Red Sox to focus on children in July; Club presents 3rd annual "Calling All Kids" month at Fenway Park
Month-long activities presented by Hood® include kids taking the field with players, singing the anthem, carrying the colors, and participating in a press conference with players
To celebrate the school year coming to a close and the start of summer vacation, the Boston Red Sox will bring back a month-long celebration by designating July as their third annual Calling All Kids month presented by Hood.
With 15 home games, plus "Futures at Fenway," July has more school-night-free games than any other month of the season.
In addition to special features for young fans in July, the club has $9 tickets all year long for high school and college students.
"Our emphasis on children is more than a one-month promotion," said Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino. "It is a well established value within our organization. We are committed to providing ways to appeal to young fans and to enhance their experiences at Fenway Park."
The following programs comprise "Calling All Kids" month:
KIDS TAKE THE FIELD: Before each July home game, children from throughout New England will be selected to take the field with the Red Sox. Little League teams and softball teams will be among the groups selected.
TJ'S LITTLE DJ'S, TOREY'S TIKES, & KIDS GROUNDS CREW: Before each game, children will be selected to work with Dave Mellor's grounds crew to put the bases on the field, to help Bench Coach Torey Lovullo bring out the lineup card, to present the game ball on the pitcher's mound, and to assist Fenway Park DJ TJ Connelly select songs during batting practice.
MILITARY HONOREES STAND WITH THEIR KIDS: "Hats Off to Heroes," a military tribute after the 4th inning, will include the honorees' children as they are recognized atop the Red Sox dugout.
YOU SCREAM, I SCREAM: At each game, Fenway Park concessionaire Aramark will give free Hood ice cream and other frozen treats to randomly selected kids in the ballpark. The giveaway also celebrates National Ice Cream Month in July.
WALLY'S DUGOUT DANCE PARTY: During the 7th inning stretch, Wally will invite children from the stands to stretch and dance on the dugout with him.
KIDS SING THE ANTHEM, CARRY THE COLORS: Kids will sing the national anthem, and children from area Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts programs will present the colors.
CHAMPIONS CLUB FOR KIDS: During home games, families and children looking for a kid-friendly space can use the Champions Club, presented by Alex and Ani, behind the Right Field Grandstand. From the 3rd - 7th innings, families can escape the heat, grab a bite to eat, and play Wii baseball, bean bag toss, and carnival games. Entertainment includes a face painter, balloon artist, caricature artist, and magician. Wally the Green Monster visits in the 3rd inning.
COVER KIDS…XANDER AND JACKIE: July's Red Sox Magazine has Xander Bogaerts (21) and Jackie Bradley Jr. (24) on the cover, two of the club's "kids." The issue also has a feature on "kids" in the club's farm system and a diary by David Ortiz's son, D'Angelo.
FAN PHOTO DAY: On two Wednesdays, July 2 and July 30, the club will host Player/Fan Photo Sessions at the Souvenir Store on Yawkey Way, where fans can meet and take photos with "a player to be named later" following batting practice.
KIDS PRESS CONFERENCE: Before Saturday, July 5's game, members of Red Sox Kid Nation will hold a pre-game press conference with Red Sox players.
NESN CLUBHOUSE ON YAWKEY WAY: Kids are invited to the set of NESN Clubhouse at noon on two Sundays, July 6 and July 20, on Yawkey Way. The children's show features Red Sox players demonstrating baseball skills, kids interaction, and a segment with young D'Angelo Ortiz. Fans can also visit NESNClubhouse.com to see special bonus features.
KIDS RUN THE BASES: On Thursday, July 10, kids 16 and under are invited to run the bases after the 4:05 p.m. game.
FUTURES AT FENWAY & FIELD OF DREAMS: On Sunday, July 13, families can enjoy a game featuring the Class A Lowell Spinners at 3:30 p.m., followed by the presentation of "Field of Dreams," all for $15 per person. The 9th annual event is presented by Mitsubishi.
OUT OF THE PARK…AND INTO THE COMMON: On Sunday, July 27, the City of Boston, the Highland Street Foundation, and the Red Sox will hold this year's third "Out of the Park" event, in which families watch road games in Boston public parks with a touch of the color and life of Yawkey Way. The free event on the Boston Common begins at 1 p.m. and includes Wally the Green Monster, face painting, balloon making, and Fenway Park personalities.
LINDOS SUEÑOS: From July 21-30, the club will present the 11th annual Lindos Sueños program, presented by JetBlue, sending 10 American teens to the Dominican Republic to play baseball with 10 Dominican teens. Each morning, all 20 engage in community service. The program is funded by the Red Sox Foundation and the Charles Engelhard Foundation.