Pump Jacks Swinging for Veteran Scholarships this Summer

Published on June 20, 2012 under Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
East Texas PumpJacks News Release


When Kirby Pellant pounded out three hits during the first game of Sunday's doubleheader, he did more than just lead to the East Texas Pump Jacks to a 7-3 victory.

He also racked up $125 toward a new scholarship fund for veterans in the new "Hits for Heroes" program.

The Jacks have partnered with R&K Distributors and Kilgore College to create "Hits for Heroes," a scholarship program that raises money for every hit the Pump Jacks register at a home game.

"Hits for Heroes" is the brainchild of R&K Distributors, the Longview-based distributor of Anheuser-Busch products Bud Light and Budweiser. The goal was to create a scholarship program to benefit veteran students and students of veteran parents at Kilgore College.

"We wanted to do something to support our veterans right here in East Texas," said Mike Martin, president of R&K. "By partnering with Kilgore College and the Pump Jacks, we ensure that East Texas students are the beneficiaries of money generated right here in our own backyard.

"This is just one way we can say "˜thank you' to our veterans for their commitment and sacrifice."

Every time a Pump Jacks player hits safely in a game at historic Driller Park, R&K will make a donation to "Hits for Heroes," up to $10,000 for the entire season. A single is worth $25, a double is $50, a triple is good for $75, and home runs rack up $100 each.

The Pump Jacks are well on their way this season, racing out to a franchise-record seven-game home win streak to start the season. In those seven games, the Pump Jacks have posted 41 singles and 15 doubles, for a total donation of $1,775.

Fans can follow the Jacks' offensive achievements every time they attend a Pump Jacks game by checking out the "Hits for Heroes" board on the main ramp at historic Driller Park.

The Jacks are on the road tonight when they visit the Texas Marshals, but they'll return home Thursday night to rack up more "Hits for Heroes."

Thursday night marks the return of Thirsty Thursday, when fans can beat the heat with 50-cent soft drinks and dollar draft beers. The Pump Jacks face the Victoria Generals at 7:05 p.m. and the gates open at 6 p.m.

Friday marks the first Fireworks Friday of the Jacks' fifth anniversary season. The Pump Jacks tradition continues with a spectacular post-game fireworks show, set to a brand-new soundtrack. In fact, fans can help choose the soundtrack's theme by visiting the Jacks on Facebook and participating in the current poll. Fans can choose from an 80's throwback, cartoons on TV and in the movies, and summer vacation in the poll.

The gates will open at 6 p.m. on Friday, with first pitch against the Generals scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The fireworks will take place after the game.

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Texas Collegiate League Stories from June 20, 2012


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