MiLB clubs help local communities for holidays

Part of the charm of Minor League Baseball is how closely tied its 120 clubs are to their local communities. And despite being months removed from the baseball schedule, many teams and their front offices maintain those bonds with events throughout the holiday season.

From organizing toy drives to providing meals for those in need, teams have found ways to give back and spread cheer. Here’s a look at what a few teams across the country have been up to lately.

Omaha Storm Chasers, Royals Triple-A affiliate

The Storm Chasers put a bow on a year full of charitable contributions by teaming up with their Werner Park cotenants, the Union Omaha Soccer Club of USL League One.

Both teams delivered presents, donated by their front office staffs, to the Carolyn Scott Rainbow House, a guest house for out-of-town families coming to the Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha.

With the help of @Union_Omaha we dropped off donated toys and pantry items for the families at the @ChildrensOmaha Carolyn Scott Rainbow House.

Our front offices donated many different items that we were fortunate enough to drop off today. pic.twitter.com/M6nGewIDqe

— Omaha Storm Chasers (@OMAStormChasers) December 21, 2022

The event capped off a year that saw an incredible amount of community service efforts from Storm Chasers staff and players during the season, including the gift of $23,695 in grants to local non-profit youth baseball and softball organizations for field and facility improvements.

“Being a part of and giving back to our local community that supports us is a fundamental pillar of the Omaha Storm Chasers organization,” the club's vice president and general manager Laurie Schlender said. “It is vitally important that we use our platform to help create awareness for these organizations so that they can continue to do such valuable work in our community."

Brooklyn Cyclones, Mets High-A affiliate

The Cyclones have been a perpetual presence in the greater Brooklyn community since their inception in 2001, and it certainly helps to have the big brother just a stone’s throw away in Queens.

The team regularly partners with the Amazin' Mets Foundation -- led by Alex Cohen -- to serve the Coney Island neighborhood and beyond. Cyclones' staff packaged and delivered turkey meals before Thanksgiving and participated in the annual toy giveaway at a local YMCA.

Wrapping presents for the #ConeyIsland community! pic.twitter.com/XSdaTQ7WWE

— Brooklyn Cyclones (@BKCyclones) December 14, 2022

Worcester Red Sox, Red Sox Triple-A affiliate

The WooSox have already established some traditions in the two seasons since the franchise’s inception. One has nothing to do with the game on the field: the WooSox Foundation Holiday Caravan, which wrapped up its second annual tour through Central Massachusetts.

Red Sox infielder Ryan Fitzgerald and Worcester hitting coach Rich Gedman, the 11-year Red Sox veteran and two-time All-Star, joined the team’s mascots and front office staff as they made stops at local children’s hospitals, food banks and youth sports organizations over a three-day span.

Yesterday, we wrapped up our 2022 Holiday Caravan making stops all over the community to bring joy this holiday season! 🎄⛄️❤️ Thank you to Ryan Fitzgerald for joining us and to everyone involved. We can't wait to see you next time on the Care-A-Van presented by @bankofamerica! pic.twitter.com/v8ZXznhgcU

— WooSox Foundation (@WooSoxFDN) December 22, 2022

Fitzgerald, who played in 140 games for Worcester over the past two seasons, was named the WooSox Foundation’s “Heart of the Heart” Community Spirit Award for his contributions throughout the year. He's been such a community favorite that he and the club teamed up for a unique "Fitzy" merchandise line.

“I’m looking forward to being back in Worcester around Christmas time and help give back to this community that has had my back all season long,” Fitzgerald said before the Caravan. “The WooSox are always doing great things in the community and it’s a pleasure to help out in any way I can."

Oklahoma City Dodgers, Dodgers Triple-A affiliate

The Dodgers made good on their promise to raise money for One Neighborhood Empowered, an OKC-based non-profit, and there wasn’t a better time to do it.

The team partnered with Oklahoma Fidelity bank to donate $100 -- $50 from each party -- for every home run that the Dodgers hit at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark during the 2022 season. With 92 on the board at the end of the year, led by 14 from Ryan Noda and 12 apiece from Jason Martin and Miguel Vargas, the team made a $9,200 donation.

One Neighborhood Empowered aims to positively impact Oklahoma City by providing after school support, tutoring, and mentoring for kids to lay a foundation for future success.

The OKC Dodgers had the opportunity to donate $9,200 alongside @OKfidelitybank as part of their Home Runs for Charity Initiative! For every homer the Dodgers hit, Oklahoma Fidelity Bank donates $50 and the OKC Dodgers match the donation to benefit Our Neighborhood Empowered. pic.twitter.com/t4CfOH70mQ

— Oklahoma City Dodgers (@okc_dodgers) December 28, 2022