O'Brien Giving Back on Sunday, Throughout 2017 Season
May 5, 2017 - American Association (AA)
Winnipeg Goldeyes News Release
WINNIPEG, MB - Winnipeg Goldeyes' right-handed pitcher Mikey O'Brien, in conjunction with Diabetes Canada, will be hosting a baseball camp for Manitoba youth afflicted with diabetes on Sunday, May 7th at Shaw Park.
The camp begins at 10:00 a.m. and is open to the media. Following the camp, the Goldeyes will conduct their scheduled spring training workout at 2:00 p.m.
Although he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during high school, O'Brien has not allowed the illness to interfere with his dream of playing professional baseball. The Roanoke, Virginia native won 10 games for the Goldeyes in 2016, and has played as high as the Triple-A level during his nine-year pro career.
"You have kids out there who want to pursue baseball, but maybe aren't sure if diabetes is going to hold them back," said O'Brien. "It's great to show them that, 'hey, I'm doing it too,' just to give them that little push or motivation."
Diabetes Canada and the Goldeyes have also partnered to form the "Strikeout Stigma Campaign." Local sponsors will donate $50 to Diabetes Canada for every strikeout O'Brien records throughout the 2017 season.
"Diabetes Canada is excited to be working with the Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball Club and Mikey O'Brien to offer this unique opportunity to children and youth living with type 1 diabetes in the province," said Andrea Kwasnicki, regional director for Manitoba and Nunavut with Diabetes Canada. "We are hoping all those in attendance will be inspired by the day, and return home knowing that even if they live with diabetes, they can successfully pursue their dreams and aspirations."
The Winnipeg Goldeyes open the 2017 season on May 18th on the road against the expansion Cleburne Railroaders. The Goldeyes' 2017 home opener is Monday, May 29th versus the Sioux Falls Canaries at Shaw Park. Season tickets, 10-game mini packs, and group outings for the 2017 season are on sale now. For more information, call the Goldeyes' office at (204) 982-BASE, or visit the Goldeyes' official website at www.goldeyes.com
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American Association Stories from May 5, 2017
- O'Brien Giving Back on Sunday, Throughout 2017 Season - Winnipeg Goldeyes
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