NBC Archives - Page 4 of 8

Day 1 Recap

July 23, 2017

Contact: tim@nbcbaseball.com

Shockers Stall Express, 9-3

With a game time temperature in the triple digits, the Austin Shockers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back in securing a 9-3 win in the opener of the 83rd NBC World Series powered by Westar Energy. Zach Compton had a pair of hits and scored three times to spark the Shockers. Four other Shockers had multiple hits to back starter Colton Bailey. Bailey allowed just one run in 6 strong innings of work.

316 Elite rises late, upends Round Rock 12-5

After shaking off some early jitters and withstanding five early runs from the Round Rock Express, 316 Elite started swinging the bats. Sparked by a pair of triples from Brody Hanna, 316 Elite put up crooked numbers with a five-run fourth inning and a six-run fifth inning. Nathan Hungate settled down on the mound after allowing some early runs. Kreighton Rogers took it the rest of the way with 3.1 scoreless innings of relief.

Mulvane holds off Ft. Collins 6-5

The featured game was full of drama after the local Mulvane Patriots saw an early 5-0 lead dissapear. Mulvane got to the Bandits’ starter, Wichita State pitcher, Preston Snavely for five runs before he locked in and gave the Bandits time to respond. The Bandits response included the first home run of the World Series off the bat of Isaac Bracken. But the Patriots bullpen, led by Jared Price’s three innings of scoreless relief, held tight. Aaron Brown drove in the game winner in the top of the ninth. Ryan Bailey secured the final three outs, and the win for the Mulvane Patriots.

Boom bop Mud Daubers 5-3 (played Sunday Morning)

Marcus Catalano completed three legs of the cycle, just missing a home run, and teammate Gilbert Valenzuela added three hits of his own as the Northwest Boom (AZ) pounded out 13 total hits in a 5-3 victory over the Valley Center Mud Daubers. Cesar Dominguez was a magician working around eight hits and a walk in 6.2 innings of work, only allowing one earned run. Zach Bailey was 3-4 in the loss for the Mud Daubers.

NBC continues to Evolve

July 21, 2017

BY JEFFREY LUTZ

This article can be seen in its entirety on The Wichita Eagle:

http://www.kansas.com/sports/other-sports/nbc-baseball/article162940508.html

Kevin Jenks is playing the long game.

Some of the changes to the National Baseball Congress World Series made by Jenks, its tournament director, have been implemented in the last couple years. One difference this year is the elimination of Baseball ’Round the Clock, an NBC staple for nearly 30 years.

Other changes are still to come. Jenks works consistently at giving the tournament, which begins Saturday with four games at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, a national flavor and ending the regionalization that has dominated recent years.

More than 10 new teams – those who have never played in the World Series – and three new leagues are represented in the 30-team field, a number that Jenks wants to reduce in the future.

“We need to look at the idea of going to a smaller World Series, fewer teams,” Jenks said. “There’s a lot of things to look at of how we look at the qualifying for it. We’re not looking at sweeping, major changes and a whole new format for the thing, we just need to look at tweaking some things.”

Jenks’ most difficult obstacle has been replacing teams that drop out just before the tournament. Usually those replacement teams come from Kansas, where there are now three collegiate summer leagues after the addition of the Sunflower League this year.

“I miss baseball, I like being around it,” Sunflower commissioner Casey Walkup said. “With my experience, spending five years with the NBC (including as tournament director), I felt like there were some things that you could do to run a summer collegiate team in this area and not have to have a huge budget, but make it successful.”

The Sunflower is sending the Mulvane Patriots, a first-year team, to the World Series. Kansas has more than 20 summer teams and can be an easy fallback for Jenks when he is filling the field.

But Jenks looks in different directions first. The tournament added the University of Iowa, which is representing the United States similar to the way Kansas’ basketball team did in the World University Games last summer.

The San Antonio Angels, participating in next week’s championship week, and the Hattiesburg (Miss.) Black Sox are additional new participants. The NBC added a donation program to help teams with travel, food, lodging and incidental expenses

“But we need to get back to east of the Mississippi (River) more,” Jenks said. “That’s easier said than done, but that’s one reason why we introduced the Ambassador program, for us to build traction not only for our current participants, but for the future to be more attractive to other leagues we’re trying to recruit to come to Wichita.”

Jenks has a model for a 26-team tournament that would last two weeks instead of 16 days. A slight reformatting is particularly urgent because the World Series may have to move to Wichita State’s Eck Stadium or another location while a new downtown stadium is being built.

All options, Jenks said, are on the table.

“It’s just a model, it’s a draft,” Jenks said. “That’s why I want to lock ourselves in a room with a big whiteboard and some people I want to make sure are a part of that conversation. Like, ‘Hey guys, what do you think we could be doing here?’ ”

Baseball ’Round the Clock is gone because games are no longer played into the middle of the night. Umpiring, Jenks said, improved last year when new crew chief Jon Browar hired umpires with significant Division I experience.

It’s all part of a plan that may give the tournament a different look but represents the same goals – to attract the best teams and players to Wichita every summer.

“At the end of the day, do you want to come in and face a team that’s not very good competitively?” Jenks said. “Or do you want your guys to line up and say, ‘We’ve got to bring it tonight, because this is a good team.’ ”

Saturday’s Games

Austin Shockers vs. Sterling (Colo.) Xpress, 1:30 p.m.

Round Rock (Texas) Express vs. 316 Elite, 4 p.m.

Ft. Collins (Colo.) Bandits vs. Mulvane Patriots, 7 p.m.

Northwest (Ariz.) Boom vs. Valley Center Mud Daubers, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday’s Games

Westchase (Texas) Express vs. Jasper (Ind.) Reds, 1:30 p.m.

Dallas Dirtbags vs. TBA (Jayhawk), 4 p.m.

Cheney Diamond Dawgs vs. Fresno A’s, 7 p.m.

Hattiesburg (Miss.) Black Sox vs. Inland Empire (Calif.) Golden Bears, 9:30 p.m.

Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/sports/other-sports/nbc-baseball/article162940508.html#storylink=cpy

WBJ: The Business of the NBC

July 21, 2017

This article appears on the Wichita Business Journal website.

By Josh Heck

Kevin Jenks doesn’t sleep much in the days leading up to the National Baseball Congress World Series.

As tournament director and general manager for the National Baseball Congress Foundation, much of the responsibility for ensuring the oldest continuous sporting event in the United States succeeds will fall on him.

But Jenks can rest a little easier knowing interest in the 30-team tournament is increasing, reflected by increases in attendance, corporate sponsorships and community buy-in.

Jenks sat down with the Wichita Business Journal last week to detail the operational components required to make the NBC World Series go, the ongoing push to grow the organization and ensure it remains a viable stand-alone entity for years to come.

All told, the NBC Foundation is about a $1.5 million operation with all of the tournament expenses factored in.

Jenks wants the organization to be a community fixture year-round, not just a few weeks out of every summer, and cross-promote with other events, such as the Wichita River Festival.

“This is a community tradition,” Jenks says. “This is a part of Wichita — been that way for many years — and we need to make sure we don’t lose it.”

The NBC Foundation has grown from being a one-man operation in 2015 to having three other people besides Jenks as full-time staff members. Jenks spent 2013 and 2014 working on the World Series as part of the Wichita Wingnuts staff. He transitioned to full-time oversight of tournament operations in November of 2014.

Now, the foundation has personnel devoted to operations, partnerships and marketing and communications. Three seasonal employees are utilized before and during the World Series. A team of 40 to 50 volunteers also help with the games — typically around 10 people per game — serving as ticket takers, ushers and assisting with team hospitality.

Jenks says the organization is growing by engaging with local businesses and nonprofit organizations, along with more community partnerships.

“It’s relationships,” Jenks said. “To us, that’s what life is all about.”

The emphasis on relationships — new and fostering existing ones — is so significant that the foundation hired a dedicated partnership director last year, Eddie Fahnestock.

With a full year under his belt, Fahnestock is a big reason why the Wichita business community has stepped to the plate, adding 30 new corporate sponsors for the 2017 World Series, pushing the total number of sponsorships over 100.

“We knew in that first year we weren’t giving our sponsors enough attention,” Jenks says.

Jenks says sponsorships range from $250 to $25,000, covering title sponsorships for games, and in-game advertising and promotions.

Hotel and restaurant vendors also partner with the NBC Foundation to provide food and lodging for participating teams, staff and guests.

Jenks says the foundation has 20 restaurant partners and eight to 10 hotel partners that aid those efforts.

Business buy-in

The foundation made news in June with the announcement of longtime sponsor Westar Energy as the title sponsor for the World Series.

Westar officials say the investment is justified.

“More than anything else, it’s doing something for our community,” says Jeff Beasley, Westar’s vice president of customer care based in Wichita. “The NBC tournament is one of the signature events for Wichita. It has a great history to it.”

Other Wichita businesses agree, and they’ve also bought in.

“This tournament has been around a long time and it feels like it is gaining momentum again,” says Rod Young, CEO of Professional Engineering Consultants PA, one of this year’s new corporate sponsors. “I think Kevin has done a great job of getting this event in front of corporate sponsors.”

Young says getting involved with the tournament also is a way to give back to the community and PEC employees. PEC receives an allotment of tickets for its sponsorship as well as access to a Lawrence-Dumont suite one of the nights.

The company is paying $10,000 to sponsor two dates during the World Series, July 24 and the Aug. 4 quarterfinals during Championship Week.

Foley Equipment Co., Kansas Surgery & Recovery Center, Kansas Gas Service and Key Construction Inc. are among the new World Series sponsors this year as well.

Jenks anticipates a 75 percent year-over-year increase in sponsorship revenue this year, not including proceeds from tickets and concessions.

The NBC Foundation, he says, receives all of the ticket revenue from the World Series and a percentage of concession sales.

Kansas Stars appeal

The addition of the Kansas Stars team, comprised of Hall of Famers and former major league players, has increased the tournament’s appeal, supporters say.

Last year, the team helped produce multiple sell-out crowds at Lawrence-Dumont, as tournament attendance continues to grow.

Attendance during the games in which the Stars played drew roughly 6,000 fans apiece, double that of other tournament games.

Jenks says the tournament drew roughly 44,000 people in 2015, the first year under the direction of the nonprofit organization. That was a 9 percent increase over 2014, Jenks says.

Total attendance grew to around 55,000 people in 2016, bolstered by the Kansas Stars playing during Championship Week.

The goal is to increase the tournament attendance total another 10 percent this year.

Helping Delano grow

The NBC World Series creates a financial ripple effect with people from in and out of town staying in local hotels, eating at local restaurants and taking in the city’s attractions.

The 2016 tournament created an economic impact of $2.5 million, according to estimates from Visit Wichita and the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission.

Businesses in the Delano District are among those that benefit most from the NBC Tournament because of their proximity to Lawrence-Dumont.

Jennifer Ray, owner of the Monarch, says business at the restaurant picks up in the later part of the afternoons during the tournament. Most often, she says, people are getting a meal and some drinks before evening games, but occasionally people will come in between or after games as well.

On Kansas Stars game nights, Ray expects triple the number of people other NBC World Series games bring.

“That is something we really have to plan for,” she says. “All you can really do is focus on how you can get people in and out as quickly as possible. You don’t want people to leave unhappy.”

The Monarch will add staff and offer limited menu items on nights when capacity crowds are expected.

Other Delano businesses also see an increase in foot traffic during the two-week tournament.

Jack Kellogg, owner of Hatman Jack’s, says the World Series helps provide a bump in sales during a slower time of the year, from customers from across the U.S.

“The NBC Tournament is like a big convention,” he says. “It performs for us in a very positive way because of new faces from different places.”

Helping other nonprofits

Jenks and the NBC Foundation have made helping other nonprofits a higher priority over the past couple of years as a way to promote services and causes in the community.

The NBC partners with a local nonprofit organization — the majority providing youth services — on a 50/50 raffle promotion. The beneficiary organization is allowed to recruit its own volunteers to sell raffle tickets during games and provide information about services provided.

Half of the money raised through the raffle goes directly to the featured nonprofit organization on a particular night. The other half goes to the fan whose ticket number is drawn. Jenks says in some cases the winning fan will give the money back to the featured nonprofit organization. Martin Pringle Law Firm sponsors the raffle promotion throughout the tournament.

Nonprofit leaders say that promotion is a way for local organizations to gain some added exposure in the community.

Debbie Kennedy, CEO of the Wichita Children’s Home, says being featured for one night during the tournament will provide a platform for the organization to share its story. The children’s home will be the highlighted nonprofit on Aug. 3.

Kennedy says the added exposure will help her organization connect with ambassadors who are interested in serving as a volunteer, donor or both.

She’s glad the NBC Foundation is making a more concerted effort to work with local nonprofit organizations locally.

“It’s better when we can all work together in a collective fashion because it benefits us all and makes the community better,” Kennedy says.

See the full article here:https://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/news/2017/07/21/the-business-of-the-nbc.html

2017 Field Set for 83rd NBC World Series powered by Westar Energy

July 18, 2017

UPDATED: 7/20/17 6:04pm CT

WICHITA, Kan. – With a mixture of perennial contenders, local teams, and fresh faces, the 30 team field for the 83^rd NBC World Series powered by Westar Energy has been set with the final teams qualifying to represent their leagues in 2017 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in Wichita.

The Santa Barbara Foresters, the 2016 champions, lead a pack of five California based squads. The Inland Empire Golden Bears and the Fresno A’s will represent the Golden State in the First Week. The San Diego Force and San Diego Waves will join the fray of Championship Week with the Foresters.

The runner-up from 2016, Hays Larks, will also be back leading a competitive pack from the state of Kansas. The Kansas Stars, a collection of former Major League players will be making their second consecutive appearance in Championship Week. Frequent attendees, such as the Liberal Bee Jays, Derby Twins and Wellington Heat have punched their tickets to Championship Week as well. The Mulvane Patriots, 316 Elite and a couple of teams that will be determined will round out the competitors in First Week.

The 2017 field will see eleven, and potentially fourteen total, new teams making their NBC debuts. The Hattiesburg Black Sox (MS) have been in operation since 1941, but will come to the World Series for the first time. The Northwest Boom (AZ) will be coming out of the Sun Belt Collegiate League. Among those making their debuts in Championship week will be the San Antonio Angels (TX).

Also, new to the NBC will be the USA National Team, represented by the University of Iowa, who will be preparing to represent the United States in Tokyo at the World University Games in late August.

For a complete list of the 30 team field at the 83^rd NBC World Series powered by Westar Energy as well as they breakdown of First and Championship Week participants, visit https://nbcbaseball.com/2017-field/

The 83^rd NBC World Series will be played July 22–August 6, with all games being played at Historical Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. To order individual game tickets go to www.selectaseat.com or call 316-977-9400.

About NBC: The NBC World Series is the largest and the oldest continuous sporting event in the United States. This non-profit 501c(3) foundation operates under the supervision of a 16-member volunteer board of directors. To learn more visit www.nbcbaseball.com.

Contact: Tim Slack

tim@nbcbaseball.com

City approves part of Stadium Financial Plan

July 18, 2017

*Photo by Brittany Schowalter/Wichita Business Journal

This article appears online at Wichita Business Journal

Bill Wilson Managing EditorWichita Business Journal

A new downtown ballpark came a step closer to reality Tuesday when the Wichita City Council approved $29.5 million in funding for the project.

The money, including $20 million in bonds retired by tax increment financing, and $9.5 million for parking, would be targeted for a new Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on the west side of the Arkansas River, the initial focal point of the city’s plans to accelerate development along the river downtown.

“Today is good news,” Wichita Mayor Jeff Longwell said. “We are going to have so many opportunities in Wichita.”

Also included would be a greenway walking and bike path on the north side of Douglas in Delano.

“Baseball has been a part of the fabric of Wichita for 85 years,” said city council member Pete Meitzner, who was in Washington, D.C., Tuesday for the vote but supports the project. “The city needs to provide a destination stadium that can be part of that very fabric, for professional ballplayers and for the National Baseball Congress.”

Plans for the ballpark are based around a destination concept, where fans can walk around the circumference of the park. Also included are a home for Wichita’s National Baseball Congress and a bid for the College Baseball Hall of Fame.

City officials have told the WBJ they are confident that an affiliated baseball team can become the lead tenant for the new ballpark, with a Triple-A club easier to land than a Double-A team, where major league clubs develop most of their young talent.

Wichita is the largest city in the United States without affiliated baseball, Mayor Jeff Longwell told the WBJ this year.

Walk Your Way to Better Rates

July 12, 2017

Fans of the 83rd NBC World Series powered by Westar Energy can visit any Wichita Federal Credit Union (WFCU) location to start saving money each month on high interest rate loans, while also scoring flex tickets to this year’s World Series.

WFCU is the sponsor of all walks during the World Series and is giving away flex tickets to NBC fans who open up a savings account throughout the World Series.

WFCU has been serving the Wichita Area since 1940 and is a full service financial institution with Checking and Savings accounts, Auto, Home and Personal Loans as well as credit cards with fixed rates and no balance transfer fees.

Learn about how WFCU can save you money on rates and win flex tickets by visiting one of their three locations.

3730 W 13th St N, Wichita

9835 E 21st St N, Wichita

455 N Main St Ste 410, Wichita

www.wichitafcu.com

NBC Hall of Fame 2017 Class

July 10, 2017

WICHITA, Kan. –The 83^rd NBC World Series powered by Westar Energy is ready to advance the tradition built by those who played and coached in the eight-plus decades of its existence. The National Baseball Congress is pleased to honor that tradition and announce the Hall of Fame inductions of Al “Rusty” Gerhardt, Loren Packard, Doug Stokke, Jack O’Donnell, and Wayne Elliott as the Class of 2017.

Al “Rusty” Gerhardt shined on the mound in two NBC World Series appearances, nabbing the MVP in 1970 for the Grand Rapids (MI) Sullivans, a team that featured nine future Major League players. Gerhardt was similarly impressive in 1971 for the Fairbanks (AK) Goldpanners and earned his second consecutive All-American Award as a pitcher. Over both of his NBC appearances, Gerhardt compiled an impressive 6-1 record while allowing just a single earned run. Gerhardt went on to a professional baseball career following the NBC. A 12^th round selection of the San Diego Padres in 1972, Gerhardt made his major league debut at the ripe age of 23. Altogether, he spent nine seasons in the Padres’ organization before coaching in the Padres and Texas Rangers farm systems. He has been a scouting supervisor in the MLB Scouting Bureau since the mid 90’s. Rusty Gerhardt will be the first member of the Hall of Fame class inducted on July 22^nd.

Loren “Big Pack” Packard was an intimidating presence in his NBC World Series appearances for the NBC World Champion Boeing Bombers (Wichita, KS) in 1954 and 1955. Packard began his professional baseball career after serving in the Navy during World War II. He won the KOM league batting title in 1948 for the Miami (OK) Owls by posting a .367 average which earned him a promotion to Topeka the following year. He finished the season third in the Western Association in 1949 with a .330 batting average. “Big Pack” soon left his pursuit of the Major Leagues in order to provide for his family by working for Boeing Aircraft in Wichita. Boeing’s championship teams during his seasons saw Packard post impressive numbers during the NBC World Series. For two years with the Bombers, Packard hit an astounding .425 with 5 home runs and 27 RBI. Packard passed away in 1993. Loren Packard will be inducted posthumous on August 5^th.

Doug Stokke was an elite defensive infielder and earned All-American status three times for the Fairbanks (AK) Goldpanners from 1975-1977. Stokke was a primary cog in the Goldpanners success that ended with a NBC World Series Championship in 1976 and two second place finishes in 1975 and 1977. Stokke took his success back to the University of Southern California in 1978, winning a National Title and All-Tournament selection at shortstop. The success garnered Stokke a fifth round selection by the Houston Astros in 1978. He concluded his professional career in the Astros farm system after his best offensive season in 1980, hitting .289. Stokke is currently the Vice President of Duke Health Marketing and Communications.

Jack O’Donnell had consistent success throughout the 1960’s in the NBC World Series. O’Donnell burst onto the scene in 1960 earning the first of three NBC All-American selections. He played in ten World Series between 1959 and 1969, managing the Rapid Transit Dreamliners (Wichita, KS) to two World Series Championships in 1962-1963. O’Donnell holds the professional record for winning four games in four consecutive days pitching for the Atlanta Crackers. Jack O’Donnell passed away in 1991. O’Donnell will be inducted posthumous on July 29^th.

Wayne Elliott began his path to NBC affiliation with the Zaragoza League in 1989 as the official statistician. A year later, with the backing of a local business, he assembled the Thoppers to compete in the Southwest Regional Tournament. While the Thoppers failed to place, Elliott moved on to found a new team in 1991, the Austin Gold Sox, while also becoming Commissioner of the Zaragoza League. The Gold Sox first won their league in 1996 and made it to Wichita in 18 of the next 19 years for the NBC World Series. Elliott remained as the Commissioner of the Zaragoza League until its completion in 2010. During that time, Elliott battled cancer, endured surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy, but never missed a Gold Sox game or a trip to Wichita for the NBC World Series. He will be inducted on July 23^rd.

In addition to the 2017 class, legendary Coach Augie Garrido will be present for his NBC Hall of Fame induction on July 31^st. Garrido is a member of the 2016 class but will be on hand at The 83^rd NBC World Series powered by Westar Energy to be recognized for his contributions to the National Baseball Congress.

The 83^rd NBC World Series powered by Westar Energy will be played July 22–August 6, with all games being played at Historical Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. To order individual game tickets go to www.selectaseat.com or call 316-977-9400.

Danny Valencia named 2017 Graduate of the Year

July 6, 2017

WICHITA, Kan. – Danny Valencia has established himself as a versatile Major Leaguer who can hit and his 2016 campaign has earned him the designation as the 2017 NBC World Series Graduate of the Year.

Valencia has made his name in Major League Baseball by hitting for average and bringing in a versatile defensive skill set. It’s no surprise that his 2016 campaign saw Valencia hit .287 with 17 home runs and 51 RBI while playing five different positions for the Oakland Athletics.

Valencia also scored a career high 72 runs which was second on the A’s, while his batting average led all Oakland hitters. Among Valencia’s contributions during his lone season in Oakland was a 3-5 performance on May 15^th, 2016 in Tampa Bay in which Valencia powered the A’s to a 7-6 win thanks to his three homer game.

Valencia was a member of the National Baseball Congress’ Alaska Glacier Pilots of the Alaska Baseball League in 2005. That summer he was coming off an impressive sophomore campaign at the University of Miami (FL) in which he hit .300 with 63 RBI and played first base. He played third base for the Glacier Pilots in anticipation of his transition back to the hot corner as a junior when he replaced Ryan Braun.

Valencia was drafted in the 19^th round of the 2006 draft by the Minnesota Twins and made his Major League debut in 2010. He became the first Twins player in 49 years of the franchise to have his first major league home run be a grand slam.

The NBC World Graduate of the Year Award is based on the previous season statistics. The GOY must have played in the NBC World Series or played on an NBC affiliated team.

Dates to Know: The 83rd NBC World Series powered by Westar Energy

July 5, 2017

WICHITA, KS—The 83^rd NBC World Series powered by Westar Energy will once again highlight the rich history of baseball with fun for the whole family, July 22 – August 6, 2017.

The focus on the storied tradition begins on Opening Day with the NBC Alumni & Legends presented by the Kansas Turnpike Authority on July 22^nd.

Opening night will also serve as the first of five NBC Hall of Fame Inductions for the Class of 2017. Other members of the 2017 class will be inducted July 23, July 29, and August 5^th. There will also be a personal induction for legendary collegiate coach Augie Garrido on July 31^st. Garrido is a member of the 2016 Hall of Fame class but will be on hand for his ceremony this year.

The NBC World Series has always been fixated on affordable baseball and Sunday, July 23^rd kicks off five straight days of $5 Buck Baseball. Fans can go to any participating QuikTrip location to pick up a voucher good for ANY unreserved seat in the park, good for the entire day, for just five bucks. $5 Buck Baseball stretches from Sunday the 23^rd until Thursday the 27^th of July with an additional $5 Buck Baseball Night during Championship Week on Tuesday, August 1^st.

First Week is filled with great opportunities to bring out loved ones. Monday July 24^th, is First Responder’s Night presented by PEC and KSN with all members of emergency services receiving free admission. Wednesday July 26^th is the Armed Forces Tribute courtesy of QuikTrip & KAKE-TV. Members of our military, past and present, receive free admission in recognition of their service to our country. The final night of pool play during first week concludes the stretch of $5 Buck Baseball days with Cox Family Night and an ice cream sandwich giveaway courtesy of Hiland Dairy.

First Week culminates with Win & In games on Friday July 28^th to determine which two teams will advance to Championship Week. Metro PCS College Night allows college students free admission with identification.

Championship Week starts on Saturday, July 29^th with the 16 team parade at 6:30pm. The Kansas Stars are returning to the World Series with more than just a few new faces. The Stars & Stripes Benefit Concert featuring Craig Morgan at the Kansas Star Casino is set for Sunday, July 30^th. The opening act will also be pitching for the Stars, as Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy and his band, The Outsiders, will perform. All proceeds from the Concert will go to the E3 Foundation in support of Military Veterans and to help end sex-trafficking. Go here for concert ticket information, https://www1.ticketmaster.com/craig-morgan-stars-and-stripes-mulvane-kansas-07-30-2017/event/060052D5C0E94B4B

Swinging for the Stars Hit-A-Thon is Monday July 31^st. Led by the Kansas Stars’ Nate Robertson and Adam LaRoche, Swinging for the Stars will help support several local non-profits.

Championship Week culminates with the Quarterfinals on Friday, August 4^th. While it will be a sight to see the teams that advance, another sight to behold will be the Midwest Hearing Aids Hot Dog Eating Competition.

The Semifinals are set for Saturday August 5^th with kids eligible to receive a Youth Jersey courtesy of Burns & McDonnell upon entrance.

Championship Night on Sunday, August 6^th will be Educator Appreciation Night. Teachers and School Administrators receive free admission to the final day of the World Series courtesy of Midwest Single Source. And the festivities conclude with a fireworks extravaganza following the game.

The NBC Foundation is proud to partner with 16 local charitable organizations in the Martin Pringle Law Firm 50/50 Raffle that will take place each night during the 7pm feature game. One local charity will be featured each night of the NBC World Series. Fans will have the chance to learn more about other non-profits in our community and make a donation at the same time.

Here is the full promotional schedule:

First Week – Presented by Historic Delano

*Indicates Martin Pringle Law Firm 50/50 Raffle recipient

Saturday, 7.22 – OPENING DA

NBC Alumni & Legends presented by KTA

NBC Hall of Fame Induction – Rusty Gerhardt, GWASC

City of Wichita-Appreciation Night

*Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

Sunday, 7.23 – $5 Buck Baseball

$5 Buck Baseball Presented by Hyatt

Westar Energy/KC Royals Baseball Card Giveaway

NBC Hall of Fame Induction – Wayne Elliott, GWASC

*Special Olympics Kansas

Monday, 7.24 – $5 Buck Baseball

First Responder’s Tribute presented by PEC & KSN

First Responder’s receive free admission!

*Big Brothers/Big Sisters

Tuesday, 7.25 – $5 Buck Baseball

$5 Buck Baseball Presented by Coleman

*Starkey

Wednesday, 7.26 – $5 Buck Baseball

Armed Forces Tribute presented by QuikTrip & KAKE

Former/Current Military receive free admission!

*Passageways

Thursday, 7.27 – $5 Buck Baseball

Cox Family Night

Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sandwich Giveaway

*Wesley Children’s Foundation

Friday, 7.28 – Play in Games

Metro PCS College Night

College Students receive free admission

*Main Place Youth

Championship Week

Saturday, 7.29

Vype Kansas High School Sports Magazine

Championship Week Team Parade, 6:30pm

NBC Hall of Fame Induction – Jack O’Donnell, GWASC

*Kansas Children’s Service League

Sunday, 7.30

Davis-Moore Automotive Group

Westar Energy/KC Royals Baseball Card Giveaway

*Heartspring

Monday, 7.31

Visit Wichita

Swinging for the Stars Hit-A-Thon

NBC Hall of Fame Induction – Augie Garrido, GWASC

*League 42

Tuesday, 8.1 – $5 Buck Baseball

Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission

*Outdoor Mentors

Wednesday, 8.2

Donate Life-Super Hero Cape Giveaway

*Goodwill

Thursday, 8.3

Presented by Foley Rental Equipment

*Wichita Children’s Home

Friday, 8.4- Quarterfinals

Presented by PEC

Midwest Hearing Aids Hot Dog Eating Contest

*Tri-County Athletic League

Saturday, 8.5 –Semifinals

Burns & McDonnell – Youth Jersey Giveaway

NBC Hall of Fame Induction – Loren Packard, GWASC

*Make-A-Wish

Sunday, 8.6- Championship Night & Fireworks

Educator Appreciation Night presented by Midwest Single Source

Westar Energy/KC Royals Baseball Card Giveaway

*The Arc of Sedgwick County

Contact: tim@nbcbaseball.com

Kansas Stars load up for The 83rd NBC World Series Powered by Westar Energy

June 24, 2017

WICHITA,KS–The Kansas Stars have a championship trophy on their minds with the roster announced by Nate Robertson and Adam LaRoche, gearing up for The 83rd NBC World Series powered by Westar Energy.

The core roster includes some of the same Kansans from a year ago, the Stars have also added to the stable with a lengthy list of accomplished pitchers. Returning from 2016 are Stars from Kansas like Robertson, LaRoche, and Wichita State alum Koyie Hill. Hurlers Tim Hudson, Jeremy Guthrie, and Heath Bell are back as well.

Joining the group is former Atlanta Braves third-basemen Chipper Jones, who becomes eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown this winter.

Coming in to bolster the pitching staff is Roy Halladay, a two time Cy Young Award winner, 8 time All-Star and World Series Champion with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Four-time All-Star Kenny Rogers will also join the pitching staff along with 3-time World Series Champion Jake Peavy.

The Stars begin play on July 29th, with games on July 31st and August 2nd as well. Advancing out of their pool would put them in a Quarterfinal matchup on August 4th. Winning the rest of the way would give them a semi-final game on August 5th, and the championship game is Sunday, August 6th.

For a complete Stars roster with links to the players careers visit the team page.

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