Grizzlies & Rawhide Team Up For Blood Drive

Fresno, CA - All of this week, the Fresno Grizzlies and Visalia Rawhide will encourage their fans to participate in the inaugural "Line Drive Blood Drive" to assist the Central California Blood Center. Today through Friday, the Pacific Coast League's Grizzlies and California League's Rawhide will look to see which team can drive the most donations from their respective fan bases. At the end of the week, the team with the most donations will be declared the winner and the losing team's mascot must sport the victor's jersey at an upcoming game.

Fans looking to donate simply need to inform Blood Center personnel of their team preference in order to be counted in the friendly competition between the Valley's two Minor League Baseball franchises. All donors in the "Line Drive Blood Drive" will receive a free commemorative t-shirt from the Central California Blood Center and a Buy One Get One ticket offer to this Friday's Grizzlies game.

"We're excited to join our Cal League neighbor to support such a great partner in the Central California Blood Center," said Grizzlies Senior Vice President of Marketing Scott Carter. "We encourage all baseball fans across the Valley to help us and the Rawhide assist in this ongoing, important endeavor."

Rawhide Team President Tom Seidler added, "This is a fun opportunity for the Rawhide and the Grizzlies to team up in an innocently competitive way to help the California Blood Center collect more blood donations during the high-demand summer months. Both of our teams have very passionate fans, so we know they will accept the challenge and make this a successful event."

Blood donation takes less than one hour to complete. Donors must be in good general health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 years old with written parental consent). Senior citizens are encouraged to donate, as there is no upper age limit. Donors should eat a good meal and drink plenty of water within 4 hours prior to their donation. Donors can give blood every eight weeks. Photo identification and Social Security Number are required at donor registration.

"As we settle into summer, regular donors, understandably, relax their donation schedules as they enjoy outdoor activities and area attractions," said Chris Sorensen, Director of Community Relations and Development for the Central California Blood Center. "However, this is the time when the demand for blood is sometimes at its highest. With that in mind, we are asking new and returning donors to please do their part to ensure that the supply is adequate for everyone in need and support your favorite baseball team in the process."

The Central California Blood Center is the sole provider of blood and blood products for the 31 hospitals in Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Kings and Mariposa Counties and must collect between 5,000 to 6,000 pints of blood a month to meet the needs of our Valley community. For the nearest donor center, visit CenCalBlood.org or call 1-800-404-BLOOD.

The Fresno Grizzlies continue their current homestand tonight against the Las Vegas 51s. For tickets and information on the Grizzlies award-winning promotional schedule, call 559.320.TIXS or visit FresnoGrizzlies.com.