BLUE Crew - Phillies
 MLB Umpire Laz Diaz welcomes Lisa, Scott, Dashanique, and Donta to Citizen’s Bank Park for a game between the Blue Jays and Phillies. Lisa and Scott are caring mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania. Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the most effective youth mentoring organizations in the United States. BLUE for Kids recognizes the direct and lasting impact that adult mentors have in the lives of young people. Through the BLUE Crew Tickets program, umpires provide memorable sports experiences to strengthen the mentor/youth relationship. About Big Brothers Big SistersComments from Lisa Knoflicek: Thank you so much for the BLUE for Kids baseball experience. We all had an amazing time. Dashanique and Donta really enjoyed getting to go on the field and meet umpire Laz Diaz. Mr. Diaz was educational, very fun and inspirational. Dashanique now wants to start playing softball! The kids loved the signed baseballs and Philles hats. The game was great with an awesome Phillies win, despite the rain. Dashanique's favorite part was "seeing the guy hit all those home runs". Its not often you get to see a player tie a club record for RBI's! And I kept telling her every time Jayson Werth was up to bat, that no one gets home runs every time! Donta loved the Philly Phanatic. Please thank Umpire Diaz for taking the time to talk to Dashanique and Donta. Thanks so much to Umpire Diaz, the Phillies, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and BLUE for Kids. This is a memory we all will treasure forever. Thanks! Lisa, Scott, Dashanique, and Donta. More Photos:    Special thanks to: - Beth Paladino and the entire Phillies community relations staff. See how the Phillies are making a difference in the Philadelphia and surrounding communities. Phillies Community Overview
- Mentors Lisa and Scott Knoflicek for serving the all important role of youth mentor and for sharing in a unique baseball experience with the kids.
- Adrienne Hessert of Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania for identifying two deserving matches for the game.
Labels: bbbs, crew, diaz, mlb, phi
BLUE Crew - Pirates
 MLB Umpire Greg Gibson welcomes Frank, Scott, Ramello, and Ricky to PNC Park for a scheduled game between the Braves and Pirates. Frank and Scott are caring mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate and the game was rained out. Still, everyone had an opportunity to meet and chat for a while on the field. Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the most effective youth mentoring organizations in the United States. BLUE for Kids recognizes the direct and lasting impact that adult mentors have in the lives of young people. Through the BLUE Crew Tickets program, umpires provide memorable sports experiences to strengthen the mentor/youth relationship. About Big Brothers Big SistersComments from Scott Davidson: Despite the complete rainout at our game, we still had a great time. It was my little brother's first time at PNC Park. Mr. Gibson was terrific. He spent a long time with us and answered all of our questions. He was great to the kids. More Photos:  Special thanks to: - Melissa Brozeski, Michelle Mejia and the entire Pirates community relations staff. See how the Pirates are making a difference in the Pittsburgh and surrounding communities. Pirates Community Overview
- Mentors Scott Davidson and Frank Triggiani for serving the all important role of youth mentor and for sharing in a unique baseball experience with the kids.
- Cheryl Jones of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh for identifying two deserving matches for the game. We'll get them out to a not so rainy day before the end of the season.
Labels: bbbs, crew, gibson, mlb, pit
BLUE Crew - Mariners
 MLB Umpire Sam Holbrook welcomes Jonathan, Bryan, Michael, and Evan to Safeco Field for a game between the White Sox and Mariners. Jonathan and Bryan are mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters Puget Sound. Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the most effective youth mentoring organizations in the United States. BLUE for Kids recognizes the direct and lasting impact that adult mentors have in the lives of young people. Through the BLUE Crew Tickets program, umpires provide memorable sports experiences to strengthen the mentor/youth relationship. About Big Brothers Big SistersComments from Jonathan Bach: I wanted to express my gratitude to BLUE for Kids for giving Michael the experience of meeting Mr. Holbrook. BLUE for Kids allowed Michael to have a once in a life time opportunity along with being able to share it with his best friend Squeal. Thanks again for your positive outreach to the city of Seattle. Comments from Bryan Moran: I just want to thank you for the opportunity to go on the field, meet the umpires, and enjoy the Mariners game. Evan and I had a great time and the Mariners won! Special thanks to: - Matt Wolcott and the entire Mariners community relations staff. The Mariners are in a unique position to connect the team with worthwhile endeavors, community partners and fundraising activities that make significant contributions to the Pacific Northwest. Mariners Community Overview
- Mentors Jonathan Bach and Bryan Moran for serving the all important role of youth mentor.
- Rianna Berkowitz of Big Brothers Big Sisters Puget Sound for identifying two deserving matches for this unique baseball experience.
Labels: bbbs, crew, holbrook, mlb, sea
BLUE Crew - Marlins
 MLB Umpires Sam Holbrook, Bruce Dreckman, Gerry Davis, and Brian Gorman welcome Matthew, Joshua, Josh, and Markell to Dolphin Stadium for a game between the Padres and Marlins. Matthew and Josh are mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami. Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the most effective youth mentoring organizations in the United States. BLUE for Kids recognizes the direct and lasting impact that adult mentors have in the lives of young people. Through the BLUE Crew Tickets program, umpires provide memorable sports experiences to strengthen the mentor/youth relationship. About Big Brothers Big SistersGuest Comments: "On Saturday, May 4, my little brother Markell and I, along with mentor Matthew Haggman and his little brother Joshua, were given the experience of a lifetime courtesy of BLUE for Kids and host umpire Sam Holbrook. We received star treatment at the Florida Marlins - San Diego Padres game. Our day started with a brief tour of the inner stadium that led to the umpires' dressing room where we met with Sam Holbrook and the rest of the umpiring crew. It was amazing to see this side of a baseball game. Sam and the umpires talked to Markell and Joshua and gave them a bag of goodies. Both boys were filled with excitement and smiles and Matt and I were pinching ourselves to make sure this experience was real. Sam Holbrook then escorted us to the field and we got to spend about 10 minutes soaking up the atmosphere of being on a major league diamond. Markell and Joshua stared and stared at the breathtaking view that none of us had ever experienced. Then we were escorted to our seats which were right behind home plate -- the best seats in the house. Wow. It was a great game -- especially because the Marlins won 10-2. Markell and Joshua enjoyed drinks, hotdogs, and snacks, and watched their first baseball game from up close. It was one of the most memorable experiences of our lives. Thank you BLUE for Kids for your support of Big Brothers Big Sisters and for giving Markell and Joshua an experience few have had and one that definitely broadened their horizons forever." - Josh Young "Thank you very much for a great day at the ballpark. Joshua and I had a fantastic time. Thank you! In fact, afterwards Joshua wanted to go play baseball, which we did at a park not far from his house. We are enormously grateful to you, the Florida Marlins, and all of the umpires. " - Matthew Haggman Additional Photos:    Special thanks from the umpires to: - Angela Smith and the entire Marlins community relations staff. The Marlins promote educational, athletic, health, social and community service programs with a particular focus on South Florida's youth. Marlins Community Overview
- Mentors Matthew Haggman and Josh Young for serving the all important role of youth mentor.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami for identifying two deserving matches for this unique baseball experience.
Labels: bbbs, crew, davis, dreckman, fla, gorman, holbrook, mlb, mlbpaa, naso, neweracaps
BLUE Crew - Rangers
 MLB Umpire Bob Davidson welcomes 'Tre, Cantrell, Richie, and LaDareus to Rangers Ballpark for a game between the Twins and the Rangers. 'Tre and Richie and mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas. Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. BLUE for Kids recognizes the direct and lasting impact that adult mentors have in the lives of young people. Through the BLUE Crew Tickets program, MLB Umpires like Bob Davidson provide memorable sports experiences to strengthen the mentor/youth relationship. Learn More about Big Brothers Big Sisters of AmericaSpecial Thanks From The Umpires To: - Jenny Martin, Ashleigh Greathouse, and Taunee Taylor of the Texas Rangers Community Relations team. The Texas Rangers make a difference to thousands in the Arlington and surrounding communities. Rangers Community Overview
- Shannon Mann of Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas for helping to coordinate an enjoyable day at the ballpark for your mentor/youth matches.
- Dallas Neely of Texas who placed a winning bid for an auction item benefitting BLUE for Kids. Thank you Dallas!
Labels: bbbs, crew, davidson, mlb, mlbpaa, naso, neweracaps, tex
BLUE Crew - Toronto
 MLB Umpire Marvin Hudson welcomes Jos, Nathaniel, Sean, and Omid to Rogers Centre as a part of BLUE Crew Tickets. Pictured to the right are Hudson and Nathaniel. Want to make a difference in your community? Be a mentor like Jos and Sean! Big Brothers Big Sisters matches caring adult mentors with at-risk youth. Read more about Big Brothers big Sisters at http://www.bbbs.org/. GUEST COMMENTS: "Nathaniel and I had a great day at the Blue Jays game today. Thanks again for the opportunity to go on the field and meet with you Marvin." - Jos Diening "Thank you for this opportunity. Our "Bigs" and "Littles" who were fortunate to attend the Blue for Kids' Blue Jay games as special guests of the umpires had a wonderful time and are very appreciative. They'll hold their memories for a life time." - Wayne Cochrane SPECIAL THANKS TO: - Kathy Dolenc and the entire Blue Jays Community Relations team for assistance at the ballpark.
- Wayne Cochrane of Big Brothers Big Sisters for coordinating things from BBBS!
- Jos and Sean for taking the time to be a mentor.
Labels: bbbs, crew, hudson, mlb, tor
BLUE Crew - Seattle
 MLB Umpires Angel Hernandez and Mark Carlson welcome Dennis, Jake, Leo, and Elliott to Safeco Field as a part of BLUE Crew Tickets. Want to make a difference in your community? Be a mentor like Dennis and Leo! Big Brothers Big Sisters matches caring adult mentors with at-risk youth. Read more about Big Brothers Big Sisters. GUEST COMMENTS "Thanks for everything. We had a great time at the game, and Jake was thrilled to go onto the field and meet Angel and Mark." - Dennis Lone SPECIAL THANKS TO - Matt Wolcott, Gina Hasson, and the entire Mariners Community Relations team for assistance at the ballpark.
- Lindsey Bertsch of Big Brothers Big Sisters for coordinating things from BBBS!
- Dennis and Leo for taking the time to be a mentor.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS 
Labels: bbbs, carlson, crew, hernandez, mlb, sea
BLUE Crew - Kansas City
 MLB Umpire Fieldin Culbreth welcomes (L-R) Lance, Kristi, GeoRell, Charles, and Dejuan to Kauffman Stadium as a part of BLUE Crew Tickets. Want to make a difference in your community? Become a mentor like Lance, Kristi, and Charles! Big Brothers Big Sisters matches caring adult mentors with at-risk youth. Read more about Big Brothers Big Sisters at http://www.bbbs.org/. SPECIAL THANKS TO: - Ben Aken, Toby Cook, and the entire Royals Community Relations team for assistance at the ballpark.
- Michelle Petersen of Big Brothers Big Sisters for coordinating things from BBBS!
- Kristi, Lance, and Charles for taking the time to be a mentor.
Labels: bbbs, crew, culbreth, kc, mlb
BLUE Crew - Washington
 MLB Umpire Bob Davidson welcomes Fred, Christian, Love, and Rajane to RFK Stadium as a part of the BLUE Crew Tickets Program. Want to make a difference in your community? Be a mentor like Fred and Love! Big Brothers Big Sisters matches caring adult mentors with at-risk youth. Read more about Big Brothers Big Sisters. SPECIAL THANKS TO: - Barbra Silva and the entire Nationals Community Relations team for assistance at the ballpark. Barbra, thank you for taking great care of guests all season and sending the photos after the game!
- Fred and Love for taking the time to be a mentor.
Labels: bbbs, crew, davidson, mlb, was
BLUE Crew - Chicago
 MLB Umpire Mark Carlson welcomes Ron, Caleb, Tim, Kim, and Kevin to Wrigley Field as a part of the BLUE Crew Tickets Program. Pictured to the right are Ron, Caleb, and Mark. Want to make a difference in your community? Be a mentor like Ron and Tim! Big Brothers Big Sisters matches caring adult mentors with at-risk youth. Read more about Big Brothers Big Sisters at http://www.bbbs.org/. GUEST COMMENT:  "On Saturday afternoon I attended the Chicago Cubs game with my Little Brother Caleb courtesy of BLUE for Kids. Caleb and I received our tickets through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago organization. We had the pleasure to meet umpire Mark Carlson and we both had a great time. I would like to sincerely thank BLUE for Kids and Mark Carlson for making this special afternoon happen." - Ron Neroda
SPECIAL THANKS TO: - Mary Dosek and the entire Cubs Community Relations team for assistance at the ballpark. Mary, you have been fantastic to work with all season. Keep smiling!
- Christy Livingstone of Big Brothers Big Sisters for coordinating things from BBBS!
- Ron and Tim for taking time to be a mentor!
Labels: bbbs, carlson, chi, crew, mlb
BLUE Colorado Springs 2007
 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) Umpire Jon Merry invited 2 mentor/youth matches of Big Brothers Big Sisters to Security Service Field on July 29, 2007 for a Big League Umpiring Experience. Mary Ann, Lauryn, Molly, and Unique tried on equipment, rubbed mud on baseballs, watched batting practice, met a pitching coach, and took some photos. The BLUE is an opportunity for kids and their mentors to learn, laugh, and have fun together - the chance to strengthen the mentor/youth relationship. View a few photos on our Flickr page. Click Here for Photos! Special Thanks To - Ira Liebman (Sky Sox Community Relations) for assistance at the ballpark.
- Jan Jarrold and Meg Bunka (Big Brothers Big Sisters) for identifying two wonderful matches
Labels: bbbs, blue, cs, merry, milb
BLUE 2007 - San Diego
 MLB Umpire Marvin Hudson invited 3 mentor/youth matches from Big Brothers Big Sisters to Petco Park in San Diego on July 21, 2007 for a Big League Umpiring Experience (BLUE). Jeff, Donovan, Jimmy, Tristin, Kevin, and Shawnee tried on equipment, watched batting practice from the field, rubbed mud on baseballs, and took a bunch of photos. Even a couple of players stopped by to see what the group was all about. The BLUE is an opportunity for kids and their incredible mentors to learn, laugh, and have fun together - the chance to strengthen the mentor/youth relationship. View the event photos on our Flickr page. Click Here for Photos! Event Comments"Marvin, thank you for putting together an experience that will stay with us forever. You are unbelievable! Your enthusiasm throughout our time together, coupled with your warm personality made this a once in a lifetime adventure that will always bring back great memories." - Jimmy FraserSpecial Thanks To - Nhu Tran (Padres Community Relations) for assistance at the ballpark.
- Amy Benson (Big Brothers Big Sisters) for identifying some great matches.
- Amy Rumbin, an awesome BLUE for Kids supporter, for helping with the event and taking photos.
Labels: bbbs, blue, hudson, mlb, sd
BLUE Crew - Chicago
 MLB Umpires Bob Davidson and Sam Holbrook welcome Chad, Marcus, Richard, and Ore to U.S. Cellular Field as a part of BLUE Crew Tickets. At right, Chad and Marcus join the umpires before the game. Want to make a difference in your community? Be a mentor like Chad and Richard. Big Brothers Big Sisters matches caring adult mentors with at-risk youth. Read more about Big Brothers Big Sisters at http://www.bbbs.org/.
GUEST COMMENT: "Marcus and I had a great time. I thank you all for allowing us to have this special moment." - Chad Simmons SPECIAL THANKS TO: - Danielle Disch and the entire White Sox Community Relations team for assistance at the ballpark.
- Christy Livingstone of Big Brothers Big Sisters for coordinating things from BBBS! Christy, you've been a huge help all year!
- Chad and Richard for taking the time to be a mentor.
Labels: bbbs, crew, cws, davidson, holbrook
BLUE Crew - Washington
 MLB Umpires Fieldin Culbreth and Angel Hernandez welcome Nicholas, Deon, Oyewole, and Dashay to RFK Stadium as a part of BLUE Crew Tickets. Nicholas, Deon, Oyewole, and Dashay are mentor/youth matches with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Want to make a difference in your community? Be a mentor like Nicholas and Oyewole! Special Thanks To - Barbra Silva (Nationals Community Relations) for your assistance at the ballpark and with sending photos!
- James Culbertson for identifying the matches to attend the game.
Labels: bbbs, crew, culbreth, hernandez, mlb, was
BLUE Crew - Chicago
 MLB Umpire Bob Davidson welcomes Sharon, Kiara, Dennis, and Michael to U.S. Cellular Field as a part of BLUE Crew Tickets. Sharon, Kiara, Dennis, and Michael are mentor/youth matches with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Want to make a difference in your community? Be a mentor like Sharon and Dennis! GUEST COMMENT (Group)
Dear Bob, Thank you for the chance to meet you and the other umpires in the locker room before the White Sox game. We had a great time at the game and appreciate the tickets and the goodie bags. Thank You! THANK YOU! - Danielle Disch (White Sox Community Relations) and Christy Livingstone (Big Brothers Big Sisters of of Metropolitan Chicago) for your role in making this a wonderful experience for everyone. MORE Photos: 2007 BLUE Crew Ticket Photos
ABOUT Big Brothers Big Sisters: http://www.bbbs.org/ Labels: bbbs, crew, cws, davidson, mlb
BLUE Crew - Washington
 MLB Umpires Bob Davidson, Sam Holbrook, and Hunter Wendelstedt welcome James, Langston, Yolanda, and Tyshonia to RFK Stadium as a part of the BLUE Crew Tickets Program. Want to make a difference in your community? Be a mentor like James and Yolanda! THANK YOU! - Barbra Silva (Nationals Community Relations) for your continued support of the BLUE Crew Tickets program. MORE Photos: 2007 BLUE Crew Ticket Photos
ABOUT Big Brothers Big Sisters: http://www.bbbs.org/ Labels: bbbs, crew, davidson, holbrook, mlb, was, wendelstedt
BLUE Crew - San Francisco
 MLB Umpires Laz Diaz and Bill Welke welcome Matt, Trinidad, Michael, and Jose to AT&T Park as a part of the BLUE Crew Tickets Program. Matt, Trinidad, Michael, and Jose are mentor/youth matches with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area. GUEST COMMENT (Michael Sanchez) - "Many thanks to Laz Diaz and Bill Welke for hosting Jose and me and Matt and Trinidad (Big Brothers Big Sisters Bay Area) at the Giants vs. Rockies game on Sunday. Jose was wide-eyed as Laz and Bill greeted him and escorted him to the field to watch batting practice. The sound of the ball hitting a wooden bat was unique to Jose as Laz explained that big leaguers use a different type bat than little leaguers (aluminum). Then the umpires created a special meet and greet with Steve Finley of the Rockies and he introduced himself and gave hitting tips to the boys...he was great with the kids and it was unique to experience the professional relationship between player and umpire. Needless to say, they were excited to meet a big league player and we when returned to the umpires' room for a final goodbye, the umpires gave sound advice to the boys to stay in school, do their homework and work hard. To cap off the day, Steve Finley pinch hit in the later part of the game and hit a foul ball which I caught and presented to Jose as a memento of our day and capped off celebrating the one-year anniversary of our "Big" and "Little" relationship. Thank you for the wonderful experience!" Want to make a difference in your community? Be a mentor like Matt and Michael! THANK YOU! - Erin Reilly/Bobby Baksa (Giants Community Relations) and Neepa Patel/Dawn Kruger (Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area) for your role in making this a wonderful experience for everyone. MORE Photos: 2007 BLUE Crew Ticket Photos
ABOUT Big Brothers Big Sisters: http://www.bbbs.org/ Labels: bbbs, crew, diaz, mlb, sf, welke
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