Pacers To Host Community Service Events At Baseball Games This Weekend

The Pacers Honored The Garner Sports League In March 2024

RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace enters an important stretch of the baseball season but still finds time to support the Triangle community.

The Pacers' baseball program is partnering with the Ronald McDonald House Charites of the Triangle for the Santa's Summer Restock drive in Durham, N.C., on Saturday, April 13. The drive will be held during the Pacers' doubleheader against USA South Conference foe Southern Virginia at Historic Durham Bulls Athletic Park starting at 1 p.m.

On Sunday, April 14, the Pacers will honor players and families from the Miracle League of the Triangle during their baseball game against nationally ranked Christopher Newport. The non-conference contest will be played at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C., at 2 p.m.

Fans planning to attend Saturday's games can donate items that ensure that the pantry and supply closets at the Ronald McDonald Houses remain well-stocked. The Ronald McDonald House is a program that provides a comfortable space for families with sick children to stay near the hospitals where they are receiving medical care.

"We are honored that William Peace Baseball has thought to include us in their gameday festivities," said Clay Ragan, the Ronald McDonald Durham House Volunteer Manager. "It takes the whole community to meet our needs, from faith groups, to schools, sports teams, families, corporate groups and neighborhoods."

This is the first time that William Peace has partnered with the Ronald McDonald House on an event.

"Our restock is a way for the community to support us by collecting supplies for our guests and organization," Ragan said. "Throughout locations in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, we serve over 100 families each night, all who have uprooted their lives to travel for medical care. As you can imagine, it takes a lot to support these families. We use the restock to gather all sorts of things that we need for our guests: snacks, toiletries, hygiene supplies, cleaning products and items for our House kitchens."

The Miracle League was established in 2004 to create positive life experiences for children and adults with special needs and for their families through baseball and softball, according to its website, mltriangle.com. The Miracle League currently serves over 620 players on 42 teams since its first game in September 2006.

Approximately 25 players from the Miracle League are expected to be present at Sunday's game. This is the second straight year the Pacers will host an appreciation day for the organization.

"Getting to go down on the field with the WPU players is a big draw," said Cyndy Vagle, the Director of Baseball Operations for the Miracle League of the Triangle. "Hanging out with the Pacers on their turf is a treat. The Peace baseball team began volunteering at the Miracle League Fields in the Fall of 2016. Our athletes have thoroughly enjoyed the Pacers filling the Buddy positions in our program."

The Pacers are hosting both events while in the midst of a race to reach the USA South Conference Tournament, set to start in early May. The top six teams in the eight-team conference advance to the postseason tourney.

But community service is important to the Pacers' baseball team, who volunteered in the WRAL Coats For the Children campaign in January and honored the Garner Sports League programs in late March.

The Pacers' baseball team will continue their trend of community service this weekend.

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