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Monday, May 6, 2013

Phillies' Ryan Howard Hits Home Run for Local Boy

A home run by Phillies slugger Ryan Howard fulfilled the wish of a 7-year-old Center Valley fan who is blind.

Ryan Howard's second-inning home run in Friday's game against the Miami Marlins came at the request of A.J. Moncman, 7, a fan from Center Valley, according to a Lehigh Valley Live report. The boy met Howard before the game as part of "Teacher Appreciation Night" festivities that included honoring A.J.'s teacher Bethann Molinari. A.J. was diagnosed with Leber’s congenital amaurosis (LCA) at an early age, according to USA Today. LCA is a genetic eye disorder that primarily affects the retina and causes severe vision impairment from a young age, according to the National Institutes of Health. A.J. met first baseman Howard before the game and gave him a bracelet. "I told him, 'I want you to hit a home run tonight just for this,'" A.J. said, in…

Pat Warminsky

3:38 pm on Wednesday, May 8, 2013

this is indeed a very special little guy. I know him personally and you couldn't find a more intelligent, caring little guy. What a great story - should make front page for a nice change from the terrible news lately.   more ›

New Iron Pigs App Available for Android, iPhones

Win coupons, buy tickets and more with Iron Pigs phone app.

A brand-new app that allows fans to interact with the game day experience at Coca-Cola Park in a fun and unique way is now available for iPhone and Android users.  The IronPigs Boomaphone app is free for a limited time by searching for "IronPigs" in either the App Store or the Google Market.  The new app has been completely re-invented for 2013 and now serves as the ultimate game day companion for all fans attending IronPigs games at Coca-Cola Park.  The app features the following sections, each tailored to a different part of the fan experience: The brand-new app is customizable to each fan's interest and provides upcoming promotional information based on interests and fan-type.  Single-game tickets, mini-plan packages and group tickets …

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Lehigh's Spadola 'Living His Dream' With Jets

Mountain Hawks star wide receiver prepares to go to rookie camp with the New York Jets.

  Growing up on the football fields of a New Jersey Pop Warner league, Ryan Spadola said he and his friends would dream of someday trading in their jerseys for that of their favorite professional team.  When the New York Jets open their rookie training camp, the Lehigh University senior will have the chance to see that dream come true after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent.  Coming out of Freehold Township High School, Spadola said he was just glad when he got the chance to take his game to the college level. Making the jump from college to pro ball was not something on his realistic radar at the time. "At that current stage it seemed like kind of a far stretch," he said. "Throughout my years at Lehigh I started to grow and…

Dan

8:58 am on Monday, May 6, 2013

Good luck Ryan! As a lifelong Jets fan, and Monmouth County resident, I'm hoping you turn out to be our next Wayne Chrebet. I think there is a WR spot that will go to the best player in camp. I'll be rooting for you.   more ›

Friday, May 3, 2013

Skateplaza Hosting International Contest Saturday

The 'Make It Count' competition is an effort by skateboarding company to find new talent and promote message of positivity.

  The Bethlehem Skateplaza on Steel Avenue will be hosting an international skateboarding competition Saturday afternoon. “Make It Count” is a series of amateur skateboarding contests hosted in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan and Brazil to “seek out new talent and promote the Element message of social awareness, environmental stewardship, and positivity,” according to a news release. Element is a company that sells skateboards, accessories and apparel and is the presenter of the event.  The entry fee is a donation of at least one canned food item, which in turn will be donated to the New Bethany Ministries food bank. The format of the event is a “jam-style skate contest, which takes the pressure off younger competitors and allows …

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Fight Night at SteelStacks Coming to Musikfest Cafe

ArtsQuest and a boxing promoter schedule a 7-fight card and a chance to meet Larry Holmes and one of the champ's former opponents.

  Professional boxing is coming to the Musikfest Café. ArtsQuest announced Wednesday that it will host the first Fight Night at SteelStacks on Thursday, June 6 at 7 p.m. The night’s main event will have the grandson of Easton’s own former heavyweight champion, Larry Holmes—Jeffrey Dorsey Holmes—stepping into the ring against fellow Eastonian Marquis Pierce. The champ will also be on hand for the proceedings along with onetime nemesis Gerry Cooney, who lost to Holmes in a much-ballyhooed 13-round title fight in 1982. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $100 each and include a photograph and autograph session with Holmes and Cooney prior to the event, as well as a dinner buffet and a private area in the Café’s balcony to watch …

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Broad Street Run Bans Backpacks for 2013 Race

Runners are being encouraged to bring as little as possible with them this year.

Following the backpack bombings at the Boston Marathon two weeks ago, runners in this year's Broad Street Run in Philadelphia won't be able to tote their gear in a backpack, race organizers announced in a mass email to participants Monday. Taking a page from the Transportation Safety Administration's playbook, race organizers are mandating runners use clear plastic drawstring bags, which will be handed out at the expo Friday and Saturday, to stow their gear this year. “You are strongly encouraged to bring as little as possible with you to the start of the race,” race organizers said in the email to runners. “All items brought into the start area are subject to search and/or confiscation.” Race organizers only indicated backpacks would be …

1

12:46 pm on Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Oh stop with the over dramatization of things regarding bags. My god the event is not just like many of the other races around the country. It's much more compact then Boston and has more participants. What a bunch of whiners.   more ›

Thursday, April 25, 2013

NFL Draft: Eagles Pick Fourth

Eagles have fourth pick in 2013 NFL Draft, which starts at 8 p.m. Thursday.

It's NFL Draft time and you can find lots of information at NFL.com. Patch columnist Dino Ciliberti says it's not a strong field, but the pick sure will be important to the Philadelphia Eagles. Who should the Eagles draft? Tell us in the comments section below. The first round will take place Thursday at 8 p.m., followed by the second and third rounds on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Rounds four through seven will be held Saturday at noon. Here are some Draft Day Rumors from Sports Illustrated.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

NBA Playoff Schedule 2013: What Time Are NBA Playoff Games?

There's plenty of NBA playoff action to watch starting this weekend.

It's time for NBA playoff action and you can find the complete 2013 playoff schedule here.

Lehigh Valley Grand Prix Wants Drivers for 'Shootout' Race

Sign up to drive a go-cart in the Lehigh Valley Grand Prix 'All-Star Shootout' coming up in May.

Lehigh Valley Grand Prix in Allentown will host its inaugural “LVGP All-Star Shootout” race on Sunday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This four-part series of endurance races is a new format inspired by NASCAR’s All-Star Weekend. The LVGP All-Star Shootout is broken down into “Pro” and “Amateur” classes based on lap times and teams of 2-5 drivers can sign up now to participate. “With the LVGP All-Star Shootout, we wanted to create a race that combines aspects of Sprint Cup Series and endurance racing unique to the indoor karting experience,” said Michael McCreary, partner at Lehigh Valley Grand Prix. “The fact that this race is happening during NASCAR’s All-Star Weekend will just add the exciting atmosphere at Lehigh Valley Grand Prix.” The…

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Sign Up for Lehigh Valley Phantoms E-Newsletter

As construction of Allentown's hockey arena continues, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms are offering an electronic newsletter to keep fans informed.

The countdown to the 2014 opening of PPL Center in Allentown is on and fans can sign up for a free electronic newletter to stay up to date on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms professional hockey franchise. Visit the Phantoms website and click on "stay informed" to sign up for the newsletter. Fans can also join the season ticket priority list by signing up online or calling 610-224-4625. Season ticket prices start at $600. Construction of the 8,500-seat PPL Center in Allentown where the Phantoms will play continues. The team had an open practice in Bethlehem last month. The Phantoms were established in 1996, playing their first 13 seasons in the Spectrum in Philadelphia, and currently reside in Glens Falls, NY. The Phantoms have won two Calder …

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