The Akron RubberDucks sported jerseys designed by patients at local children's hospital
One of the beauties of Minor League Baseball is its ability to come up with promotional nights to involve the surrounding communities. The promotion that the Akron RubberDucks hosted on Friday, a "Kid Replica Jersey" night, not only supported the community, but will bring an infectious smile to your face.
The Double-A affiliate of the Indians were hosting the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (Double-A affiliate of the Mets) and the team was sporting some unique uniforms. The orange-collared, blue-sleeved jerseys stuck out, but it wasn't because of the colors -- these held value because of what was displayed on them, and what they represented.
Our special Game 2 threads designed by Landon!🔥🔥🔥
— Akron RubberDucks (@AkronRubberDuck) August 12, 2017
PLAYBALL!! 🦆 pic.twitter.com/oyOoZoI0N6
"Cancer Free" and "No One Fights Alone" were displayed across the RubberDucks' jersey with an orange cancer ribbon on the back. On the front, "Akron Children's Hospital" was written.
"The hospital is located beyond left field," said Adam Liberman, director of public and media relations for the RubberDucks. "The team does four to five hospital visits a year with the players."
Liberman said some of the kids look out at the park all day and some may not be able to come to games. In order to give the kids another connection with the team, they gave the hospital a template to hand out to the patients. The winner of the design contest would get his/her own signed jersey to keep and it would be presented at the beginning of the game.
"It was hard to pick between all of them," laughed Liberman.
Landon Skidmore, of Wadsworth, Ohio was named the winner with his design and the "No One Fights Alone" quote was his own. Rubberducks owner Ken Babby, along with general manager Jim Pfander, presented the 8-year-old with the uniform in front of the home crowd.
Our owner @kenbabby and GM Jim Pfander present @AkronChildrens' Landon Skidmore with a team-signed uni he created for Game 2! pic.twitter.com/Y1wuucA2Nb
— Akron RubberDucks (@AkronRubberDuck) August 12, 2017
The jerseys were auctioned off during the game and the winning bidders will be able to get the autographed jerseys directly from the players. All proceeds will benefit Akron Children's Hospital.
