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Rochester Red Wings and Empire State Yankees to Host Hope Week August 8-9

August 3, 2012 - International League (IL1)
Rochester Red Wings News Release


ROCHESTER, NY - The Rochester Red Wings and Empire State Yankees, who are using Frontier Field for 38 regular-season home games in 2012, are teaming up for their own version of HOPE Week August 8-9 in Rochester. The HOPE week initiative (Helping Others Preserve and Excel) was created by the New York Yankees in 2009 to shine a spotlight on a different individual, family, or organization worthy of recognition and support. Introduced in 2009, HOPE Week is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture.

The Minnesota Twins, the parent organization of the Red Wings, became the second major league team to begin hosting HOPE Week events in 2011.

Prior to their game on Wednesday, August 8, the Red Wings and Yankees will host a Challenger baseball game at Frontier Field at 12:00 noon featuring teams from Greece and Fairport. Players and coaches from the Red Wings and Yankees will be on hand to provide assistance to the athletes. A lunch and meet-and-greet session will immediately follow the exhibition.

Prior to their game on Thursday, August 9, the Red Wings and Yankees will host a baseball clinic for the Rochester Hispanic Youth Baseball League at 11:00 a.m. Following lunch and a meet-and-greet session, the teams will host a second clinic for the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester at 1:00 p.m.

"In this truly unique season at Frontier Field we are proud to be able to join forces with the Yankees to create some incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and memories for youngsters in our community," said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. "I can't think of another hands-on community initiative in which two International League rivals have worked on together during my tenure with the Red Wings. It's extremely rewarding to have both teams come together to give back to our community, adding one more unique twist to this historic season at Frontier Field."

"Baseball has a vibrant role in the community beyond just the playing of games, whether it's Major League Baseball or Minor League Baseball, and the Twins are excited to see Hope Week extend to our affiliate in Rochester," said Twins General Manager Terry Ryan. "We applaud the Red Wings' efforts as goodwill ambassadors to provide hope and encouragement in their community."

"As an organization, we have seen firsthand the positive impact HOPE Week has made in our community," said Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman. "We've found that giving back is contagious. One of the goals of the initiative has been to inspire others to follow in our footsteps, and I'm proud that our affiliates are expanding this tradition by joining our efforts."

Every year for five consecutive days, the New York Yankees give the HOPE Week honorees a chance to share their inspirational stories with players, fans, and the media, while being surprised with the day of their dreams. Though each day's celebration ultimately culminates with a visit to Yankee Stadium on the day of a game, outreach typically takes place at a location in the community that symbolizes the accomplishments of the honoree.

The Twins hosted their 2012 HOPE Week from June 10-16. The week included Justin Morneau's Casino Night for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

"The Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester is honored to be part of HOPE Week," said Executive Director Dwayne Mahoney. "The opportunity for our club members to meet members of the Rochester Red Wings and Yankees is a dream come true. They also will learn about the importance of giving back to their community as they participate and witness the many volunteer efforts associated with Hope Week."

"The participants are extremely excited about playing at Frontier Field and will especially enjoy the hands-on support and encouragement from both the Twins and Yankees franchises," said Greece Little League President Gene Noga. "Kudos to the Red Wings and Yankees teams and players for giving back to the baseball community, especially to those youngsters with challenges."

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