2014 Dragons MVP Annual Report

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by the numbers Year in Review

1,051

Consecutive overflow sellout crowds since 2000

8,430

Average number of fans per game in 2014

581,699

2014 Season attendance

6

Ranked

th

Total attendance over all 15 seasons

8,869,814

in attendance among all Minor League teams (out of 160)

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Box Score Year in Review IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAM | teachers received Dragons MVP kits for their classroom TEACHER SUPPORT FOR PROGRAM | teachers introduced and used the program in a variety of ways MVP SUCCESS STORIES | MVPs were showcased in newspaper ads, the PlayBall! game program and more MVP RADIO SPOTS | MVPs were featured in their very own radio spot MVP MASCOT AND PLAYER VISITS | 12 schools received visits from Heater and Dragons players for their fourth or fifth grade students MVP NIGHTS AT THE STADIUM | MVPs were provided tickets this season to enjoy a sold-out Dragons game MVP FIRST PITCHES | MVPs threw out a first pitch at a Dragons game MVP RADIO INTERVIEWS | MVPs were interviewed on-air during a Dragons game MVP ENTERTAINMENT SKITS | MVPs participated in an entertainment skit during a Dragons game MVP FIELD DAY | MVPs and teachers enjoyed a carnival with the entire Dragons team MVP MEDIA COVERAGE | local media covered the MVP program PROGRAM FEEDBACK | educators, parents and students raved about the program DAYTON DRAGONS ENTERTAINMENT | family fun at its best throughout the summer DRAGONS IN THE COMMUNITY | making an impact outside Fifth Third Field

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Implementation Year in Review

MVP Posters The Dragons MVP Program used the marketing power of Dayton Dragons Baseball as an educational tool for fourth and fifth grade teachers, helping them motivate and reward students for success both in and out of the classroom. The Dragons MVP Program presented by Bob Evans is also made possible

by Sinclair Community College, WDTN-TV, and Dayton’s CW Television. In 2014, the program included nearly 850 classrooms and over 25,000 students in three counties (Clark, Greene and Montgomery).

The Dragons MVP Program enabled teachers to recognize five students in their classroom who deserved to be an MVP. The beauty of the program was that each teacher was the sole judge and jury in how these awards were used.

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Dayton Dragons MVP Program: A Tool for Teachers

Start-Up Guide

2014

MVP Bookmark

The Dayton Dragons MVP Program is made possible by the generous support of WDTN-TV, Dayton’s CW Television and Sinclair Community College.

MVP Guidebook MVP Sticker Participating teachers received a kit of materials. This kit included two different posters to hang in the classroom and success story report forms (there was also an online option) for selection of the MVPs, as well as MVP bookmarks and stickers for every student. Also included was a “Best Practices” sheet, providing teachers with ideas on how to utilize the MVP Program in their classroom.

Teachers received five award packets for their MVPs. Award packets included a customizable certificate, a voucher for a specially designed Dragons MVP hat, and a voucher for four tickets to a sold-out Dragons game and to an MVP Field Day (an exclusive, private event at Fifth Third Field).

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This certificate hereby declares that:

has been designated a Dayton Dragons MVP.

Robert Murphy President, Dayton Dragons

Heater Mascot, Dayton Dragons

Gem Mascot, Dayton Dragons

Teacher

The Dayton Dragons MVP Program is made possible by the generous support of WDTN-TV, Dayton’s CW Television and Sinclair Community College.

MVP Certificate

Please fill out one of these forms, with as much detail as possible, for each of your MVPs (total of five).

The more detail, the better. And the sooner we receive your stories, the better chance your students will have of being featured in the Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun, Dragons PlayBall! game program, on the radio, and in a public service announcement on Dayton’s CW. From the success stories we receive, we randomly select several Dragons MVP classrooms during April and May to get special visits by Dragons players and a Dragons mascot. Your classroom may be next!

You can submit your success stories ONLINE at daytondragons.com/mvpstory OR make enough copies (one for each of your five MVPs) and submit to us by mail or fax at the below: Dragons MVP Program Fifth Third Field PO BOX 2107 Dayton, OH 45401-2107 Fax: (937) 228-2284

Student’s Name: Teacher’s Name:

First

First

Check out the ideas below for ways to get started with the Dragons MVP program.

These ideas have been tried and tested by fourth and fifth grade teachers who have used the program for years. Please keep in mind, these are only ideas – you are the sole judge and jury and can use the program the best way you see fit in your classroom.

Evaluate students based on six categories:

Last

Last

School Name: School Phone: (

)

Teacher’s Email:

Grade:

Please circle the main categories that apply to the reason this MVP is being selected:

Hustle = Prepared and turns in work on time Teacher’s Choice = Model student/participates in class Sportsmanship = Positive/helpful attitude Most Improved = Made noticeable progress Captain = Leadership MVP = Possess all of the above categories

Teacher assigns points based on pre-determined criteria for a certain amount of time. The highest number of points would be considered for an MVP. Attendance Improvement Preparedness Responsibility Good behavior Other

Grades (improved/great) | Leadership | Citizenship | Creativity | Contest Winner | Community Involvement Extra-Curricular Involvement | Attendance | Behavior Improvement | Beating the Odds| Other

Explain why the student was picked as a Dragons MVP (Please provide examples).

Evaluate students on criteria outside of grades:

What was the child’s reaction when you told them?

Evaluate students on criteria outside of the classroom:

Quiet Qualities = student might typically go unnoticed, but follows daily rules and routine to highest expectation Most improved Good/improved behavior Positive/helpful attitude Excellent communicator

Community service/volunteer work Involvement in extra-cirriculars Overcoming difficult situations (health/family, etc.)

Contest winner in community challenge

Recognize an MVP at the end of each week in front of entire class

Recognize MVPs over the school PA system so the entire school can celebrate with them

Advocate for personal cause

What was the family’s reaction when they were informed?

The Dayton Dragons MVP Program is made possible by the generous support of WDTN-TV, Dayton’s CW Television, and Sinclair Community College.

Wear Dragons gear when announcing programs and awarding students to make it more fun Take photos of winners in your class and use on bulletin board, school newsletter, etc.

Host an assembly for the entire grade Build suspense by reading MVP’s success story and not revealing the winner’s name until the end

Dragons MVP Program l Fifth Third Field l PO Box 2107 l Dayton, OH 45401-2107 l PH: (937) 228-2287

MVP Success Story Form

Best Practices Sheet

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TM

This voucher is good for four (4) free lawn tickets to a Dragons baseball game that will honor MVPs and two (2) free tickets to the private MVP Field Day event—open only to Dragons MVP winners.

To receive your tickets, please complete and return this voucher.

STEP

1

Select the Dragons game you would like to attend (check one).

YES

2 NO

Fill out your contact information below.

School: Parent/Guardian Name: Address:

Select appropriate box regarding your attendance at the Field Day event.

Saturday, June 14, 2014 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM @ Fifth Third Field

3

Teacher Name:

Wednesday, April 30, 2014 7:00 PM vs. Lansing Lugnuts (Affiliate of the Blue Jays)

STEP

STEP

Student’s Name:

Tuesday, April 15, 2014 7:00 PM vs. Clinton LumberKings (Affiliate of the Mariners)

City:

State:

Phone:

STEP

Zip:

E-mail: (preferred)

4

Place this voucher in the included pre-paid envelope and mail it back to us.

To ensure you receive tickets for the game night of your choice, we recommend you mail your voucher back to us as soon as possible. Please allow two weeks for delivery of your tickets to both events. If you need to purchase additional game tickets or require special assistance, please contact us at 937.228.2287. However, due to high demand, we are unable to offer additional tickets to the Field Day event. Please note that each MVP receives two tickets to Field Day: one to be used for the child and one for a parent/guardian.

The Dayton Dragons MVP Program is made possible by the generous support of WDTN-TV, Dayton’s CW Television and Sinclair Community College.

MVP Ticket Voucher

You've earned it!

This voucher is good for one (1) Dragons MVP hat.

To claim your hat, simply bring this voucher to your game night or MVP Field Day and stop by the Dragons Den team store located near the main gates.

Missed the game or Field Day? Don’t worry, this voucher can also be redeemed during any Dragons home game after your Dragons MVP game date or MVP Field Day. Simply bring this voucher to the Dragons Den team store located near the main gates. You can also redeem this voucher at the Dragons offices at Fifth Third Field, Monday through Friday 9am-5pm.

The Dayton Dragons MVP Program is made possible by the generous support of WDTN-TV, Dayton’s CW Television and Sinclair Community College.

(937) 228-2287 mvp@daytondragons.com

MVP Hat Voucher

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ADMIT ONE

Dragons MVP Field Day Saturday, June 14, 2014 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Fifth Third Field The Dayton Dragons MVP Program is made possible by the generous support of WDTN-TV, Dayton’s CW Television, and Sinclair Community College.

MVP Field Day Voucher

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Teacher Support Year in Review

Teachers were the sole decision makers on how to implement the program in their classroom and they promoted it in a variety of ways. Among the criteria teachers used for an award were good citizenship, improved behavior, turning in homework assignments on a regular basis, improved grades, community involvement, and completion of a special assignment.

In addition to the Dragons MVP Program posters, many classrooms had decorated bulletin boards, walls and hallways, and held awards ceremonies.

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Success Stories Year in Review

A big part of the MVP Program was sharing with the community what these great students were doing. Ten MVPs were profiled in ads that focused on why they were chosen as an MVP in their classroom. Through information submitted by teachers, “Success Stories� were created and were featured in the PlayBall! game program, in the Dayton Daily News and the Springfield News Sun. Each selected MVP was interviewed by the Dragons staff, had photographs taken of them at their school and received copies of their ad from the game program.

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Success Stories Year in Review

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Success Stories Year in Review

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Radio Interviews Year in Review

Ashton Thomas

Avery MaGee

The MVPs highlighted in print ads also got the opportunity to record their own 60-second radio spot telling fans why they received the MVP award, while also thanking Bob Evans, Sinclair Community College, WDTN-TV, and Dayton’s CW Television for their support.

Each MVP got the chance to meet a Dragons player when they were recording their spot. The Dragons player introduced each MVP at the start of each radio spot. These ads were produced in July and ran on our flagship station, 980 WONE-AM. Each MVP also received a copy of their spot.

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Radio Interviews Year in Review

Caulin Booher

Emma Morrow

Josie Wise

Erica Barbecho

Seth Streidl

Andrew Smith

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Mascot and player visits Year in Review

Dragons players and our mascot, Heater, love getting out and about in our community and seeing fans. They were able to do so, thanks to you.

12 MVP schools were randomly selected to receive a visit from Heater and two Dragons players for their fourth or fifth graders. Each student received a Dragons pen and a chance to win other Dragons items.

Students watched a brief educational video about the Dragons during the visit. In addition, Heater and the players made surprise entrances to some high energy music.

Students were able to ask the players questions, ask them for autographs and get photographs taken with them. Teachers received a follow-up CD with all the photographs taken during their classroom visit.

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Mascot and player visits Year in Review

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Mascot and player visits Year in Review

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Mascot and player visits Year in Review

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Nights at the ballpark Year in Review

Each MVP received four complimentary tickets to one of our “Dragons MVP Nights.� There were a total of 12 Dragons MVP nights between all three counties.

As the students and their families enjoyed the game, we welcomed them with a graphic on our video board and with a PA announcement. During the game, MVPs could also pick up their specially-designed Dragons MVP hat.

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Nights at the ballpark Year in Review

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First pitches Year in Review

Hunter Birt - Enon Elementary

Dayon Beavers North Dayton School of Discovery

Avery Card - East Dayton Christian

Jalen Clay - Northwood Elementary

There is no bigger honor as a fan at a baseball game than throwing out a ceremonial first pitch.

At a Dragons game, we make that honor even more special as we welcome that person with an announcement and live video of them on our seven-story tall scoreboard.

The honoree then gets to throw the pitch to a Dragons player. All the while, our mascot, Heater, stands behind the plate and calls every first pitch a perfect “strike.�

We randomly selected 12 lucky MVPs to throw out first pitches on the Dragons MVP nights at Fifth Third Field.

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First pitches Year in Review

Luke Copsey - Mound Elementary

Luke Rodriguez - Parkwood Elementary

Alexis Culp - Horace Mann Elementary Mason Wilkson - Valley Forge Elementary

Trevon Hall - Meadowdale Elementary

Matthew Baylor Harry Russell Elementary

Landon Stewart - Fairborn Intermediate

Nataliana Hernandez Spinning Hills Elementary

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Radio Interviews Year in Review

Canaan Franklin - Miami View Elementary

Jack Dunleavy - John Hole Elementary

Sophia Imundo - Incarnation Elementary

Naaman Anderkin - Harold Schnell Elementary

We randomly selected 12 lucky MVPs to do live on-air interviews during a half inning at a Dragons MVP night at Fifth Third Field. The MVPs told Dragons fans why they were selected to be a Dragons MVP and about their experience at the ballpark during the live game broadcast on 980 WONE-AM.

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Radio Interviews Year in Review

Keaton Kinderdine CF Holliday Elementary

Jordan Miller - Northridge Elementary

Hannah Free - Rushmore Elementary

Taylor Killian - Kinder Elementary

Kasey Clark - Valley Elementary

Anessa Butts - Cedarville Elementary

Haelie Miller -Saville Elementary

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Entertainment Skits Year in Review

Abigail Dabe - Arrowood Elementary

Jasmine Evans - New Carlisle Elementary

Layne Burke - Xenia Christian Elementary

Aric Richardson - Blairwood Elementary

We randomly selected MVPs to participate in an entertainment skit during one of the inning breaks on the Dragons MVP nights. The MVPs were showcased in their skit (“Bob’s Instant Replay” or “It’s Elementary”) in front of a sold out crowd each night.

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Entertainment Skits Year in Review

Alex Hood - Charles Huber Elementary

Morgan Paulus - Enon Elementary

Rosalyn Hernandez - Monticello Elementary

Devon Wallace - Summit Academy

Day’Janae Dewberry - Edison PreK-8

Olivia Barnett - Valley View Intermediate

Giovanna Barber Trotwood Madison Middle School

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MVP Field Day Year in Review

Take the best parts of a carnival, add in food and games, and throw in the entire 2014 Dayton Dragons team.

Mix in free souvenirs and tons of autographs.

Put it all together and you’ve got MVP Field Day at Fifth Third Field. MVPs and their guest got a chance to meet the 2014 Dragons team, play fun carnival games, grab a ballpark snack and take home autographs and enough memories to last a lifetime.

Sponsors also participated on this day by creating a video message that played on the video board and providing staff to work a carnival game station. Bob Evans even offered one of their signature items, chili macaroni and cheese, as a snack for guests. This provided sponsors with an opportunity to interact with the MVPs and their families.

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MVP Field Day Year in Review

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MVP Field Day Year in Review

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MVP Field Day Year in Review

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MVP Field Day Year in Review

A Field Day favorite returned to the event this season - the photo booth. It was extremely popular with MVPs and their families as well as our players who manned it. An instant souvenir, the photo had a unique frame to add to the excitement and fun of the day!

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MVP Field Day Year in Review

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Feedback Year in Review

Educators, parents and students provided feedback about the Dragons MVP Program in Clark, Greene and Montgomery counties.

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Feedback Year in Review

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Feedback Year in Review

Hi! This is Alexis Hayes. My favorite memory from Dragons MVP Field Day was when I got to meet Heater & Gem in person and then I got real autographs from the players. They said hi to me! I also got to get my hair spray painted different colors. I kind of have the same hair color as Gem now! I had fun tossing the water balloons with one of the players. The balloon busted on me after five throws. I got to hit the ball when one of the players threw it to me. The popcorn and macaroni and cheese were very delicious! Thank you very much for giving me this awesome day! I will remember it always. GO DRAGONS! Alexis Hayes - MVP Student I received my MVP materials yesterday. I just want to thank you for what the program meant to one of my former students, Nathan Williams, who was chosen last year as one of the Greene County MVPs. I truly believe the experience was life-changing in its impact on Nathan.

Connie Miller - MVP Teacher I believe this is a great program, and very nice for the community. We went last year and had a blast.

Thank you for all your efforts.

Thomas Tosi - MVP Parent Thank you for coming today. The kids had a great time. I also think the players did a nice job connecting with the kids and interacting with them. We’ll let you know when we get the pictures uploaded onto our website. I’m not sure how you pick schools each year, but this is something we would definitely be interested in again next year, so please keep us in mind. Thanks!

Nick Loper - MVP Teacher You guys are the best. Thanks for working hard to be number one in customer service. I appreciate the excellent customer service that you and your coworkers have given my family during this MVP experience for my son. You guys deserve an MVP award too!

Dave Uptegraft - MVP Parent We absolutely love the program that you have put together at Fifth Third Field.

Sue Surd - MVP Parent Thank you so much for bringing the Dayton Dragons assembly to our school. Also, thanks so much for the CD of all of the wonderful photos. We really appreciate your wonderful program. It’s given the kids something very exciting to strive for.

Mrs. Mattison - MVP Teacher Thank you for coming to our school. We are lucky. I love my t-shirt that I got. It was nice of you to bring Heater to our school.

Raven Taylor - MVP Student

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Feedback Year in Review

First off, congrats to the Dayton Dragons, Bob Evans, WDTN-TV, Dayton’s CW Television, and Sinclair Community College for a fine event that you all pulled off on Saturday, June 14th! My son just finished 4th grade and was picked by his teacher to be a part of this MVP Club! We attended the game back in April and had great seats! It was nice to have the whole family of four attend a fun but chilly night!

Memories were made and it was great to celebrate our son for being a role model at school! Now let’s get to the MVP Day! Whoa! My son eats, drinks, sleeps, baseball so this was heaven for him! He could not wipe that smile off his face let’s just put it that way! The free pop and popcorn, pictures, hat, tickets, autographs, and memories were priceless for our mom and son date at the ballpark! Thank you so much!

Jen Moran - MVP Parent We had a great time at the game and Avery is still so thrilled to have thrown out the 1st pitch. All three kids loved meeting the players and mascots. We had an absolutely wonderful evening!

Pamela Card - MVP Parent Thank you so much! The students really enjoyed the classroom visit and I had a writing lesson already planned for them to write letters to you!

Elizabeth Beaty - MVP Teacher Thanks for the pen and for coming to our school. Soon I might go to Bob Evans. Thanks again.

Chris - MVP Student Thank you for coming to our school. Thank you for talking. I enjoyed watching the program. I enjoyed laughing at Heater for dancing. I hope your team wins the baseball game.

Brandon - MVP Student Thank you for coming to our school. I enjoyed the video and I also liked Heater. He has good dance moves. The two players that came with are my two favorite players on the team.

Marvin Curtsinger - MVP Student Thank you sponsors for making it possible for the Dayton Dragons to come visit our school. My family loves Dayton’s CW and the shows on it. We also love the movies you play on Saturdays.

David Tucker - MVP Student

June 1st Field Day was spectacular! The most cherished moment was taking a look at the line out front before 10am with all of the MVPs and proud parents accompanying them. Thank you and great job!

Eric Thomas - MVP Parent

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Media coverage Year in Review

WDTN-TV Article

Dayton Daily News Article

Facebook Post

Living Dayton Segment

The Dragons MVP Program provided many opportunities to recognize and reward students. Local media was there to catch the action and the Dragons shared some aspects of the program on the Dragons Facebook page.

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Media coverage Year in Review

Together with WDTN-TV and Dayton’s CW Television, the Dragons produced tens of thousands of dollars worth of public service announcements that featured selected MVP winners, MVP nights at the stadium, the MVP Field Day and more.

Dragons players were involved in the production of these spots. They introduced the highlighted MVPs and explained the program. These public service announcements ran on WDTN-TV and Dayton’s CW Television.

The public service announcements were also displayed on the video board during Dragons games.

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Media coverage Year in Review

This season, the Dragons MVP Program was featured on several segments of Living Dayton, a local lifestyle talk show on WDTN-TV. On June 11, Gem, Dragons MVPs, Bob Evans and several Dragons players visited the studio for a Dragons-themed show.

After a brief explanation of the program, two of this season’s MVPs went on-air to share their incredible stories. The MVPs then joined Bob Evans Chef, David Eisel, in the Living Dayton kitchen and helped prepare some delicious and healthy summer snacks with Bob Evans ingredients. The show wrapped up with two Dragons players walking through several of their pre-game stretches with the Dragons MVPs and Gem. This media coverage offered another level of exposure for the Dragons MVP Program and it’s sponsors.

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Website & Social Media Year in Review

Daytondragons.com has continued to be a vital information outlet for Dayton Dragons Baseball. Our online presence is packed full of news and information about the team, sponsor promotions, photos, video clips and much more!

As a corporate partner, you had a link to your company website posted on daytondragons.com.

DRAGONSBASEBALL

29,000+ FACEBOOK FANS

6,000+ TWITTER FOLLOWERS

Along with the website, thousands of fans interact with the Dragons and your brand through our social media outlets.

As a corporate partner, we shared several posts about the Dragons MVP Program.

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Viral Videos Year in Review

LASTING IMPRESSION

A touching moment between a young deaf child and Dragons mascot Heater became a viral sensation in 2014. In a chance encounter, the child met Heater on the plaza. As the child’s father filmed, the two spent a few moments communicating through sign language.

The video was shared online and quickly swept across social media.

The video was view by over 200,000 people on Facebook, shared over 800 times, and featured on numerous websites, including USA Today, MLB, MiLB, Today Show, Huffington Post, Yahoo Sports, Fox, Chive, and Buzzfeed, among others.

HOME RUN FOR LIFE

The Home Run For Life program garnered more attention in 2014 than ever before thanks to our series of videos highlighting each participant.

In total, over 150,000 people on Facebook viewed the Home Run For Life videos. Additionally, a special video we created showing a surprise meeting between an honoree and her donor was seen by over 50,000 viewers.

Beyond traditional media, the Dragons received considerable attention nationally on social media.

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dragons Entertainment Year in Review

The experience at Fifth Third Field is like none other in the Dayton region. Even before the gates open, the plaza is buzzing with activities and the air is charged with a sense of excitement as thousands of fans eagerly await to pour through the turnstiles.

Upon entering the stadium, fans are immediately greeted by an inviting and wonderful barrage of sights, sounds, and smells. From our playful mascots and engaging videos to delicious concessions and exciting music, every fan is pulled into one of the best family entertainment experiences in the country.

Dragons games are well known for the family fun that occurs between the innings.

Our mascots, Heater and Gem, along with the entertainment staff provide a terrific entertaining experience for all fans.

With more than 350 different skits in their repertoire, the entertainment staff makes sure that each game is always fresh, fun, and a great time for the more than 8,400 fans in attendance.

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dragons Entertainment Year in Review

Tug-of-War

Magic of Gem

Sack Race

Heater’s Knock Out

Human Dot Race

Caped Crusaders

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Visiting Entertainment Year in Review

There’s definitely no shortage of talent among the Dragons entertainment staff.

But every now and then, it’s fun to bring in a ringer or two.

And throughout the 2014 season, we welcomed the most popular entertainment acts in the country to Fifth Third Field.

ZOOperstars!

The hilarious ZOOperstars! inflatable animal characters stopped by.

We also had visits from BirdZerk! and the Team ZOOM Dog Act this season.

The result was a championship team of entertainers.

Team ZOOM Dog Act

BirdZerk!

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Top Prospects Year in Review

Phillip Ervin

Nick Travieso

Nick Howard

Alex Blandino

Over the past 15 seasons, some of the best and brightest Major League stars of today have come through Fifth Third Field. Johnny Cueto, Joey Votto, Billy Hamilton, Jay Bruce, and Homer Bailey are just a few of the Major Leaguers who played for the Dragons.

Stars like Josh Beckett, Albert Pujols, and many more all made stops in the visitor’s dugout at Fifth Third Field as well.

For the first time in franchise history, the 2014 Dragons featured four first-round draft picks.

Pitcher Nick Travieso from the 2012 draft and outfielder Phillip Ervin, the first-rounder from 2013, both spent the entire season with the Dragons. The Reds had two first-round picks in 2014 and both were assigned to the Dragons. They were pitcher Nick Howard out of the University of Virginia and shortstop Alex Blandino from Stanford University. Additionally, pitchers Sal Romano and Amir Garrett spent the entire season with the Dragons and established themselves as solid prospects.

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MLB Rehab Appearances Year in Review

In May, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman joined the Dragons for a game on a Major League injury rehabilitation assignment. Chapman threw a 1-2-3 inning in his first rehab appearance with Dayton, striking out two against the Lansing Lugnuts at Fifth Third Field.

Aroldis Chapman

In July, Reds infielder Jack Hannahan rehabbed with the Dragons becoming the 28th Reds player to rehab in Dayton.

In August, Reds infielder Brandon Phillips joined the Dragons for a game on a Major League injury rehabilitation assignment. Phillips went 2 for 3. He also played seven innings at second base.

Jack Hannahan

Brandon Phillips

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Dragons in the community Year in Review

COMMUNITY ALL-STARS The Dayton Dragons were able to recognize citizens and organizations in the Miami Valley area for their outstanding community service through the Dragons Community All-Stars program.

The Dragons Community All-Stars program honored individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley. They were firefighters, police officers, animal rescue groups, non-profits, volunteers, good samaritans and other outstanding individuals and organizations. Honorees were recognized all season long in our PlayBall! game program, on daytondragons.com, and received special recognition during a Dayton Dragons game.

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Dragons in the community Year in Review HOME RUN FOR LIFE

On five occasions this year, a deserving local child who had overcome, was battling against, or living with a serious medical condition was honored on the field during the game.

Each honoree, their family, and their nurses and doctors were invited to a Dragons game. The honoree was featured in the PlayBall! game program and enjoyed watching the game from a luxury suite with plenty of food, beverages and gifts.

During an inning break of the game, the honoree and their support team headed to the field. There, the honoree’s story was told over the P.A., a clip of a Dragons home run was shown on the video board and the honoree took a symbolic home run trot around the bases.

The visiting team and the Dragons lined up along the first and third base lines to high-five the honoree as they made their lap around the bases.

HOMETOWN HEROES PROGRAM

The Hometown Heroes program is a season-long tribute to those who serve out of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Springfield Air National Guard Base. At every home Dragons game, the “Hometown Heroes of the Game” enjoy a game in true VIP fashion, with tickets, a tour, souvenirs and Baseball Bucks, in hopes that these families will have a chance to enjoy one night during this stressful time in their lives.

On select nights, the Hometown Hero family is brought to the field during the game and surprised with a video greeting of their deployed family member on the video board in front of the Dragons crowd.

On other nights, the entire game is dedicated to the military with the Hometown Heroes Celebration Nights. Dragons fans have a chance to see base officials welcome home recently returned Airmen, swear in new recruits on the field, and partner with many different groups on the base to recognize all the hard working heroes in our community.

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Dragons in the community Year in Review

FORD HONOR THEM

In a continued effort to play a positive role in the Dayton community, the Dragons partnered with Dayton-area Ford dealers in 2014 to create the “Honor Them” program. All season long, this special program honored the Miami Valley’s deserving and outstanding veterans by sharing their service stories during Dayton Dragons games.

By telling their stories, fans not only gained a deeper understanding and sense of gratitude for what these men and women have done for us, but also inspired a future generation to lead and serve this great country. Each veteran honored on the field was greeted with a standing ovation from a hugely supportive crowd of more than 8,400 fans.

Five local veterans were honored at Fifth Third Field during the 2014 season: 1. US Army Veteran Harry Seifert 2. WWII Veteran Richard Gard 3. WWII Veteran Cliff Johnson 4. US Marine Veteran Shawn Brunello 5. US Army Nurse Veteran Margaret Kruckemeyer

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Dragons in the Community Year in Review

Player visit to Kettering Behavioral Center

Players visit Dayton Children’s Hospital

Heater at WPAFB Deployment Dinners

PLAYER VISITS

Throughout the summer, the Dragons not only make an impact on the field, but also in the community.

Our staff, mascots, and players went out into the community in a variety of ways this season.

Each time, the goal was the same—to give back.

Whether it was an event in the community, a fun day at the park, autograph signings in the team store, or visiting with fans prior to the game, Dragons players are quick to thank fans and sponsors for their support.

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Dragons in the Community Year in Review

Tom Nichols, Director of Media for the Dayton Dragons, speaking to a business group.

SPEAKERS BUREAU

Each season since coming to Dayton, numerous organization have requested someone from the Dragons organization to come and speak to their group. The Dayton Dragons are committed to being involved in our community and want to share our message and excitement with as many people as we possibly can.

To date, the Dragons have spoken to over 1,500 groups including a total of over 40,000 people.

Each season the Dragons present to over 100 groups and service organizations including: Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, Lions Clubs, Optimist Clubs, church organizations, school classes, and other business organizations.

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High School Baseball Year in Review

We added to the excitement of Dragons Baseball once again by scheduling additional events at Fifth Third Field throughout the year.

There was plenty of extra baseball as high school baseball programs across the Miami Valley region came to the field of pros on 15 occasions.

Each of the high school teams sold Dayton Dragons game tickets to help raise over $30,000 for their athletic programs.

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Battle of the Badges Year in Review

On Sunday, July 27, 2014, the Dayton Fire Department and the Dayton Police Department teamed up to host the 2nd Annual Battle of the Badges at Fifth Third Field. This charity softball game was to raise money for the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. Through ticket sales, 50/50 raffle and a silent auction, the departments raised over $4,000. Two dogs were also adopted into good homes at this event.

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Additional events Year in Review

Boy and Girl Scout Overnighters

SUBWAY® Dragons 5K

American Cancer Society Making Strides Walk

Great American Beer Tasting

Donatos Family Movie Night

American Heart Association Heart Walk

This year the Dayton Dragons offered a variety of events for the community to participate in at Fifth Third Field.

With the SUBWAY® Dragons 5K, the Alzheimer’s Walk, the American Heart Association Heart Walk, Anthem Health and Fitness Carnival, the Great American Beer Tasting, the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Walk, the Buddy Walk, the Boy and Girl Scout Overnighter, Donatos Movie Night, plus a host of other events, we had something for everyone in the Miami Valley.

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Suite Tasting Year in Review

In an appetizing way to kick-off the season, we opened our kitchen to give you an opportunity to sample some favorite ballpark foods, as well as some new items for the upcoming season, while catching up with our staff and watching first-round action of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

This event also provided you the opportunity to pick up your tickets for the 2014 season.

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Rental Suite Donations Year in Review

Making a difference in a child’s life is a great thing. In 2014 we were able to provide a terrific life experience for many groups in the Miami Valley region.

The Dragons donated nights in a Fifth Third Field luxury suite, complete with food, beverages, hats, and a visit from one of our mascots to these deserving children.

Some of the 2014 groups included: • Artemis Foundation

• Kettering Behavioral Medicine Center

• Big Brothers/Big Sisters

• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

• Cure Starts Now

• March of Dimes

• Dakota Center

• Miamisburg Youth Center

• Daybreak

• Montgomery County Children Services

• Dayton Autism Foundation

• Montgomery County Family Services/

• Dayton Chamber of Commerce Raffle

Children Services

• Dayton Children’s Medical Center

• Montgomery County Job & Family Services

• Downtown Dayton Partnership

• NAO Officers

• Good Neighbor House

• Ronald McDonald House

• Heart Ball

• Spring Valley Academy

• Human Services Levy Campaign

• St. Charles

• Humane Society/Furry Skurry

• St. Vincent de Paul

• Juvenile Diabetes

• United Rehabilitation Services

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gift donations Year in Review

One of the core values of the Dayton Dragons is making an impact in the community. Each year the Dragons provide Dragons Gift Bags full of Dragons memorabilia as donations to local groups and charities for different events.

In 2014, the Dragons donated over 600 standard gift bags and over 35 deluxe gift bags totaling well over $60,000.

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Concessions Fundraising Year in Review

More than $300,000.

That’s how much the Dragons have contributed to non-profit organizations this season through their concession fundraising program.

Churches, high school bands, athletic programs, and other various organizations throughout the Miami Valley benefited from this program by manning our concession stands. Each group received a portion of the proceeds made on their respective evenings.

Over the last 15 years, the concession fundraising program has given back more than $4.5 million.

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Stadium Upgrades Year in Review

Fan experience is top priority here for the Dayton Dragons. In-between the 2013 and 2014 season, the Dragons spent some time upgrading that experience in both the suites and the control room.

CONTROL ROOM

The Dragons upgraded the Entertainment Control Room at Fifth Third Field. This improvement included the purchase and installation of a state-of-the-art system of cameras, computers, monitors, and software. Anything the fans see or hear during the 70 home games a season is operated from the control room. These top-notch updates bring the Dragons to a level unmatched in Minor League Baseball.

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Stadium Upgrades Year in Review

LUXURY SUITE LEVEL

The luxury suites at Fifth Third Field provide a great view of all the action of a Dayton Dragons game. From business to birthday parties, these suites sell-out quickly each year.

During the off season, the suites at Fifth Third Field went under renovation which included new flooring, new cabinets and counter tops, new appliances, and new furniture.

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2014 season attendance Year in Review

Thanks to the awesome fans of the Dayton region, the Dragons continued to post recordbreaking attendance throughout the 2014 season. Featuring a packed, sold-out house every night, the Dragons saw a combined total of 581,699 fans come through the gates at Fifth Third Field.

With so many fans coming out to enjoy a game, the Dragons were the most attended team in the Midwest League, as well as being near the top of all teams in Minor League Baseball.

Beyond MiLB, the Dragons attendance was ranked above many other sports teams across Ohio and the surrounding cities: • Indiana Pacers (2013-14) | 717,542 | NBA • Cleveland Cavaliers (2013-14) | 710,552 | NBA • Dayton Dragons (2014) | 581,699 | Minor League Baseball • Cleveland Browns (2013) | 569,939 | NFL • Indianapolis Colts (2013) | 527,606 | NFL • Cincinnati Bengals (2013) | 506,377 | NFL • University of Dayton Basketball (2013-14) | 209,369 | NCAA Along with being tops in attendance, the Dragons all-time consecutive sell-out streak grew to an amazing 1,051 games.

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Another Milestone game Year in Review

On May 10, 2014, the Dayton Dragons consecutive game sell-out streak reached a milestone when they completed their 1,000th consecutive sold out game at Fifth Third Field. Over 9,500 fans attended that evenings game making it one of the largest crowds this season.

The celebration began at the end of the fifth inning, when the game had become official, with 1,000 balloons released into the sky while members of the Green Team waved flags and threw t-shirts and hats to the sold out crowd.

Heater and Gem revealed a permanent banner in the outfield to commemorate this Dragons milestone.

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Another Milestone game Year in Review

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cbs game of the week Year in Review

Dayton Dragons To Be Featured on CBS Sports Network’s Minor League Baseball Game of the Week.

On July 10, 2014, the Dayton Dragons were selected as one of 15 MiLB teams to host a nationally televised game this season as part of an agreement between MiLB and CBS Sports Network. This was the first time in MiLB’s 100 plus years of experience that Minor League Baseball would be featured on a national TV broadcast.

The Dayton Dragons hosted the South Bend Silver Hawks that evening in front of another sold out crowd at Fifth Third Field.

The CBS Sports Network telecast reached over 99 million households. During which commercials highlighting the Dayton community were aired.

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Awards Year in Review

Along with another record-breaking season, members of the Dragons organization were also recognized for their contributions into the Dayton community.

Robert Murphy receiving his award.

In May of 2014, Robert Murphy, President of the Dayton Dragons, was honored by the Dayton/ Montgomery County Convention and Visitors Bureau. He was honored as one of six local leaders to receive the Community Ambassador Award. This award is given to individuals responsible for bringing headline events to the Dayton and Montgomery County area.

Also, in May, Brad Eaton, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, was honored at Dayton Business Journal’s 17th Annual 40 Under 40 Awards. Selected from a field of more than 200 total nominees, Eaton was recognized as one of the Dayton region’s up-and-coming business and community leaders. This marks the fourth time a Dragons employee has received the prestigious 40 Under 40 Award.

Brad Eaton receiving his award.

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a regional draw Year in Review

Ticket holders for the Dayton Dragons don’t just come from Dayton. They don’t just come from Montgomery County either.

In fact, Dragons fans come from all over Southwest Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

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dragons in the media Year in Review

The Dragons are fortunate to have a host of media outlets in the Dayton region that cover the team on a regular basis as well as keeping the public up-to-date on events at Fifth Third Field.

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thank you Year in Review

Bringing the tradition of Minor League Baseball to our legions of fans would not be possible without your dedicated support and partnership.

Thank you.

We look forward to continuing our valued relationship with your organization for many years to come.

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