Monthly Archives: July 2024

Strat-O-Matic Clubs Mark One Year With Huge Player Interest, Growth

Last summer, Strat-O-Matic (@strat-o-matic), the market leader in sports simulation games, announced Strat-O-Matic Clubs, its first ever unified national club program. Players from across the U.S. got on board, with groups quickly forming.

A year later, more than 20 Strat-O-Matic Clubs, including the charter Clubs in Connecticut, New Jersey, Detroit, Philadelphia, Kansas City and Long Island (N.Y) are thriving, with hundreds of participants across all the Clubs. And more than 50 are developing, with fans inquiring about beginning their own in new locations daily.

“When we launched the Clubs program, we were confident that Strat-O-Matic players were looking for like-minded fans who enjoy getting together to enjoy their favorite game,” said Adam Richman, CEO, Strat-O-Matic Media. “We have been overwhelmed with the tremendous feedback, with many referencing the social nature of the Clubs, how they have met new players and how their groups continue to expand, with some participating in multiple Clubs every month.”

Fans interested in leading or joining a Strat-O-Matic Club are encouraged to email [email protected], and check out details of current clubs and locations at https://www.strat-o-matic.com/strat-clubs. Club members receive discounts on game sets and other SOM merchandise, a personalized game card, exclusive Zoom with a Strat-O-Matic personality and other perks.

In addition to the Connecticut, Central New Jersey and Long Island locations, some of the most popular and active Strat-O-Matic Clubs are running in Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North New Jersey, North Kentucky, Georgia and California. Interest has been shown in more than 30 other states.

Toyota Celebrates National Soccer Day with Continuation of ‘La Pelota Nos Mueve’ Initiative

To continue its efforts around soccer in the community, Toyota partnered with For Soccer, the leading independent media and experiences company focused on the growth and long-term development of American soccer, on two local youth soccer club donations in the cities of Fort Worth, Texas and Los Angeles, California. These donations form part of Toyota’s ongoing commitment to the sport and to cultivating a culture of mobility through sports in communities throughout the United States.

“La Pelota Nos Mueve“, an initiative started last year, formed part of Toyota’s efforts during the Concacaf Gold Cup as an ongoing effort to support local soccer clubs nationwide. A special focus is given to girls as it aims to empower Latina girls, a group often overlooked in the predominantly suburban and costly pay-to-play soccer system in the U.S.

Toyota provided two youth soccer clubs in Los Angeles, California and Fort Worth, Texas, with donations of soccer equipment to support both the players and coaches. The two groups, Downtown LA Soccer Club (DTLA) and Monterrey Rayados, respectively, were selected for their specific focus on supporting girls of all ages. Both clubs provide not just the space to play but also the financial support through uniforms and scholarships to ensure financial barriers do not stop them from participating. Additionally, the Rayados soccer club fosters an inclusive environment, welcoming children with autism and training coaches to work with special needs children, who then help educate all their players on the importance of creating a supportive atmosphere where they can better understand and accept all individuals.

To date, five soccer clubs have received donations from Toyota: Garland Tigres (Dallas, Texas), Las Vegas Diversity FC (Las Vegas, Nevada), KSA del Deporte (Los Angeles, Calif.), Monterrey Rayados (Forth Worth, Texas), and Downtown LA Soccer Club (Los Angeles, Calif.).

This initiative will be showcased on Toyota Latino social media channels on July 28, 2024, in celebration of National Soccer Day.

Toyota has been involved in the beautiful game for more than a decade, through partnerships with organizations like Concacaf’s Gold Cup and this year’s inaugural W Gold Cup and community soccer groups like Alianza de Futbol. The community initiative has been active this past year, from taking kids from soccer clubs to tournament games to providing a donation of important equipment making it possible for kids and coaches to continue playing soccer.

A.L. Shuts out N.L. in Strat-O-Matic All-Star Game Simulation

Run-scoring singles by Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the fourth and Tampa Bay’s Isaac Paredes in the sixth lifted the American League to a 2-0 shutout win over the National in the simulation of the 2024 All-Star Game performed by Strat-O-Matic (@strat-o-matic), the market leader in sports simulation games. The Nationals were limited to three hits by nine different A.L. hurlers.

Guerrero Jr.’s hit  followed a one-out triple by Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez off Chicago’s Shota Imanaga with what proved to be the game-winning RBI. Then two innings later the hosts built a run on a bases-empty, two-out single and stolen base by Cleveland’s David Fry and ensuing hit by Paredes to double the A.L. lead to 2-0.

That’s all the impressive Junior Circuit staff would need, though they totaled just five strikeouts in the game, two by Oakland breakout star Mason Miller. Two errors and a walk loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth, but Texas closer Kirby Yates induced a game-ending popout by Colorado’s Ryan McMahon.

Guerrero Jr. had two of the American League’s eight hits in the simulation.

National League. 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  –  0  3  0

American League. 0 0 0  1 0 1  0 0    –  2  8  2

WP: Crochet; LP: Imanaga; SV: Yates

HR: none

National Lacrosse League welcomes Powell Lacrosse as the first Foundational Partner of NLL UnBOXed

The National Lacrosse League (NLL) today announced Powell Lacrosse as the first Foundational Partner of NLL UnBOXed™, the League’s new, multi-national grassroots campaign unveiled last November.

Powell’s high-quality lacrosse sticks, balls, goals, and assortment of accessories will be packaged as core components of the League’s endowment to participating elementary and middle schools across North America, providing young boys and girls with new opportunities to play lacrosse as part of their school’s physical education curriculum.

“We’re thrilled to work with a world-class organization like the NLL on an initiative that puts lacrosse sticks in the hands of kids all over North America,” said Ryan Powell, president of Powell Lacrosse. “My brother, Casey, and I first discovered the game of lacrosse as young kids when it was introduced in one of our elementary school gym classes. We were moved by the history of the game and quickly developed a deep love for playing.

“That moment changed the trajectory of our lives and those sticks really made us feel like we were part of something special,” Powell continued. “We know firsthand what a program like NLL UnBOXed can do for a kid, and the thought of a Powell Lacrosse stick making a difference in the lives of kids really hits home.”

NLL UnBOXed expands the League’s multi-national activation footprint to include emerging lacrosse markets and key growth areas throughout North America in advance of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles when sixes lacrosse, similar to the NLL’s 6-on-6 box lacrosse game play style, returns as a medal sport for the first time since 1908.

“As we aspire to become ‘The Next Major League’ in North America, we know that amplifying lacrosse’s participation growth among young boys and girls is fundamental to the short- and long-term success of every aspect of our business,” said Kurt Hunzeker, NLL Executive Vice President, Commercial Operations. “Over the years, the legendary Powell family has demonstrated a clearly passionate commitment to growing lacrosse’s stature worldwide, and we are proud to add the renowned Powell Lacrosse brand as the first Foundational Partner of NLL UnBOXed.”

The NLL previously announced its partnership with NLL Hall of Famer Casey Powell, who is building the NLL UnBOXed school curriculum based on the successful SPEED Lacrosse® platform Casey developed after he retired from the NLL.

The first wave of “NLL UnBOXed Lacrosse Communities” – Baltimore Ghost Crabs™, Charlotte Cobras™, Minnesota Lake Dragons™, Montréal Castors™, Seattle Shipwrecks™, St. Louis Howlers™, Tampa Bay Snowbirds™ presented by Tampa General Hospital, and Utah Spikes™ – will begin in-school activations this fall. The second class of new NLL UnBOXed activation markets will be unveiled in October as the NLL continues to expand its multi-national activation footprint to include approximately 60 North American communities and key international markets by 2028.

In addition to the official partnership with NLL UnBOXed, Powell Lacrosse will also become an official NLL Authentics licensee, with plans to produce NLL-branded equipment and lifestyle apparel currently in development.

Harlem Globetrotters Announce All-Star Lineup For First Ever Sports Residency At American Dream

The World-Famous, Harlem Globetrotters™ today announced their lineup of elite athletes for the first-ever sports residency in history, with The Harlem Globetrotters Experience this August at American Dream in New Jersey.

“This lineup showcases a wide variety of our talent. We are giving the fans the Harlem Globetrotters stars of today and tomorrow. Our hope is to provide something for everyone during our residency, with many surprises still to come,” said Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios.

The lineup will include 17 of the Harlem Globetrotters elite stars, including 11-time Guinness World recordholder Corey ‘Thunder’ Law from Chesapeake, Va., Brooklyn native, 6-9 Donte ‘Hammer’ Harrison, a six-time Guinness World Record holder from Hampton University, eight time Guinness World Record holder and dribbling star Rochelle ‘Wham’ Middleton from Atlanta, GA. New York native and three-time Guinness World Record holder Brawley ‘Cheese’ Chisholm, Jahmani ‘Hot Shot’ Swanson, at 5’4’ the shortest and one of the most inspiring Globetrotters, Pawel ‘Dazzle’ Kidoń, the first Harlem Globetrotter player ever from Poland and a world champion basketball freestyler, and rookie Arysia ‘Ace’ Porter from San Antonio, TX, who holds a record for most points in a single game at her alma mater St. Mary’s University and is one of the record-breaking seven women now playing on the Globetrotters worldwide. Several additions and surprises will also be added as the residency nears.

The team will be coached by Chris ‘Handles’ Franklin and Globetrotter legend, ‘Sweet’ Lou Dunbar.

The lineup for their opponents, the Wahington Generals, will be announced in the coming weeks, as well as additional details around the residency.

The 10-day residency at American Dream, the world’s leading and innovative retail, dining and entertainment destination, will begin on Friday, August 16, and extend thru Sunday, August 25. The historical event will provide 16 LIVE games throughout the 10 days, where the Harlem Globetrotters™ will take on their legendary rivals, Washington Generals.

Additional exclusive offerings for kids and families include:

· The Globetrotter Kids Skill Clinic – Come and train like a Globetrotter! Join Harlem Globetrotters for this exclusive ‘Skill Clinic’ opportunity (available to groups and all visitors). For basketball fans of all ages! Run drills, learn new tricks, take all the shots – and get a chance to be a part of the famous Magic Circle!

· Pre-game Magic Pass – Calling all hoop lovers! This is your chance to show that you’ve got GAME. Bring your family and join the Harlem Globetrotters and Washington Generals on the court before the game to show your skills, shoot some hoops, and get player autographs and photos! The one-of- a-kind 30-minute pre-game, MAGIC PASS begins 90 minutes before tip- off and will create memories you’ll never forget!

· 5th Quarter – All Access – Globetrotter Meet & Greet – After the game, EVERY FAN is invited down to the court for an autograph from their favorite Harlem Globetrotter stars! THAT MEANS YOU! 5th Quarter access is granted for ALL Globetrotter ticket holders for 30 minutes. This is a totally unique experience not to be missed!

· Exclusive Harlem Globetrotters Merchandise – Featuring Harlem Globetrotters branded t-shirts, basketballs, sweatshirts, programs, novelties and accessories

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased via https://www.americandream.com/harlem-globetrotters

Kids Jersey Designs & Tribute to a Negro Leaguer: Ten Things to Know in the AAPB This Week

The American Association of Professional Baseball (@AA_Baseball) season continues with a full slate of series this weekend, all available for free live viewing at aabaseball.tv.

Here are 10 (or so) Things to Know about the AAPB this week:

  • The Sioux Falls Canaries held a Kid’s Design Jersey contest back in May, and now their work has gone public. Fans can bid on the Queen City themed shirts online now for when the team rocks them on Daycare Day and Kid’s Night on August 30, when the Canaries host the Winnipeg Goldeyes on the final home date of the regular season.
  • In the AAPB Fun Fact of the Week, we turn to a geography lesson of sorts. League rosters as of July 1 include players from 39 different U.S. states plus Puerto Rico, three Canadian provinces and seven other countries. Florida, with 37 players, is the state most represented, with California (35) and Texas (31) not far behind.
  • Kansas City Monarchs righthander Grant Gavin, who led the AAPB in strikeouts per nine innings, signed with the Cincinnati Reds and was immediately assigned to their highest affiliate in Louisville. His eight-year pro career includes stints with the Kansas City and San Diego organizations.
  • Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks outfielder Ismael Alcantara is the latest AAPBer to find his way into another pro league. Last week, the Redhawks transferred the contract of the former Dodgers prospect to the Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican League. Alcantara raked for Fargo-Moorhead, to the tune of a 350/.419/.539 slashline with 27 RBIs and five home runs.
  • The Kansas City Monarchs, in taking the moniker of their Negro League brethren, established close ties with an important part of baseball history. They have now partnered with the Negro Leagues Museum in support of a monument to honor Monarchs great Hilton Smith, who is credited with having played for the Monarchs from 1937-1948, nearly the entirety of his 13-year Major League career. Fans can help with the GoFundMe campaign here.
  • The AAPB inked another partner last week as VensureHR came aboard as the exclusive and preferred payroll supplier to the league and its member clubs. VensureHR leverages cutting-edge technology and a team of seasoned HR professionals to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client.
  • Monthly awards are in, and June featured many outstanding performances across the league. The AAPB Rawlings Batter of the Month is Chicago Dogs first sacker Jacob Teter (Melbourne, Fla.) and the Pitcher of the Month went to Winnipeg Goldeyes starter Joey Matulovich (Danville, Calif.). Teter rapped league-bests of 10 home runs and 31 RBI in June, while the righty tossed 34 innings, winning three of four decisions and pitching to a 1.59 ERA with 48 strikeouts against just five walks.
  • WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee had this fun piece on Ken Patnode Sr., after the 100-year old threw out the first pitch at the Milwaukee Milkmen game Sunday, five years after he conducted the ceremonial toss for his 95th birthday there.
  • The AAPB All-Star Game is set for July 23 in Kansas City, Kan., and the league is set to announce the teams from each division LIVE on Facebook and YouTube on Tuesday at 2 p.m. CT, with public Last Man In Voting beginning right after through Thursday, July 11.
  • It’s “Christmas in July” next Wednesday when the Milwaukee Milkmen host the Lincoln Saltdogs at Franklin Field. The Salvation Army will be in the spirit, their ubiquitous Sidewalk Santas on hand as part of the Christmas-themed evening, including photos with St. Nick and holiday treats. A portion of the proceed will benefit the local Salvation Army in Greater Milwaukee.
  • The Winnipeg Goldeyes have teamed with 92.1 CITI radio, dubbed “Winnipeg’s Rock Station,” for ROCK Night tomorrow (Friday) at 7 p.m. CT at Blue Cross Park. Another station, KISS 102.3, is running a contest for fans to win tickets for youth teams for KISS Throwback Night on July 19.
  • Some other fun theme nights coming up:
    • Saturday, Elvis Tribute, Chicago Dogs
    • Saturday, Wild West Night, Cleburne Railroaders
    • Saturday, Ghostbusters post-game film viewing, Winnipeg Goldeyes

NYC Footy Hosts Inaugural “Cup of Dreams” Soccer Tournament on July 27th

NYC Footy, the nation’s largest adult recreational soccer league, is thrilled to announce the inaugural “Cup of Dreams” tournament set to take place on July 27th, 2024 at the American Dream Mall in Rutherford, New Jersey. This exciting event promises to bring together soccer enthusiasts from across the city for a day of intense competition, community spirit, and celebration.

The tournament will feature teams from all over, competing in a series of matches to claim the coveted Cup of Dreams trophy. As the world comes out of the Euro Cup and Copa America tournaments and eagerly anticipates more soccer at the Paris Olympics, NYC Footy is proud to create a local stage where amateur players can showcase their skills and passion for the beautiful game. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of soccer while celebrating the sport’s global significance during this Olympic season.

To cap off the day’s events, NYC Footy invites all participants and spectators to an exclusive after-party at Marcus Samuelsson’s renowned Marcus Live! Bar and Grille inside the American Dream Mall. Marcus Live! is the perfect venue to unwind, socialize, and celebrate the day’s achievements. Guests will enjoy an evening of live music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks in an atmosphere that perfectly embodies the vibrant culture of New York City and the power of soccer in creating global connections.

“We are incredibly excited to launch the Cup of Dreams tournament,” said NYC Footy’s founder Tarek Pertew. “This event is not just about soccer; it’s about bringing people together, fostering community, and celebrating the joy of the sport. With the Paris Olympics as a backdrop, and the future World Cup Final happening next door, we hope to inspire players and fans alike to embrace the spirit of competition and camaraderie.”

Registration for the Cup of Dreams tournament is now open, and spaces are limited. Teams and individuals interested in participating are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot in this highly anticipated event.

For more information about the Cup of Dreams tournament, including registration details and the full schedule of events, please visit The Cup of Dreams website.