Armada Turn China Olympic Games This Weekend Into Fundraiser For China Earthquake Victims

Published on May 14, 2008 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Long Beach Armada News Release


Long Beach, CA, May 13, 2008. The Long Beach Armada, a proud member of the Golden Baseball League (GBL), announced today that they have teamed up with Major League Baseball and the Long Beach Chapter of the American Red Cross to help in relief efforts following this past Monday's 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Central China. GBL Commissioner Kevin Outcalt announced this morning that 25% of all tickets proceeds for this weekend's two games versus the China National Baseball Team will go to victim relief. Major League Baseball is hosting the China team's visit to the Unites States and arranging the team's schedule. The Armada, with the support of the China National Team, will also be holding a memorabilia auction during the China series with 100% of auction proceeds to go to victim relief. American Red Cross will be present to take donations from those in attendance at both the Saturday and Sunday game. The two games against the China National Team will be held this Saturday May 17, 2008 at 7:05pm and Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 6:05pm at Historic Blair Field in Long Beach, California.

"In conjunction with Major League Baseball, the American Red Cross and iBN Communiations, we will contribute 25% of all ticket revenue and pay-per-view internet broadcast revenue from the Long Beach Armada versus the China National Team games this weekend at Historic Blair Field to the China Earthquake Relief Fund administered by the Red Cross," said Golden Baseball League Commissioner Kevin Outcalt. "We encourage fans to attend the games to support this effort and we also encourage all other professional sporting event operators in the L.A. area to implement similar programs this weekend to create an even more substantial level of assistance."

A special auction will take place and end during the Armada games this weekend, with such items as an official number 7 autographed Steve Yeager Dodger jersey, collector 1981 World Series baseballs autographed by Series MVP Yeager, game worn jerseys from the Armada, memorabilia from the Chinese National Team, game worn caps, scorecards, and many other sports collectibles donated by the Angels, Dodgers, Lakers, Clippers, Kings, Chivas USA, LA Galaxy, and other local professional sports teams. 100% of auction proceeds will go to the American Red Cross relief efforts. iBN Communications, which begins broadcasting GBL games this month, will be airing a special presentation of the Saturday May 17 game on their website www.ibnsports.com, on a $5 pay per view basis, with 25% of all proceeds going to aide the quake victims.

The Armada, along with Title Sponsor Chik-fil-A Long Beach, have teamed up to bring both the Armada and the Chinese team together this Thursday evening May 15 at their location in the Long Beach Towne Center. Players and coaches from both teams will be in attendance, as will Armada season ticket holders and local media outlets. Chik-fil-A is located at 7681 Carson Blvd, Long Beach, Ca. 90808.

"With such a large of portion of the Chinese population affected by this tragedy, this weekend's series with the China National Team has taken on a new meaning and that is to help those in need," said Armada President and General Manager Steven Bash. "We are very thankful to our fans, corporate sponsors, players, and Manager Steve Yeager for reacting quickly and helping out our relief efforts with our local American Red Cross chapter. We encourage all local Long Beach residents and businesses to come out to Blair this weekend to help make a difference."

The Chinese team is managed by former Los Angeles Dodger All-Star and Major League Manager Jim Lefebvre, and will be one of the eight teams vying for gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The 2008 Summer Games will feature the world's finest baseball teams from around the globe. The eight team tournament is set and will showcase some of the greatest players in the world as China, Cuba, U.S.A., Canada, Netherlands, Japan, Korea, and Chinese Taipei will compete for the gold medal from August 13 - 23, 2008.

Tickets for the two game series in Long Beach start at $6, as together we do our part to help those in need during this difficult time. Tickets can be ordered by contacting the Long Beach Armada front office at 562-498-4487 or logging on to www.longbeacharmada.com.

Compassionate donors can help those affected by the China earthquake by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross at both Armada games versus the China Olympic Team this weekend. A special booth will be set up for monetary donations. In addition, donors may call 1-800-RED-CROSS or contact Public Relations Coordinator Guillermo Sanchez at the Greater Long Beach Chapter of the American Red Cross at (562) 490-4016 for more information.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Golden Baseball League Stories from May 14, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central