fun as I’ve ever had at a ballpark.” Team President Vern Stenman said. “He doesn’t typically perform outdoor shows at this time of year because of variability in the weather, so we are very fortunate to have him join us. We couldn’t think of a better way to “launch” our ballclub.”

The Kenosha Baseball Launch Party begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 23 and Kenosha Baseball will unveil the name and logo of the team as well as the newly renovated Historic Simmons Field. Fans are encouraged to stay throughout the duration of the event as the team plans to preview of the type of entertainment fans can expect to see at Historic Simmons Field starting in 2014. Dave “The Bullet” Smith is the highest-flying human cannonball in the world today and will project himself nearly 200 feet as he launches from a cannon in the outfield towards home plate. Whether it’s a bobblehead giveaway, Zooperstars performance, or even a human cannonball, Kenosha Baseball is excited to bring affordable, family, fun to the local community.

The team is also excited to announce that McGee and the Fibbers, an Ed Doody Band, will be performing live music at the event. The local Dixieland band has played throughout Kenosha over the years and will take the stage just after 1 p.m.

Free ballpark food and beverage are included for all guests attending the Launch Party. Fans will also have their first chance to meet Kenosha Baseball’s new field manager, who will be announced later this week. Kids activities and stadium tours will be also be available throughout the afternoon event. The team plans to open the new team store following the name and logo unveiling, and fans will have the opportunity to purchase newly branded merchandise for the very first time. Ticket information will also be available and fans can purchase select ticket packages on the day of the event. The team plans to release several more details throughout the week as more plans are finalized.

An RSVP is NOT required to attend the Launch Party. However, if you do send an RSVP toJake@KenoshaBaseball.com you will be registered for the chance to win a pair of 2014 season tickets. For more information on the Kenosha Baseball Launch Party, or Kenosha Baseball, please contact Jake McGhee at 262-653-0900 or Jake@KenoshaBaseball.com.

Rafters Partner with Businesses to Benefit Local Organizations

admin-duluth — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 17:00:45 +0000

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters of the Northwoods League and local businesses teamed up this summer to raise money for non-profit organizations during the 2013 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 Vice President Liz Kern.

The Rafters teamed up with Marshfield Clinic again 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 Marshfield Little 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 donated to the South Wood County YMCA every time a Rafters player circled the bases at historic Witter Field. Lester & Smart Insurance also added an additional $25 contribution for every home run. The Rafters ended up hitting a total of 35 home runs at Witter Field in 2013.

At every Wednesday home game this summer, the Boys and Girls Club sold cranberry colored tennis balls to fans for the chance to compete in the “Rubi Reds Cranberry Toss” on-field promotion. All fans had an opportunity to purchase the cranberry colored tennis balls that were tossed onto the field, in between one of the innings, with the goal of making it into a kiddie pool on the field. Winners each game were eligible to win a Rubi Reds gift card. All proceeds from the tennis ball toss were donated to the Wisconsin Rapids Boys and Girls Club, courtesy of Rubi Reds. Rubi Reds is a business which packages and sells delicious, premium cranberry products and is located at 4081 8th Street in Wisconsin Rapids.

“It was our honor to be a part of this special Rafters promotion benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area,” said one of the Rubi Reds owners, on behalf of Team Rubi Reds. “We can think of no better way to give back to our community than to help promote an organization which supports our youth, their academic success, and encourages good character, citizenship, and a healthy lifestyle. We wish them all the best in their new home!”

The Rafters again partnered with Incourage Community Foundation this year by donating $1 from every bag of cotton candy sold to the community fireworks fund. The Incourage Community Foundation mission is to empower local people and organizations in ways that create opportunities for all. The staff and board are using this strategy in community-wide efforts to transform the local economy, culture, and invigorate civic engagement in southern Wood County’s rural cities, villages, and towns.

On June 13th the Rafters hosted Advanced Disposal “Summertime St. Patty’s Night”. Along with the Irish theme around the ballpark, food specials and green beer, players wore green uniforms to highlight the event and were auctioned off following the game. All proceeds benefitted the Wisconsin Rapids Boys & Girls Club.

The Rafters held Fey Printing “Turn Back the Clock Night” on July 18th, with all Rafters players sporting white jerseys to commemorate the Rapids Twins teams of the past. All of the game-worn jerseys were auctioned off following the game against the Wisconsin Woodchucks, with proceeds from the auction benefitting the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Bridge Lighting Committee. The Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Bridge Lighting Committee is currently working to raise funds in hopes of providing lighting below the Grand Avenue bridge in Wisconsin Rapids.

On August 2nd the Rafters partnered with Schierl Tire & Service to hold a Neon Night at the ballpark. Throughout the night fans could purchase neon t-shirts to wear at the game. All t-shirts proceeds went to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Portage and Wood County.

On August 4th the Rafters partnered with Marshfield Clinic to hold “Cancer Awareness Day” at the ballpark. As part of this promotion, Rafters players wore pink jerseys, hats, and socks in the contest against the Madison Mallards. 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.

Prior to the Rafters final two home games of the season, the Rafters partnered with Element Mobile to sponsor a country concert featuring Josh Thompson at Witter Field. It was a great evening to lie in the outfield grass at Witter Field and enjoy some country tunes for a great cause. Proceeds from the concert benefitted the Wisconsin Rapids Boys & Girls Club.

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including MLB All-Stars Max Scherzer (DET), Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYY), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live and free of charge via the Northwoods League YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com.
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More Information about Kenosha Baseball Launch Party Released

admin-duluth — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 19:48:00 +0000

Team also Announces Hot Dog Drive-In November 21

Kenosha, WI – November 7, 2013. The Kenosha Baseball Club is excited to announce the food and beverage menu for the November 23 Launch Party.

The team also cordially invites the community to attend a free Hot Dog Drive-In on Thursday, November 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Historic Simmons Field.

The Kenosha Baseball Launch Party is set for Saturday, November 23 at 1 p.m. at Historic Simmons Field. The name and logo of the team will be unveiled and fans will get a first look at the newly renovated Historic Simmons Field. Free ballpark food and beverage are included and Kenosha Baseball’s Executive Chef will be preparing a homemade chili and a gourmet hot chocolate to keep fans warm on this late fall day. The menu will also feature traditional ballpark food, including hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, chips, soda and water.

Kenosha, WI is home to many great drive-in restaurants and the Kenosha Baseball Club plans to add a little flavor of its own on Thursday, November 21. The local community is invited to join the team for a free Hot Dog Drive-In from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Historic Simmons Field. The team plans to serve complimentary hot dogs, chips, soda and water to fans as they drive thru the parking lot just off Sheridan Road. Fans can enjoy a free ballpark style lunch on the go as they gear up for the Launch Party on November 23.

The Launch Party will also be fans first chance to meet Kenosha Baseball’s new field manager. The event will feature live music entertainment, kids activities and stadium tours throughout the afternoon event. Kenosha Baseball plans to release several more details in the weeks leading up to the event as plans are finalized.

An RSVP is NOT required to attend the Launch Party. However, if you do send an RSVP to Jake@KenoshaBaseball.com you register for the chance to win a pair of 2014 season tickets. For more information on the Kenosha Baseball Launch Party or Kenosha Baseball, please contact Jake McGhee at 262-653-0900 or Jake@KenoshaBaseball.com.

The Kenosha Baseball Club is a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21stseason of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including MLB All-Stars Max Scherzer (DET), Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYY), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live and free of charge via the Northwoods League YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.KenoshaBaseball.com.

Raftery to leave Express for position in Carolina League

admin-duluth — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 18:34:23 +0000

Broadcasting and sales position is with Class-A Frederick Keys

Eau Claire, Wis. –November 5, 2013 – The Eau Claire Express front office announced today the departure of Doug Raftery from the full-time staff effective November 13 to pursue a position in Minor League Baseball. Raftery will move on to the Carolina League with the Frederick Keys as a Sponsorship Account Manager. The Keys are a High-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.

In his role with the Keys, Raftery will focus on corporate sponsorship sales and also work alongside Adam Pohl in delivering the play-by-play for home games and will split the travel throughout the Carolina League. He will contribute in the corporate sponsorship sales in-season in addition to his broadcast duties.

“We have had great success off the field the last two seasons here and Doug was a huge part of that,” said Express General Manager Andy Neborak. “This league is all about development and Doug has a great opportunity to advance his career in Minor League Baseball. We are excited for him in this opportunity and wish him the best of luck moving forward. He will certainly be missed by the fans, sponsors and staff of the Eau Claire Express.”

Raftery joined the Express initially in May of 2012 as the Play-by-Play Broadcaster, a role he held until the season ended in mid-August. He was hired full-time in November of last year as the Director of Broadcasting and Media Sales, focusing his off-season efforts in corporate sponsorship sales and marketing for the team.

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, Md.

The Brick, N.J. native graduated from Hood College in Frederick, Md. in May of 2012 with a Communication Arts degree with a broadcasting emphasis.

Kenosha Baseball Hosting Ceremonial First Seat Installation

admin-duluth — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 15:03:16 +0000

Kenosha, WI – October 9, 2013. The Northwoods League’s newest franchise, Kenosha Baseball, will be hosting a private ceremonial first seat installation at Historic Simmons Field on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 from 12 to 1:30 p.m.

Renovations to Simmons Field started in early August with the demolition of the old third base bleacher seating structure. Progress has continued as construction crews have already built portions of the new field perimeter wall and they are working hard to complete the concrete seating structure that will make up the new Simmons Field grandstand. After nearly two months of work on the historic stadium, the construction crews will be ready to install the first stadium seats by the middle of next week.

City of Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman and other dignitaries will join representatives from Kenosha Baseball for a commemorative first seat installation as renovations continue at the ballpark. Dignitaries will secure one Major League stadium seat from Camden Yards in Baltimore to the new first base concrete seating structure and another seat to the existing historic grandstand behind home plate. Every seat in the newly renovated stadium will feature backrests and armrests.

“I am very pleased with the progress being made on this long overdue project and I think the public will be very surprised at the scope of the work. These renovations have a real “wow” factor,” said Mayor Bosman.

Later this fall, Kenosha Baseball is tentatively planning on hosting a free public event at Simmons Field to unveil the first phase of renovations, as well as the name and logo of the team. The celebration will feature free ballpark food and beverage, stadium tours, kids games and live music entertainment.

For more information on the event or Kenosha Baseball, please contact Jake McGhee at 262-653-0900 or jake@kenoshabaseball.com.

Kenosha Baseball are members of the 18-team Northwoods League. The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate League in North America. In 2013, the Northwoods League celebrated their 20th season.

Rox Make Community Involvement a Top Priority

admin-duluth — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 20:19:52 +0000

St. Cloud, MN- The St. Cloud Rox, their fans and local businesses teamed up to raise over $17,500 for charitable organizations in Central Minnesota during the 2013 season.

“Making contributions to over 100 local charitable organizations was truly a team effort. It’s not possible without our great fans and corporate partners. A special thank you goes to them,” said Rox Vice President Scott Schreiner.

The Rox players and coaches were busy off the field this summer making nearly 50 community appearances totaling over 700 hours at local nursing homes, youth clinics, libraries, Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs, Camp Friendship and numerous other locations. “We have the best fans in the Northwoods League and to be able to get out in the community and spend time with them is something we love to do,” Rox Field Manager Augie Rodriguez stated.

While supporting over 100 local non-profit and charity events through their second season the Rox continued to partner with familiar businesses in the area while also adding a few new faces along the way. A new promotional night was “Father’s Day/Men’s Health Day,” as the Rox teamed up with Adult & Pediatric Urology to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Research. The event included a silent auction of several game worn jerseys that helped generate over $800 for Prostate Cancer Research. “Partnering with the St. Cloud Rox was an easy, fun and rewarding way to educate men about the importance of taking charge of their health, specifically in regards to Prostate Cancer,” said Toni Friese from Adult & Pediatric Urology.

The Rox partnered again with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, St. Cloud Area YMCA, and Northland Capital Financial Services LLC to provide a free youth baseball clinic. Over 100 boys and girls signed up and participated in the clinic. Not only did the children receive a free baseball clinic with instruction from Rox players and coaches, they also received a ticket to enjoy a Rox game.

The Rox partnered with the St. Cloud Times this summer and brought back “Community Spotlight Night” on July 8th. Community Spotlight Night gave local organizations with minimal budgets an opportunity to get noticed by the community as they were featured at the Rox game that evening for no charge.

Once again the Rox and Central Minnesota Credit Union teamed up to present the Rox Reading Program to local schools in the spring of 2013. Through the help of Central Minnesota Credit Union the program helped encourage over 9,000 kids in the Central Minnesota community to read. Students that completed their reading goals received two tickets to a Rox home game during the 2013 season courtesy of Central Minnesota Credit Union.

During the Rox second season over 53,000 fans came out to Joe Faber Field.

The Rox are members of the Northwoods League. 116 former players have gone on to play Major League baseball. Notable alumni of the league include Curtis Granderson (Yankees), Chris Sale (White Sox), Max Scherzer (Tigers), Josh Willingham (Twins) and Jordan Zimmermann (Nationals). For additional information please contact the Rox Office by calling (320)-240-9798 or visit www.stcloudrox.com

Tom Kelly to Headline Loggers Winter BBQ

admin-duluth — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 18:13:11 +0000

La Crosse, Wis. – The La Crosse Loggers announced today that former Minnesota Twins field manager Tom Kelly will headline their 11^th Winter Baseball BBQ, which is planned for Thursday, January 23, 2014 at the Stoney Creek Inn (Onalaska).

Kelly managed the Twins for a span of more than 15 years (1986-2001), making him the longest tenured coach in Twins history. Under his direction, the Twins won two World Series Titles in a span of five years (1987 and 1991) and Kelly was named the American League Manager of the Year in 1991. The Minnesota native won 1,140 games as the Twins skipper during his tenure and the Twins retired his #10 jersey before a September 8, 2012 game at Target Field. Kelly currently serves as a special assistant to general manager Terry Ryan.

The Loggers Winter Baseball BBQ will also feature addresses from members of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse baseball team, the Loggers themselves as well as a special silent auction area. Tickets for the event will go on sale later this fall along with more information/times on the event. Proceeds from the event will go directly to the La Crosse Loggers Foundation who will use those proceeds in the continuing effort to preserve the UW-La Crosse baseball program.

Fans can visit www.lacrosseloggers.com for more information or call the Loggers front office at 608-796-9553. The Loggers will open their twelfth season of play in late May of 2014. The 2014 slate of game is expected to be released later this fall from the Northwoods League office. Notable Loggers alumni include Max Scherzer (Tigers), Chris Sale (White Sox), Jordan Pacheco (Rockies), Rob Brantly (Marlins), Victor Black (Mets), Eric Thames (Astros), Brett Jackson (Cubs) and Daniel Herrera (Mets).

Broskowski accepts position with California Winter League

admin-duluth — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 15:19:45 +0000

(Rochester, MN–) Rochester Honkers broadcaster Michael Broskowski has accepted media relations and broadcasting position with the California Winter League.

“I am excited to gain more experience working in more of a media relations position,” Broskowski said. “The opportunity to be able to work and watch baseball in January and February in Palm Springs, California, was something I could not pass up.”

Broskowski, a 2013 graduate of Western Illinois, spent the last two summers with the Honkers as the radio broadcaster on KOLM – AM 1520 “The Ticket.”

The California Winter League will have ten teams this upcoming season and will field nearly 200 players. All games are played at Palm Springs Stadium, the former spring training stadium of the Los Angeles Angels. The season’s games will run from January 16 to February 20, with four or five games being played each day. The only off day in the season is February 2 – Super Bowl Sunday.

“The league is truly one of its kind,” Broskowski said of his future league. “It really gives players the opportunity to showcase themselves for scouts.”

The league is for players passed over in the draft, been released, or just players who want to stay in playing shape during the offseason. Last season’s players included the sons of baseball greats Roger Clemens and Ozzie Smith.

Broskowski will be one of the four people responsible for the media relations and broadcasting for the league. His duties will include: writing game recaps, writing feature stories, working with the local media, and broadcasting games.

In 2012, his first season in Rochester, Broskowski earned the award Northwoods League broadcaster of the year.

“It feels great to be rewarded for something that you dedicate your life to,” Broskowski said of the award. “All the thanks go to Kim and Dan for giving me an opportunity. They are great owners, and more importantly great people.”

He was also ranked 12^th in the nation among all college broadcasters in 2013 while at Western Illinois.

“That was a huge honor for me and for my career,” Broskowski said. “It is not often that someone can be placed in the top 20 of something in the entire country.”

Stingers Sponsors and Fans Raise $11470 for Local Charities

admin-duluth — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 15:26:53 +0000

(Willmar, MN) – The Willmar Stingers of the Northwoods League and local businesses teamed up this summer and raised $11,470 for charitable organizations during the 2013 season. A combination of new and annual summer promotions raised dollars for five non-profit organizations that serve the Willmar Lakes Area community.

“The funds that were raised this summer were great, a special thanks to our community partners and fans being generous to these five important organizations,” said Willmar Stingers Co-Owner Ryan Voz.

The Stingers and North American State Bank kicked of the fundraising effort with a promotion benefiting the Community Christian School. For every run that was scored by the Stingers on June 10th, $100 was donated to the Community Christian School. The Stingers ended up collecting 13 runs and as a result $1,300 was raised.

The Stingers, along with sponsors Rice Memorial Hospital, Hansen Advertising, Central Lakes Cooperative, Cub Foods, Kandi Dental Center, West Central Tribune, and Subway presented the 3rd Annual “Get Stung with the Run” 1K/5K. More than 250 individuals participated in the event, raising $3,535 for the Mentorship Program at the YMCA in Willmar.

“The fundraiser for one of our programs was amazing,” YMCA Executive Director Theresa Wittenberg said. “With the help of donors and the Stingers, these dollars will help with our volunteer mentors and serves children in our community.”

The Stingers & Thrivent Financial for Lutherans presented the 4th annual “Jerseys off our Back Night”. Fans bid on player jerseys during the game with all proceeds benefiting the Willmar Lakes Area Food Shelf. The jersey auction totaled $4,350 for the food shelf and currently $15,555 has been raised on behalf of the Stingers and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans during the past four years.

In conjunction with Rice Home Medical, pink bats were auctioned off during a game against the Green Bay Bullfrogs. Similar to the jerseys, fans had a chance to bid on the bats throughout the game that evening and a total of $1,510 was raised for the local American Cancer Society chapter.

A new promotion this year was the partnership with the Hawk Creek Animal Shelter of Willmar. The partnership centered on the number of home runs that the Stingers players hit at Bill Taunton Stadium during the 2013 season. For each home run hit, the Stingers would donate $25. During the summer, 31 home runs were hit at the Bee Hive, bringing the amount raised for the Animal Shelter to $775.

The Stingers saw over 36,800 fans come through the gates at Bill Taunton Stadium to witness the fourth season of Northwoods League Baseball in Willmar. The Stingers are members of the largest summer collegiate league in the country. For more information regarding this release and the upcoming season presented by Charter - www.charter.com, please call 320-222-2010 or visit WillmarStingers.com.