The 3rd Annual Notre Dame High School/Thrive in Joy Nick Fagnano Foundation Baseball Extravaganza will take place this Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Notre Dame High School’s state-of-the-art baseball facility in Sherman Oaks. The event is a fundraiser for the Thrive in Joy Nick Fagnano Foundation, and focuses on character with baseball events throughout the day, including a junior players skills clinic, a travel team tournament, and a baseball game open to all players with varsity competition experience.
However, there are still plenty of good reasons to attend for baseball lovers. James Mims, the creator of the MimsBanz, the custom wrist bands all the major league players wear, will be there sharing his stories of friendships with Hall of Famers and current Major League Baseball players. Kids will have the opportunity to order their own custom wrist bands displaying their favorite player—or even their own image.
Head JV coach, Brian Milone, assisted by fellow Notre Dame Knights baseball coaches and team members, will run the 7-13 year-old junior players clinic from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., focusing on both physical and mental game strategy. The clinic will conclude with an inspirational talk on the value of character.
The travel tournament will play two games on Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (finishing with four games on Sunday), and will emphasize team and individual character based on four key traits: perseverance, honesty, teamwork, and love.
Batting practice for the varsity-level baseball game starts at 5:30 p.m. Opening ceremonies are at 6:30 p.m., with Mary and Jay Fagnano sharing their story and the foundation’s accomplishments.
To accompany all the great baseball, the NDHS concession stand, mentioned in Sports Illustrated magazine and famous throughout the Mission League for its gourmet fare, will be serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day. At 4:00 p.m., family, friends, and fans can enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbecue complete with tri-tip, chicken, ribs and all the traditional sides. All beverages will be free for players and spectators throughout the day.
There will be a silent auction full of great opportunities to bid on premium tickets to sporting and entertainment events along with certificates to dine at some of L.A.’s top-rated restaurant and opportunities for one-of-a-kind exclusive experiences. One lucky raffle entrant will win over $500 in gift cards.
The event’s theme of character, with its focus on four key traits: perseverance, teamwork, honesty, and love; is in keeping with the mission of the Thrive in Joy Nick Fagnano Foundation and the character traits of Nick, a dedicated baseball player (NDHS ’12) and a young man of exceptional character, who lost his life on July 27, 2014 when a rare and unexpected lightning strike hit Venice Beach, CA. The foundation also supports an orphanage and a school in the Dominican Republic, and provides scholarships based on character to students in Los Angeles. Most recently, the foundation launched the Thrive in Joy Character Influencers Initiative (TJCII), furthering the foundation’s mission to encourage and reward character through education and recreation, and to keep Nick’s light shining.
Junior players and baseball players can register at www.thriveinjoy.org. Registration for the travel team tournament is closed. Advance registration and pre-orders for the barbecue dinner are encouraged.
All proceeds from the NDHS/TJNFF Baseball Extravaganza will benefit the charitable work of the Thrive in Joy Nick Fagnano Foundation. For more information visit www.thriveinjoy.org or email [email protected].
NDHS/TJNFF Baseball Extravaganza Schedule:
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Juniors Clinic for players ages 7-13: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. (currently sold out)
Travel Tournament for players ages 13 & 14 11:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Playoffs 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday, June 17 (team registration has closed)
Baseball Game for current and former varsity players ages 16-60+ 5:30 batting practice, 6:30 opening ceremonies, 7:00 p.m. first pitch.
Notre Dame High School
13645 Riverside Drive
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Fundraiser to benefit the charitable work of the Thrive in Joy Nick Fagnano Foundation www.thriveinjoy.org. The Thrive in Joy Nick Fagnano Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) Federal Tax ID # 47-2931858.
