Plan Formally Makes Bicycles Part of Illinois' Long-Range Transportation Vision

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider today announced the release of the Illinois Bike Transportation Plan - the first statewide bicycle plan in Illinois' history. The bike plan provides the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) with policies, best practices and strategic direction for implementing a sustainable, multi-modal transportation system across Illinois. The plan is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to build a 21st century infrastructure that will drive Illinois' economy forward.

"The Illinois Bike Transportation Plan will help develop a safer and more efficient transportation system for everyone who rides a bike in our state," Governor Quinn said. "In Illinois we pride ourselves on our 21st century transportation system, and this plan will guide our future work to expand access to this safe, cost-effective and green form of transportation."

The bike plan provides more than 200 recommendations and action items to enhance IDOT's ability to provide safe and cost-effective accommodations for cyclists across Illinois. The comprehensive recommendations address a variety of topics including facility design and maintenance, network gaps, grant funding programs, safety education and enforcement, and internal governance and coordination. In addition, the plan includes performance measures designed to evaluate progress towards implementation.

"The Illinois Bike Transportation Plan is framed around five key principles: safety, connectivity, access, choice and collaboration," Secretary Schneider said. "These principles helped guide the development of the plan and will be instrumental to implementation. The plan will ensure that Illinois remains a model of excellence in sustainable transportation."

In developing the plan, IDOT staged an extensive, multi-faceted outreach effort. Approximately 4,000 individuals, 60 local agencies, 50 non-profits and 11 educational institutions provided input via face-to-face meetings, webinars, social media and online surveys. The input received from these stakeholders helped determine final recommendations and provides a framework for future collaboration moving forward.

The complete plan and accompanying technical documents can be found online at www.IllinoisBikePlan.com.

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Barrier-Breaking Baseball Player Was American Icon

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today honored Jackie Robinson and the remarkable impact the legendary baseball player and civil rights icon had on American culture. Today marks the 67th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's debut at Ebbets Field, breaking the color barrier in the major leagues. The Governor today released the following statement:

"Jackie Robinson served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II and as an icon for equal rights throughout his life.

"He proved that working hard, perseverance and standing up for what you believe in are what count in life, and we must honor his legacy.

"Jackie believed that 'life is not a spectator sport,' and he lived his life with that in mind. He broke the color barrier in the major leagues, became the first black MVP and took his team to the World Series. At the same time, he fought for black athletes and Americans of all colors and creeds to be treated equally. This is why his number was retired by the MLB and why he received two of our nation's highest honors - the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

"Jackie Robinson is a true American hero."

Jackie Robinson was born in 1919 in Cairo, Ga., to a family of sharecroppers. In 1942, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, becoming an officer, but his career changed in 1944 when he refused to sit in the back of a military bus. All charges were later dropped and he received an honorary discharge. Later, he began a career in baseball and eventually broke the color barrier in baseball's major leagues when he started playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. He was a key part to the Brooklyn Dodgers World Series Championship in 1955, and he was the first black MVP in 1949. In addition, Robinson fought for his fellow black athletes in the major leagues and for civil rights for all before the U.S. Congress and the American people. Robinson passed away in 1972.

In 1997 Major League Baseball (MLB) retired his number, 42. In 2004, the MLB began celebrating "Jackie Robinson Day," wherein all players wear the number to honor his commitment to his sport and his nation. Robinson has now been the subject of major feature films and numerous biographies, with streets, schools and stadiums named in his honor throughout the country.

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WHO: A six-person crew from Chance Rides, the Ferris wheel manufacturer based in Wichita, Kan., will be working at Modern Woodmen Park. River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser and River Bandits Assistant General Manager of Amusements Mike Clark will both be available for interviews.
WHAT: Phase Two of installation for the Ferris Wheel that will tower 110 feet above the Modern Woodmen Park playing field. Another River Bandits logo sign will be mounted on the LeClaire Park side of the wheel. In addition, the electrical cabinet will be installed behind the scoreboard, and the wheel's spokes will be spread out into a complete circle.
WHERE: Installation will happen behind the left field berm (east end) Modern Woodmen Park. This area may be more visible from east of the stadium in LeClaire Park.
WHEN (*Weather permitting*): Tuesday, April 15, and Wednesday, April 16.
WHY: The Ferris wheel will highlight an amusement lineup to include a carousel, a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded 300-foot long zip line, an auto-belay rock climbing wall, and many other new games and attractions planned for Modern Woodmen Park.
Quad Cities and West Michigan will play free doubleheader at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, with gates opening at 4:30 p.m.
DAVENPORT, Iowa (April 14, 2014) - Monday night's game between the Quad Cities River Bandits and West Michigan Whitecaps at Modern Woodmen Park has been postponed due to snow and cold weather. The game will be made up in a doubleheader at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Gates will open with free admission at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, and any individual tickets for Monday's game may be exchanged at the box office for any remaining 2014 home game.
The free-admission Quad Cities Community Appreciation Night on Tuesday will now feature two free baseball games. When the gates open at 4:30 p.m., everyone can walk into Modern Woodmen Park for free. All regular individual (non-season ticket) seating is first-come, first-served. Tuesday night is also presented by WOC and Q106.5.
Quad Cities (5-5) and West Michigan (6-4) are scheduled to play a pair of seven-inning games Tuesday. It will be the third doubleheader of the season for the River Bandits, and the first of the season for the Whitecaps. Game 1 will feature River Bandits left-hander Kent Emanuel (0-0) against Whitecaps right-hander Jeff Thompson (0-0). Game 2 will is scheduled to have River Bandits right-hander Jandel Gustave (1-1) against Whitecaps left-hander Kevin Ziomek (0-1).
UP NEXT: Everyone is invited for free to the 5:30 p.m. doubleheader Tuesday on Quad Cities Community Appreciation Night at Modern Woodmen Park. To order any of the 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.
Quad Cities tags Great Lakes, 11-0, in Game 1, before home team walks off, 5-4, in nine-inning Game 2

MIDLAND, Mich. (April 13, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits posted their largest shutout win in six seasons with an 11-0, seven-inning triumph over the Great Lakes Loons in Game 1 of a doubleheader Sunday afternoon, but Loons catcher Kyle Farmer delivered a ninth-inning, walk-off single for a 5-4 Loons win in Game 2 and split at Dow Diamond.

In the first game, Quad Cities right-hander Andrew Thurman (1-1) tossed five shutout innings while scattering four hits and striking out five batters. In one stretch, he retired 10 consecutive batters between allowing two singles in the first inning and two more in the fifth.

The River Bandits (5-5) began their Game 1 rout in the second inning against Loons right-hander Luis Chirinos (1-1). First baseman Conrad Gregor hit a leadoff single, third baseman Tyler White walked, and catcher Brian Holberton hit an RBI single down the first-base line. Designated hitter Tanner Mathis chopped an infield RBI single to shortstop and later scored on a wild pickoff by Chirinos.

The visitors' 3-0 lead stood until the fourth inning. Singles by second baseman Chan-Jong Moon and center fielder Brett Phillips around an error by Loons second baseman Brandon Trinkwon loaded the bases before shortstop Jack Mayfield hit a sacrifice fly. Gregor added a two-run double, and White's RBI double made it 7-0. In the sixth, Ramsay hit a sacrifice fly off right-hander Francisco Villa to make it 8-0.

In the seventh, Mathis and left fielder Jon Kemmer hit consecutive two-out doubles, Moon singled for his third hit, and Ramsay and Phillips each hit RBI singles for an 11-0 margin. Eight players combined for 14 hits, with Moon's three hits a game high. Right-hander Tyler Brunnemann pitched two shutout innings to complete Quad Cities' largest shutout win since an 18-0 win over Dayton Aug. 1, 2008.

In Game 2, Great Lakes (5-5) took a second-inning lead against left-hander Chris Lee. Designated hitter Joey Curletta doubled and scored on second baseman Jesmuel Valentin's two-out RBI double. But Phillips hit a third-inning, three-run triple for a 3-1 Quad Cities lead.

The Loons tied the game in the third after a walk, hit batter and error by Elkins at second preceded Curletta's two-run single to right field. In the fifth, the Loons retook the lead when left fielder Jacob Scavuzzo hit a one-out single, moved to third base on a single by Farmer, and scored when Morales missed catching a third strike on first baseman Paul Hoenecke.

In the next half-inning, however, Quad Cities tied the game after White hit a leadoff double, and Gregor lined a two-out RBI single. But after Gregor's Game 2-tying single, the Loons kept Quad Cities from moving a runner past first base.

Quad Cities right-hander Zach Morton stranded the go-ahead run in the sixth and seventh innings while completing 3 1/3 scoreless innings. Right-hander Patrick Christensen started the ninth and allowed a one-out walk to center fielder Malcolm Holland. Scavuzzo hit a chopper that Elkins failed to field at third base, and with runners at first and third, Farmer hit an 0-2 pitch past the drawn-in infield for the win.

The River Bandits open a six-game homestand against Eastern Division opponents Monday at 7 p.m. against the West Michigan Whitecaps. River Bandits left-hander Kent Emanuel (0-0) is scheduled to face Whitecaps right-hander Jeff Thompson (0-0).

UP NEXT: The River Bandits open a six-game homestand with Markdown Monday presented by 97X for the 7 p.m. game April 14 against the West Michigan Whitecaps. Fans can purchase $2 bleacher and berm tickets, as well as $2 beer, soda, hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn and nachos. Tickets are available online at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the 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.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 110 feet over the playing field, is opening in May, along with a carousel, a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded 300-foot long zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

*****

MOLINE, Ill. (April 12, 2014) - Gergo Nagy and Justin Fox provided a goal and an assist apiece as the host Quad City Mallards defeated the Rapid City Rush 3-1 Saturday night to take a three games to two lead in the best-of-seven opening round of the Central Hockey League President's Cup playoffs and move within one win of advancing to the CHL semi-finals.

Nagy finished off a give-and-go with Fox to give the Mallards a 1-0 lead at 6:06 of the first period.  The advantage doubled at 10:26 of the first when Fox drove a power play goal home from the top of the left wing circle.

The Rush cut the gap to 2-1 at 5:28 of the third period when Kevin Harvey pounced on a loose puck in the slot only for the Mallards to move back in front by a pair when Vladimir Nikiforov buried Jeff Lee's centering pass just 39 seconds later.

The series will shift to Rapid City on Tuesday for game six.  If a seventh game is required, the Rush would host the deciding contest on Wednesday.

About the Quad City Mallards
A proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Quad City Mallards are in the midst of their seventeenth season their fourth in the Central Hockey League.  One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League in 2009-10.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  The iWireless Center provides a unique environment for hockey and features one-of-a-kind seating areas such as the Nest for groups and functions and the exclusive Drake Club.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.net.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards.

 

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More than 600 participants get unique experience of finishing at home plate inside Modern Woodmen Park

DAVENPORT, Iowa (April 12, 2014) - More than 600 runners and walkers competed in the second annual Bandits Race to Home 5K and Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics and finishing inside Modern Woodmen Park on Saturday morning, helping raise more than $13,000 toward the Bandit Scholars Program.

Participation doubled from the inaugural race of 2013, and funds raised increased by 160% for the Bandit Scholars Program, which annually awards the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship and the Bandit Scholarship. Each scholarship pays the entire first-year college tuition for two Quad Cities-area students.

"We want to thank the people of the Quad Cities for embracing the annual Bandits Race to Home 5K with outstanding participation and support of the Bandit Scholars Program," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "All of the participants, volunteers, staff and spectators made this year's Bandits Race to Home 5K a memorable and unique community event to celebrate the Quad Cities and the start of another fun-filled season at Modern Woodmen Park!"

The fastest male and female finishers in each of the 10 age groups - 19 & under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59 and 60-plus - were awarded trophies courtesy of Crown Trophy, while the second and third place finishers received medals. Additionally, the top three male and female runners were awarded with trophies.

Jack Mayfield hits Quad Cities' first home run, Gonzalo Sanudo works three shutout innings for win

MIDLAND, Mich. (April 11, 2014) - Shortstop Jack Mayfield came within a triple of the cycle as one of six Quad Cities River Bandits with multi-hit games, and every other player in the lineup had at least one of the team's season-high 16 hits in a 6-4 road victory over the Great Lakes Loons at Dow Diamond Friday night.

For the third time in the first four games of their road trip, the River Bandits (4-4) scored in the first inning. Mayfield hit a two-out double over left fielder Jacob Scavuzzo, and first baseman Conrad Gregor lined an RBI single to left field off right-hander James Campbell (0-1).

River Bandits right-hander Adrian Houser kept the Loons (4-4) to two walks the first time through the batting order, but center fielder Malcolm Holland hit a third-inning, one-out triple to right-center field and scored the tying run on a wild pitch. Houser allowed a walk to Scavuzzo and single by catcher Kyle Farmer before setting down the next five batters to close his four-inning start. Houser allowed one earned run on two hits and three walks with three strikeouts.

Quad Cities broke the 1-1 tie in the top of the fourth inning against Campbell. Designated hitter Chase McDonald doubled down the left-field line and went to third on a groundout by left fielder Tanner Mathis. Third baseman Austin "Catfish" Elkins then lined a go-ahead double along the left-field line to score McDonald. Catcher Jobduan Morales then lined a single to score Elkins for a 3-1 lead.

Mayfield led off the fifth against Campbell with the first home run of the season for Quad Cities, which was the only Midwest League team without one entering Friday. Campbell completed five innings, allowing four earned runs on eight hits and three walks with two strikeouts.

Loons right-hander James Baune began the sixth inning and allowed consecutive one-out triples by River Bandits second baseman Chan-Jong Moon and center fielder James Ramsay. Right fielder Brett Phillips hit an RBI single to center field for a 6-1 lead. Baune received help from Phillips being caught stealing but allowed eight hits and two earned runs in three innings of work.

After Houser, Quad Cities right-hander Gonzalo Sanudo (2-0) began the fifth inning as part of the starting tandem. Sanudo retired six of the first seven batters he faced, including three on strikeouts. In the seventh inning, however, Sanudo walked designated hitter Alex Santana, allowed a one-out double to shortstop Dillon Moyer, and issued a two-out walk to Scavuzzo. With the bases loaded, he got Farmer to hit into a fielder's choice. Sanudo finished three shutout innings, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out three.

Trailing 6-1, the Loons started the bottom of the ninth inning with five straight hits off left-hander Chris Cotton, who had pitched a perfect eighth inning. With a 6-4 lead, no outs and runners at first and second bases, right-hander Andrew Walter entered. Farmer flied out to left field, and third baseman Paul Hoenecke walked to load the bases. But Walter earned his second save by getting right fielder Joey Curletta to ground into a game-ending, 6-4-3 double play.

Quad Cities will continue the series against Great Lakes at 5:05 p.m. Central Saturday. River Bandits right-hander Andrew Thurman (0-1) is scheduled to face Loons right-hander Luis Chirinos (1-0).

UP NEXT: The second annual River Bandits Race to Home 5K and Kids Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics is Saturday at 8 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Bandit Scholars Program. To order any of the 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000 or download the order form at www.riverbandits.com. 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.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 110 feet over the playing field, is opening in May, along with a carousel, a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded 300-foot long zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

*****

Brett Phillips collects three hits, and Quad Cities scores four unearned runs in 5-3 road win

LANSING, Mich. (April 10, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits broke 1-1 tie with three seventh-inning runs following Lansing Lugnuts center fielder D.J. Davis dropping a two-out fly ball, and the visitors' four unearned runs in the game led to a 5-3 comeback win that salvaged the series finale at Cooley Law School Stadium Thursday night.

Lansing (3-4) took a first-inning lead against left-hander Evan Grills. Second baseman Dickie Joe Thon hit a leadoff single, advanced on two groundouts and scored on a single by designated hitter Mitch Nay.

Trailing 1-0, Quad Cities (3-4) took advantage of the first Lugnuts error in the top of the second inning. River Bandits left fielder Jon Kemmer popped up down the left-field line, and with three fielders converging, left fielder Derrick Loveless was charged an error for failing to make the catch, and Kemmer reached third base. Austin "Catfish" Elkins grounded out to second base to bring in the tying run.

Grills kept the 1-1 tie through his five-inning start. He worked around a two-out single in the second inning, a two-out double in the third, and a leadoff single in the fifth. He struck out five batters in the longest outing by a Quad Cities starter this season. Opposite Grills, right-hander Jeremy Gabryszwski scattered three hits and two walks while striking out three batters in his five innings.

The bullpens inherited a 1-1 tie in the sixth inning. Lugnuts right-hander Brady Dragmire (1-2) stranded runners at second and third base to end the sixth inning. He almost stranded two more in the seventh, after walking River Bandits catcher Jobduan Morales and center fielder Brett Phillips to put runners at first and third with two outs. Third baseman Tyler White hit a fly ball toward right-center field, and Davis jogged into the gap, where he dropped the catch, allowing Morales and Phillips to score, and White to reach second base. First baseman Conrad Gregor lined a single to center field that scored White for a 4-1 lead.

In the bottom of the seventh, River Bandits right-hander Michael Feliz (1-0), who started his outing in the sixth inning, walked shortstop Jason Leblebijian. Catcher Santiago Nessy lined an RBI triple past diving right fielder James Ramsay, and third baseman Justin Atkinson hit an RBI infield single off Feliz's leg to cut the lead to 4-3. Feliz recovered to retire the next three hitters and finish his two-inning stint, allowing two earned runs on three hits with one walk and four strikeouts.

After River Bandits right-hander Patrick Christensen tossed a perfect eighth inning, Ramsay led off the ninth inning against right-hander Roberto Espinosa with a double to left-center field, and right fielder Brett Phillips placed a bunt single along the third-base line. Phillips had a team-high three hits. With runners at first and third, White grounded into a double play that scored Ramsay for a 5-3 lead.

Right-hander Andrew Walter came in for the bottom of the ninth inning and worked around a one-out walk for his first save of the season.

Quad Cities will open a three-game series against the Great Lakes Loons in Midland, Mich., at 5:05 p.m. Central Friday night. River Bandits right-hander Adrian Houser (0-0) is scheduled to face Loons right-hander James Campbell (0-0).

UP NEXT: The second annual River Bandits Race to Home 5K and Kids Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics is Saturday at 8 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Bandit Scholars Program.

To order any of the 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000 or download the order form at www.riverbandits.com. 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.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 110 feet over the playing field, is opening in May, along with a carousel, a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded 300-foot long zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

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Deadline April 23 to submit signatures; pink jersey auction proceeds will go to Genesis Center for Breast Health

DAVENPORT, Iowa (April 10, 2014) - Quad Cities River Bandits fans were the first in the country to be able to purchase photos on the back of player jerseys for professional sports jersey auction for charity, and this season they will have another unique opportunity to support a cause while honoring loved ones. Through April 23, fans can purchase space for a signature or name to appear on pink jerseys the team will wear for its first-ever pink jersey auction on Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Genesis Health Systems and the Quad-City Times on Friday, June 13.

"The entire region has made River Bandits jersey auctions hugely successful events to benefit Quad Cities-area charities, and this summer's Breast Cancer Awareness Night and jersey auction is another fantastic opportunity for Quad Citians to make a big impact right here in our community," said team owner Dave Heller. "With the support of our great fans, the pink jerseys will be a memorable tribute to all the women and their families who have bravely battled breast cancer, as well as a strong sign of unwavering support for those who continue to battle breast cancer."

Fans can purchase space for the signature or name of a loved one who is battling or has battled breast cancer. The signatures and names will be placed on the River Bandits players' pink jerseys that will be worn Friday, June 13, for Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Genesis Health Systems and the Quad-City Times. After the game, the jerseys will be auctioned off, with all the proceeds benefitting the Genesis Center for Breast Health. Each signature or name space is available for purchase at $25 each, with every single dollar raised going to the Genesis Center for Breast Health. More information is available by calling Alexandria Sheffler at (563) 333-2741. The deadline to purchase the signature spaces is April 23.

"We are grateful to the Quad Cities community that makes all of these local charity events possible, and we are thrilled to partner with Genesis Health Systems and the Quad-City Times for Breast Cancer Awareness Night," said General Manager Andrew Chesser. "The pink jersey auction will benefit a great cause and raise awareness for women and their families whom we are humbled to support with this night at Modern Woodmen Park."

This year will also mark the fourth annual Camo Jersey Auction presented by the Iowa Army National Guard on May 24, as well as the third annual photo jersey auction Friday, Aug. 8, on Autism Awareness Night presented by KWQC and the Quad Cities Autism Center. The River Bandits were the first U.S. professional sports team to auction photo jerseys for local cancer charities in 2012, and the 2013 Autism Awareness Photo Jersey Auction earned a Golden Bobblehead Award from Minor League Baseball for the Best Charity Promotion in the nation.

UP NEXT: The second annual River Bandits Race to Home 5K and Kids Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics is Saturday at 8 a.m. Thursday is the last day to register using the link at www.riverbandits.com. All proceeds benefit the Bandit Scholars Program. To order any of the 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.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 110 feet over the playing field, is opening in May, along with a carousel, a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded 300-foot long zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

*****

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