MiLB promotes recycling in clubhouses, dugouts

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Minor League Baseball™ and the Minor League Baseball Green Team, through a joint venture with We Play Green, and in conjunction with a pilot program introduced by the Lake Elsinore Storm, will bring awareness and educate its clubs about the importance of recycling in their clubhouses and dugouts.

This mission was introduced with the influence of professional athletes from We Play Green, an organization co‐founded by Jack Cassel of the Columbus Clippers and Chris Dickerson of the Cincinnati Reds, and the progressive green programs of the Lake Elsinore Storm. Chase Utley of the Philadelphia Phillies and Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers are also members of We Play Green, which wants to create increased action in recycling plastic bottles across professional sports.

"It's the goal of We Play Green to have all sports teams place recycling containers in team locker rooms and in dugouts or sidelines throughout all sports," said Cassel, who is also a former Storm pitcher.

The Storm have partnered with We Play Green and have added recycling containers in both home and visitor clubhouses, as well as in both dugouts. Lake Elsinore has been a leader in making sustainable changes to their team and facility. They have added waterless urinals, water saving sprinkler heads and a computerized irrigation system that has led to savings of more than 30 million gallons of water -- and more than $100,000 on their water bill. The Storm have also added new energy efficient lighting throughout their stadium and have replaced their old hot water tanks with new tankless water heaters.

"We felt it was time to stop talking about it and time to start doing something," remarked Storm president, Dave Oster. "We know we have a ways to go, but doing anything means everything. If all sports teams can make improvements to their own facilities, we will be able to influence many, while creating positive sustainable change."

The mission of the Minor League Baseball Green Team (MiLBGT) is to develop a nationwide "green" program for Minor League Baseball, its member clubs and fans focused on education and information about green principles and practices. MiLBGT's vision is to enhance the Minor League Baseball industry by providing tools that, when used at the ballpark and beyond, will contribute to healthier environments for the communities in which its clubs live and work.

For additional information, please contacts: Steve Densa, MiLB, 727‐456‐1703; Dave Oster, Lake Elsinore Storm, 951‐245‐4487; or visit these Web sites: www.MiLB.com www.stormbaseball.com www.weplaygreen.com online.