08 Jul 2014

Wells 4 Wellness 5K Venue Change

By Pat Herath

Water, Water Everywhere - A Local Event Seeks to Make a Global Difference

Third Annual Wells 4 Wellness 5K Run/Walk is July 12

MOLINE, Ill. (June 23, 2014) ? Quad City-area residents are invited to enjoy an event dedicated to good old H2O. The local nonprofit organization, Wells 4 Wellness, will hold its Third Annual 5KWalk/Run on July 12, 2014, Staging and stating line will now begin at the Moline Water Plant address 30 18th Street .Course is now along river drive heading west to 1st street and then return to The water plant.Funds raised at this event will provide persons in the Western African country of Niger access to clean, safe, water.

The race begins at 8 a.m. followed by a Kids4Water bucket relay at 9:00 a.m. and adult bucket relay at 9:15 a.m. Those watching the race can cool-off as the Moline Water Department opens fire hydrants along the racecourse.

"We are running to raise awareness and funds to support the building of wells for 30 communities in one of the world's most impoverished countries," said Pat Herath, founder of Wells4Wellness. "We enjoy that glass of clean water daily and may not give it much thought. The people in the Villages of Niger that for the ability to produce food, have good health and educate their children depends on access to a reliable water supply. Each race registrant will provide clean, safe water for a family of four for one year."

Participants have the option of carrying jugs filled with Mississippi River Water to demonstrate the burden of hauling water for basic household needs.

Register online at www.wells4wellness.com or on race day beginning at 6:30 a.m. The registration fee is $30 and includes a T-shirt. Donations may be sent to Wells 4 Wellness at 1804 28th Avenue, Moline, IL, 61265. For further information, contact Pat Herath at 309-236-1301. Wells 4 Wellness is a 501c3 nonprofit, so donations are tax deductible.

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07 Jul 2014

PHILLIPS WALK-OFF SLAM CAPS DOUBLEHEADER SWEEP FOR BANDITS

By Scott Kornberg

Lee fires six shutout innings in game one as Quad Cities takes series from Wisconsin

DAVENPORT, Iowa. (July 6, 2014) - Brett Phillips launched a walk-off grand slam to cap a doubleheader sweep of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, as the Quad Cities River Bandits won 5-0 and then 6-4 to take two out of three in the series.

Wisconsin led 4-2 in the bottom of the seventh of game two with their starter Victor Diaz on the mound. Diaz yielded a leadoff single to Dayne Parker, got Thomas Lindauer to fly to center but then gave up a hit to James Ramsay, who finished 2-for-4, before being pulled for reliever Tyler Spurlin. Marc Wik singled to left to load the bases for Phillips, who smashed the first pitch he saw from Spurlin (3-1) over the right-center field wall to give the River Bandits (10-7 second half, 45-41 overall) the walk-off 6-4 victory.

Michael Feliz (5-2) earned the victory in relief of Quad Cities starter Jandel Gustave, who lasted only 3.1 frames. Gustave left with the bases loaded in a 3-1 game in the fourth, with two Timber Rattlers (9-8, 45-41) having already crossed the plate in the inning. But Feliz fanned Johnny Davis and got Omar Garcia to groundout to end the threat. The right-hander also struck out the side in the top of the seventh, setting up the scene for Phillips' walk-off dinger. Feliz allowed a run on two hits with a walk and six punchouts in 3.2 frames.

Chris Lee (4-5) rolled through the Wisconsin order in game one, scattering five hits with a walk and strikeout in his six frames for the win. Lee's walk of Jose Pena was his first in 14 2/3 innings, the best of any River Bandits pitcher this season. The Timber Rattlers had one runner reach third base all game against Lee.

Chase McDonald led off the second inning of a scoreless game one by reaching on an error by Timber Rattlers shortstop Steven Halcomb. Wisconsin starter Anthony Banda got Ronnie Mitchell to fly to center field but then Brett Booth singled to put runners on first and second with one out. After Brian Holberton struck out, Thomas Lindauer cracked a three-run home run onto the berm in left field to put the burst open a scoreless contest.

More shoddy defense helped Quad Cities add to their lead in the fourth. Banda, who fanned a season-high 10, struck out both Jose Fernandez and Phillips to start the frame before McDonald singled to left. With two outs, Mitchell lined a ball to shallow center. Wisconsin center fielder Johnny Davis tried to make a diving catch, but had the ball scoot by him and roll all the way to the wall, allowing McDonald to score from first and Mitchell to end up at third with his first triple of the season.

Banda (4-6) surrendered five runs, just two earned, on six hits with two walks in his five innings to take the loss.

Quad Cities will start a three-game series Tuesday with Edison Frias (5-3, 5.36 ERA) on the mound against the Kane County Cougars from Modern Woodmen Park.

07 Jul 2014

WHITE, GRILLS WIN ASTROS' JUNE HONORS

By Marco LaNave
             Third baseman wins first career monthly award, left-hander recognized for second time in four years
DAVENPORT, Iowa (July 5, 2014) - Third baseman Tyler White is the Quad Cities River Bandits Player of the Month for June, and left-handed pitcher Evan Grills is the team's Pitcher of the Month, the Houston Astros announced on Thursday.
The Houston Astros Player Development Department named a Pitcher and Player of the Month at each of their four full-season affiliates and two Dominican Summer League affiliates. These awards are chosen every month by the field staff of each team. Former River Bandits infielder Conrad Gregor and right-handed pitcher Juan Minaya took home the honors at Class-A Advanced Lancaster.
White, Houston's 33rd-round pick in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft, hit .324 in 22 June games. He led Quad Cities with 10 extra-base hits, five home runs, 14 RBIs, 10 walks, a .632 slugging percentage and a 1.079 on-base plus slugging (OPS). The 23-year-old Mooresboro, N.C., native had a pair of two-homer games against Wisconsin in June, going deep twice at Wisconsin June 2 and at home June 15. Through Friday, White led the team with 39 RBIs and was seventh in the Midwest League with an .403 on-base percentage and .880 OPS.
Grills, Houston's 10th-round pick in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft, won his second monthly pitching honor and first since he was the August 2011 Pitcher of the Month with the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Astros. The 22-year-old Whitby, Ontario, Canada native had a June ERA of 0.95. In four appearances, including two starts, Grills had the team's first complete game of the season in Game 2 of a June 20 home doubleheader against Peoria, and he earned his first career save June 27 at Peoria. In 19 June innings, Grills struck out 17 batters while walking only two. Grills was promoted to Class-A Advanced Lancaster Friday, but he pitched a team-high 76 2/3 innings and had a 2.70 ERA that ranked fifth in the Midwest League and fourth among Houston Astros full-season minor league pitchers.
Below is a list of the Players and Pitchers of the Month this season for Quad Cities:
Month    Player                   Pitcher
April       Brett Phillips        Gonzalo Sanudo
May        Brian Holberton  Jandel Gustave
June        Tyler White         Evan Grills
07 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Increase Boating Safety

By Andrew Mason

New Laws will Improve Safety and Education in Illinois' Waterways

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to help improve safety on Illinois' waterways. The three new laws expand boating safety education, improve safety and awareness of water skiers and tubers and increase penalties for those who operate watercraft under the influence. Today's bill signings, which took place at Chicago's 31st Street Harbor, are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to make outdoor recreation safe and enjoyable for everyone.

"Over this Fourth of July weekend, it's important that all residents stay safe while celebrating, especially out on Illinois' waterways," Governor Quinn said. "While boating is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, everyone has to take precautions and follow the rules to keep drivers and passengers out of harm's way. These new laws will help make Illinois' lakes and rivers safer and more enjoyable for all."

State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) and State Representative Kelly Burke (D-Evergreen Park) sponsored all three pieces of legislation. All three news laws are effective Jan. 1, 2015.

Senate Bill 3434 allows for the seizure of a watercraft used in the commission of certain offenses related to operating under the influence. The new rules bring penalties for boating under the influence more in line with those for operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

"When people continue to drink and drive after they've been convicted of crimes relating to DUIs, sheriffs can seize their cars," Senator Morrison said. "Boats are every bit as dangerous as cars, and boat operators should be held to the same standard as drivers."

Senate Bill 3433 requires all persons born after Jan. 1, 1998 to take and pass a boating safety course validated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and hold a valid boating safety certificate before they can operate a motorboat with an engine over 10 horsepower.

"I have learned of many tragic losses of life due to boating accidents which could have been avoided with better education for our boaters," Representative Burke said. "Boating is a great recreational activity which I hope more people will participate in, but there are risks to everyone involved, novice and experts alike. This new law will ensure all boaters have as much experience and education as possible when enjoying themselves on our state's waterways."

Governor Quinn also signed Senate Bill 2731, which mandates that the operator of any watercraft that is towing a person, such as a water skier or tuber, must display a bright orange flag measuring not less than 12 inches per side. The flag must be displayed from the time the person to be towed leaves the boat until that person returns to the boat at the conclusion of the activity.

So far in 2014, there have been 16 reported boating fatalities on Illinois waterways. Increased boating safety education and responsible boating practices may have prevented many of these fatalities.

Governor Quinn has long been a supporter of the safe enjoyment of the Illinois outdoors. Last year he signed legislation strengthening the state's Boat Registration and Safety Act to increase boating safety. Further, he signed legislation cracking down on those who boat while under the influence of alcohol by requiring a chemical test for drugs or alcohol where an injury is involved and imposing stiffer penalties.

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07 Jul 2014

RIVER BANDITS HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS JULY 4-10 AND GAME PARKING INFORMATION

By Marco LaNave

Fourth of July Fireworks, Nolan Ryan bobblehead, Tote Bag giveaway, Rascal's Birthday & more

DAVENPORT, Iowa. (July 3, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits, Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, battle the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Class0A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, in a three-game series from Friday, July 4, through Sunday, July 6, before hosting the Kane County Cougars, Class-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, at Modern Woodmen Park from Tuesday, July 8m through Thursday, July 10. Tickets are still available on riverbandits.com or by calling the box office at (563) 324-3000.

 

Due to flood waters around Modern Woodmen Park, a pedestrian bridge will allow access to the ballpark.

 

Parking under the Centennial Bridge and in the Florian Keen Parking Lot adjacent to the ballpark will be unavailable due to flooding.

 

Fans may use public parking in downtown Davenport.

 

Parking is Free at the following locations:

Davenport City Lot at West 5th St. & Brady St.

Davenport City Lot at West 5th St. & Main St.

Scott County Courthouse Lots:

- 5th St. & Ripley St.

- 5th St. & Western Ave.

- Lot between Western & Gaines

- Lot between Scott & Western

Community Healthcare Parking Lot

German American Heritage Center Parking Lot

 

Parking is available in the following Pay Garages ($5 special event parking price):

Redstone Ramp

Harrison Ramp

River Center Ramp

 

*Two golf carts will be in use to assist fans who need a ride to and from the parking lots and walking bridge.

 

Below are the highlights of promotions and events for the homestand.

 

Friday, July 4, 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WQAD, & WLLR
- Fourth of July Fireworks Show presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WQAD & WLLR - The River Bandits will offer all fans an expanded and free postgame fireworks show on the Fourth of July

- Half-price Ferris wheel rides, $2 beer and soda, $1 peanuts and popcorn - To celebrate the Fourth of July Weekend, the River Bandits will offer discounts on Ferris wheel rides and concessions Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

 

Saturday, July 5, 6:00 p.m. (Gates open at 3:30 p.m.) Sponsors: 101.3 KISS-FM, Mediacom & the Dispatch-Argus 

- Nolan Ryan Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Mediacom & the Dispatch-Argus - The first 1,500 fans will receive a bobblehead of Nolan Ryan, the Hall-of-Fame pitcher who won 324 games in his 27-year career with a major league-record 5,714 strikeouts. 

- Battle of the Badges Softball Game - The Davenport Police & Fire Departments will face the Rock Island Police & Fire Departments in a softball game from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m. The event will raise money for the Ronald McDonald House of Iowa City.

- Fan Appreciation Saturday presented by 103.1 KISS-FM - There will be tables for a balloon artist and face painter on the concourse.

- Half-price Ferris wheel rides, $2 beer and soda, $1 peanuts and popcorn - To celebrate the Fourth of July Weekend, the River Bandits will offer discounts on Ferris wheel rides and concessions Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

 

Sunday, July 6, 5:00 p.m. (Gates open at 3:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Hy-Vee, KWQC & B100 

- Hy-Vee Tote Bag Giveaway - The first 1,000 fans will receive a Hy-Vee tote bag.

- Halloween Night - All fans who dress up in costume will receive $1 off their ticket price. There will be a pregame costume parade, trick-or-treating around the ballpark and a costume contest in which the winner will take home a prize. 

- Family Sunday presented by KWQC & B100 - The River Bandits will be on the field 4:15-4:30 p.m. for autographs. Following the game, Kids Run the Bases. Fans can also bring their dogs for Bark in the Park.

- Half-price Ferris wheel rides, $2 beer and soda, $1 peanuts and popcorn - To celebrate the Fourth of July Weekend, the River Bandits will offer discounts on Ferris wheel rides and concessions Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

 

Tuesday, July 8, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Pepsi, WOC & Q-106.5

- Disco Night - Step back in time with '70s pricing on food and beer. Fans will be able to purchase $2 beer, $3 premium and $1 hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and peanuts.

- Buy-One-Get-One Free Tickets - All regular individual tickets are buy-one-get-one free on Tuesdays the rest of the regular season.

- Kids Eat Free - Kids 12 and under receive a voucher for a free meal at the ballpark.

- Dew for Twosday - Fans can bring in old Mountain Dew cans and exchange them for a voucher for a free 16-ounce Mountain Dew.

 

Wednesday, July 9, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: U.S. Bank, Mix 96  

- Pay Your Bill Wednesday presented by U.S. Bank & Mix 96 - Fans can bring copies of their unpaid bills to Modern Woodmen Park and enter them in a drawing to be paid up to $100 by the River Bandits. The team will randomly select two to be paid.

- Rascal's Birthday Bash - Other mascots from the region will join Rascal in a pregame celebration on his birthday.

- Jimmy Buffett Night - Fans will be able to enjoy special margarita specials, as well as Jimmy Buffett player headshots and music throughout the game.

 

Thursday, July 10, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Modern Woodmen Bank, Rock 104-9 and River Cities' Reader 

- Thirst-day Thursday presented by Rock 104-9 and River Cities' Reader - Fans can enjoy $2 drink specials throughout the game.

- Buy One-Get One presented by IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union - All Thursday tickets for IHMVCU members are buy-one, get-one free. Fans must show membership at the box office to receive the ticket special.

 

UP NEXT: The River Bandits return home for the Fourth of July weekend, beginning with a 7 p.m. game Friday, July 4, to be followed by Fourth of July Fireworks presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WLLR and WQAD. Game tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the River Bandits 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

03 Jul 2014

Mercer County Fair

By QCCVB

Mercer County Fair takes place in Aledo, Illinois, from Sunday, July 6th through Saturday, July 12th.

Activities include : livestock judging; 4-H show; harness racing; queen pageant; demolition derby; truck/tractor pull; lots of food, rides, & games. www.mercercountyfair.org
03 Jul 2014

River Valley Classic Car Show

By QCCVB

Visit the River Valley Classic Car Show on Saturday, July 5th at 5:00 p.m. for a fun-filled, family event featuring classic cars, 50/60's Music and a 50/50 drawing benefiting local charities. All events will take place in the East parking lot close to Sears at Northpark Mall in Davenport, Iowa. north-park-mall-ia.com

03 Jul 2014

Dr. Ford's Annual Frog Race

By QCCVB
Friday, July 4th at Central Park in Aledo, IL. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and the race will be at 10:00 a.m. Sponsored by Aledo Exchange Club. For more information, visit aledomainstreet.com.
03 Jul 2014

BANDITS RAIN LONG BALLS ON BELOIT IN SHORT WIN

By Marco LaNave
Quad Cities clinches winning road trip and wins eighth straight game over Beloit

BELOIT, Wis. (July 2, 2014) - Quad Cities River Bandits second baseman Jose Fernandez had a career-high four RBIs with his first career grand slam as the last of his team's three home runs, and left-hander Evan Grills allowed one run in five innings before play was stopped and eventually called off with Quad Cities earning an 8-1, five-inning win at rainy Pohlman Field Wednesday night.

In their shortest completed game since a 3-2, five-inning home win on June 29, 2012, the River Bandits (7-6 second half, 42-40 overall) won their eighth straight game in the season series with the Snappers (2-10, 32-50), who have also lost eight straight second-half games.

Rain fell for most of the game, and Snappers right-hander Hunter Adkins (0-2) began the game in a light shower by walking center fielder James Ramsay on four pitches. Adkins worked to an 0-2 count on third baseman Marc Wik, who then drove his first Midwest League home run to left-center field to give the River Bandits a 2-0 lead. Wik has also homered this season in the Texas and New York-Penn Leagues.

In the bottom of the first inning, Grills (3-3) allowed a one-out infield single by Snappers second baseman Chih-Fang Pan before grabbing a one-hop comebacker to the mound to begin a 1-4-3, inning-ending double play. Grills kept Beloit off the scoreboard until the bottom of the third inning, when first baseman B.A. Vollmuth hit a leadoff double and scored after two groundouts.

Quad Cities held a 2-1 lead with one out in the top of the fourth inning, when left fielder Ronnie Mitchell smacked the first pitch of his second at-bat against Adkins out to right-center field for his first home run since June 2 and team-high 10th of the season. Fernandez followed with a triple down the right-field line and scored on catcher Jake Rodriguez's RBI single to center field to make it 4-1.

In the top of the fifth inning, Adkins allowed a one-out walk to Wik, who reached base in all three of his plate appearances. With two outs, first baseman Chase McDonald hit a fly to left-center field, where Snappers center fielder B.J. Boyd dropped the ball, allowing Wik and McDonald to reach third and second bases, respectively. Adkins intentionally walked Mitchell before Fernandez launched an 0-1 pitch over the left-center field fence for his first home run since Aug. 21 and an 8-1 Quad Cities lead.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Grills gave up a one-out single to Vollmuth and a two-out single to Boyd before striking out shortstop Melvin Mercedes to complete five innings for his 10th straight start to begin the season. After the umpires called for the tarp to be put on the field and the game was later called as a final, Grills picked up his first win since May 31, having allowed five hits, one earned run and no walks with two strikeouts.

After clinching a winning road trip with a 6-4 record through 10 of 11 games, Quad Cities seek its first sweep of a road series at 7 p.m. Thursday in Beloit. River Bandits right-hander Kevin Comer (0-1) is scheduled to face Snappers right-hander Lou Trivino (4-6).

UP NEXT: The River Bandits return home for the Fourth of July weekend, beginning with a 7 p.m. game Friday, July 4, to be followed by Fourth of July Fireworks presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WLLR and WQAD. Game tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the River Bandits 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

03 Jul 2014

BANDITS TO WEAR CAPS TO SUPPORT VETERANS

By Marco LaNave
The same caps worn by the team on July 4 will be on sale in the team store July 3 and online July 7

DAVENPORT, Iowa (July 2, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits are among 113 teams across Minor League Baseball teams that will honor America and help raise much-needed funds for a worthy cause this Independence Day holiday weekend by wearing specially designed "Stars & Stripes" caps from New Era Cap Company.

The River Bandits will wear the specialty caps - as well as sell the caps in the team store at Modern Woodmen Park - as part of fundraising and awareness initiatives for Welcome Back Veterans, an organization dedicated to addressing the ongoing needs of military personnel and their families.

"Our military and their families make tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedom and defend our country, and we look forward to honoring them this Fourth of July weekend," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "The Stars & Stripes program gives River Bandits fans a unique opportunity to support our military personnel and their families, show their Bandit pride and look great in the process!"

The caps have the American flag etched into a star behind the team's white primary logo, with a red crown and blue brims and buttons. The caps can be purchased in the River Bandits team store for $30 each beginning Thursday, and they will be available to order online beginning Monday, July 7.

Minor League Baseball, in conjunction with its licensing partner Major League Baseball Properties, will once again donate 100 percent of the proceeds from cap sales to Welcome Back Veterans as part of its contribution to the program. Since the program's inception in 2010, MiLB has contributed annually to the veterans' organization.

The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park to face the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at 7 p.m. Friday in the opener of a three-game series and a six-game homestand. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com.

UP NEXT: The River Bandits return home for the Fourth of July weekend, beginning with a 7 p.m. game Friday, July 4, to be followed by Fourth of July Fireworks presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WLLR and WQAD. Game tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the River Bandits 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

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