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June recap

FRESH START After going just 4-13 to close the first half of play, the Hillcats have gotten off on the right foot in the second half, as they will need to win the Carolina League North Division to clinch a playoff spot. Lynchburg won six of ten games to begin the second half, concluding the month of June in sole possession of the division lead. Still, the Hillcats 10-17 record in the month of June, was their worst in any month so far this season. POWER SURGE After hitting just 25 home runs as a team in the first half of play, the Hillcats have got- ten the long ball going to begin the second half. Lynchburg has hit nine home runs in their first 11 games to begin the second half, led by Jodd Carter and Li-Jen Chu, who have hit three and four home runs respectively. SIRI-OUSLY? Dalbert Siri, signed by the Indians as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2014, has been dominant for the Hillcats out of the bullpen this season. Through the end of June, Siri sport a record of 1-2 with a 1.82 ERA in 20 outings out of the Hillcats bullpen. The 22-year-old right-hander has also notched three saves, and is averaging over one strikeout-per-inning with 37 punch outs in 24.2 frames. Dating back to April 25, Siri has allowed just two earned runs over 19 innings of work, good for a 0.95 ERA. Over his last ten outings, Siri has fired 13 scoreless innings and has struck out 20. MR. GOVERNOR! Virginia Governor Ralph Northam paid a visit to City Stadium, June 23, as part of his “Summer of Baseball” initiative. The Governor threw out the first pitch and then issued a proclamation which stated that June 23, 2018 would be forever known as Lynchburg Hillcats day in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

WELCOME BACK TO THE COMMONWEALTH, ERNIE! After playing his college ball up the road at the University of Virginia, Ernie Clement made his return to The Commonwealth June 23rd, making his Adv.-A debut for Lynch- burg against Myrtle Beach. He went 11-for-31 overall in the month of June, and has reached base safely in his first eight games, posting an on-base percentage of .429. A native of Rochester, N.Y., Clement was drafted of UVA in the fourth round in 2017, and is ranked 24th on the Indians Top 30 prospect list according to MLB Pipeline. ALL-STARS ALIGN Three Lynchburg Hillcats represented the North Division All-Star team in the Mid- Season Classic Tuesday. Conner Capel, and Sam Hentges received the recognition for the first time in their careers, While Dalbert Siri was named an All-Star for the second time. All three players represented well in Zebulon, as Capel went 2-for-4 with a dou- ble and an RBI, while Siri and Hentges each tossed a scoreless inning. The Lynchburg coaching staff also led the North Division as a result of their League Championship a season ago. GEMS AND JEWELS The Hillcats came within four outs of tossing a no-hitter against the Myrtle Beach Peli- cans, June 21, to open the second half of play. Lynchburg did hold Myrtle Beach to just one hit in the ballgame, an Andruw Monesterio single off of Jared Robinson. Eli Morgan set the tone early, as he tossed six hitless innings, striking out nine, and went on to pick up his third win of the season. The near no-hitter tossed by the Hillcats came just one series after they were nearly the victim of a no-hitter. Luke Wakamatsu broke up the Red Sox bid against Lynchburg, June 14, with two outs in the ninth. Sam Hentges wrapped up the month of June with one of the best outings of his career, tossing eight innings of one-run ball to pick up his fifth win of the season, June 30 against the Frederick Keys. Hentges threw 62 of his 94 pitches for strikes, and did not walk a batter. He didn’t receive any run support until the seventh inning when the Hillcats offense erupted for a season-high seven-run frame, highlighted by a Li-Jen Chu 3-run homer. It was the third time in a week that the Hillcats offense had put up six or more runs in a frame.

Hillcats 2018 Roster

Last Updated: June 30, 2018 NUMERICALROSTER

P

PITCHERS (13)

No.

Name

B/T Ht.

Wt. Acquired

Born

Age

Birthplace Glendora, CA Walden, N.Y. Concord, CA Maplewood, MN Villa Clara, Cuba

2017

1 6 7 9

Conner Capel Erlin Cerda Jodd Carter Jorma Rodriguez Mitch Longo Ernie Clement Luke Wakamatsu Trenton Brooks Jared Robinson Angel Lopez Ben Krauth Sam Hentges Li-Jen Chu Emmanuel Tapia TannerTully Zach Plesac Micah Miniard Anderson Polanco James Karinchak Dillon Persinger Anthony Miller Leandro Linares Eli Morgan Justin Garza

36 23 37 22 41 31 34 30 32 15 45 44 29

Justin Garza Sam Hentges

R/R 5’10 170 8th Rd. - 2015

3/20/94 24 7/18/96 21 9/22/95 22 3/10/94 24 1/27/94 24 4/12/96 22 5/13/96 22 1/21/95 23 11/20/94 23 7/19/95 22 8/10/92 25 11/30/94 23 9/6/92 25

LC

L/L 6’6 R/R 6’3 R/R 6’3 R/R 6’7 L/L 6’0

245 4th Rd.- 2014 230 9th Rd. - 2017 180 16th Rd. - 2016 205 Intl. FA - 2013 195 8th Rd. - 2014 200 12th Rd. - 2016 190 Intl FA - 2011 190 11th Rd. - 2014 190 Intl FA - 2014 180 10th Rd. - 2015 200 26th Rd. - 2016

MV/AZL

James Karinchak

MV

Ben Krauth

LYN/LC AKR/LYN

10 11 12 13 15 20 22 23 27 28 29 30 31 32 34 36 37 38 40 41 44 45

Leandro Linares Micah Miniard

Danville, KY

LC

Eli Morgan Zach Plesac

R/R 5’10 190 8th Rd. - 2017

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

MV

R/R 6’3

Crown Point, IN

LC/MV

Anderson Polanco Jared Robinson

L/L

6’3

Santo Domingo, D.R. West Covina, CA

AZL LYN

R/R 6’0 R/R 6’2

Dalbert Siri Billy Strode TannerTully

Moca, D.R.

LC

L/L L/L

6’0 6’0

Boca Raton, FL

LYN

Elkhart, IN

COL/AKR/LYN/LC

C

CATCHERS (2)

No.

Name

B/T Ht.

Wt. Acquired

Born

Age

Birthplace

2017

27 20

Li-Jen Chu Angel Lopez

R/R 5’11 200 Intl. FA - 2012 R/R 5’10 194 13th Rd.- 2017

3/13/94 24

Taichung, Taiwan Santurce, Puerto Rico

LC

3/14/97

21

AZL

IF

INFIELDERS (6+2 DL)

No.

Name

B/T Ht. R/R 6’0 L/R 6’4 R/R 5’9

Wt. Acquired

Born

Age

Birthplace

2017

11

Ernie Clement Gavin Collins* Anthony Miller

170 4th Rd. - 2017

3/22/96 22 7/17/95 22 10/4/94 23 1/31/96 22 3/25/96 22 2/26/96 22 10/10/96 21 5/5/94 24

Rochester, N.Y.

MV

R/R 5’11 190 13th Rd. - 2016

Newport Beach, CA Kansas City, MO Fountain Valley, CA Palo Negro, Venezuela

LYN/LC

40

240 18th Rd. - 2015 170 Intl. FA. - 2012

LYN

Billy Strode Dalbert Siri Gavin Collins

6

Erlin Cerda

Santiago de los Cabail, D.R AZL/LC

38

Dillon Persinger Jorma Rodriguez Emmanuel Tapia Luke Wakamatsu*

R/R 5’11 180 18th Rd. - 2017 R/R 5’10 150 Intl. FA - 2012

MV

9

AKR/LYN/LC

COACHES

28 12

L/L

6’3

215 Intl. FA - 2013 185 20th Rd. - 2015

Santo Domingo Centro, D.R. LC

2

Justin Toole TonyArnold Rougie Odor Grant Fink

S/R 6’3

Phoenix, AZ

LC

17 24 33

OF

OUTFIELDERS (4)

No.

Name

B/T Ht.

Wt. Acquired

Born

Age

Birthplace Alpine, CA Katy, TX

2017

13

Trenton Brooks Conner Capel Jodd Carter Mitch Longo

L/L L/L

6’0 6’1

180 17th Rd. - 2016 185 5th Rd. - 2016

7/3/95

22

LYN/LC

1 7

5/19/97 21 7/20/96 21 1/12/95 23

LC

R/R 5’10 175 24th Rd. - 2014

Hilo, HI

LYN

10

L/R 6’0

185 14th Rd. - 2016

Mayfield, OH

LYN/LC

COACHING STAFF

No.

Name

* - Disabled List *** - Indians 40-man roster % - Inactive player # - MLB rehab ^ - Restricted List

24 17

Rougie Odor TonyArnold Justin Toole Grant Fink Bobby Ruiz Eric Ortego

Manager

Pitching Coach Hitting Coach Bench Coach Athletic Trainer

2

33

Strength & Conditioning Coach

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE

TRANSACTIONS

No.

Name

Pronunciation

6/30 - INFErlin Cerda promoted toA-Adv. Lynchburg from Single-A Lake County 6/30 - INFAlexis Pantoja promoted to Double-AAkron fromA-Adv. Lynchburg 6/26 - CAngel Lopez promoted toA-Adv. Lynchburg from Short- Season MahoningValley 6/26 - C Logan Ice promoted to Double-AAkron fromA-Adv. Lynch- burg 6/23 - INFErnie Clement promoted toA-Adv. Lynchburg from Single-ALake County 6/23 - SS Luke Wakamatsu placed on 7-Day DL

1 6 9

Conner Capel Alexis Pantoja Jorma Rodriguez Luke Wakamatsu Sam Hentges James Karinchak

CAY-pull

Pant-OH-huh

Yorma

13 23 37

Wock-ah-maht-sue

Hen-chez

Care-in-check

THe HILLCATS

Alexis Pantoia Infielder

Anderson Polanco Pitcher

Ben Krauth Pitcher

Anthony Miller Infielder

Billy Strode Pitcher

Connor Capel Outfielder

Dalbert Siri Pitcher

Emmanuel Tapia Infielder

Erlin Cerda Infielder

Dillon Persinger Infielder

Logan Ice Catcher

Eli Morgan Pitcher

Li-Jen Chu Catcher

Luke Wakamatsu Infielder

Mitch Longo Outfielder

James Karinchak Pitcher

Micah Miniard Pitcher

Jodd Carter Outfielder

Justin Garza Pitcher

Ernie Clement Infielder

Gavin Collins Infielder

Sam Hentges Pitcher

Tanner Tully Pitcher

Trenton Brooks Outfielder

Zach Plesac Pitcher

JULYHIGHLIGHTS

OFENSEEXPLODESFORSIX-RUN5TH

MORGAN'SGEMLEADSHILCATSWIN

CHU'SHOMER HILCATSWINAFTERRAINDELAY

Community Impact

Donated $55k+ to local youth league teams and non-profit organizations

Donated 12,000 books designed by the Lynchburg Hillcats and 24,000 tickets to students in Central Virginia.

32 Player appearances to local schools and organizations.

75 Southpaw community appearances.

Presented “Southpaw Goes to School” Reading Program to 50 different schools across 5 counties.

Hosted 8 middle schools and over 800 students for “Say No to Drugs Day at the Ballpark.”

$179k+ in in-kind gifts donated to community organizations.

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Life on the road

While fans enjoy all that City Stadium has to offer throughout the season, there is a totally separate aspect of the Hillcats season: 70 road games. There are many moving parts that go into getting ready for a road trip. A bus itinerary has to be constructed, hotel reservations must be made, and per diem money must be ordered. Lynchburg makes their way throughout the Carolina League during the sum- mer, visiting Virginia, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina and Maryland. The Hillcats shortest overnight trip is to Winston-Salem to visit the Dash, roughly a 2.5 hour trip. The longest trip is to see the Pelicans in Myrtle Beach, requiring a six hour bus ride. Here is a typical day for the Hillcats on the road: Depending on Lynchburg’s road op- ponent, the bus departs City Stadium anywhere from 7:30-9 a.m. the morn- ing of the first game. However, there is one exception. When the Hillcats play the Salem Red Sox, the team commutes back-and-forth due to the team’s close proximity to Haley Toyota Field. In this case, the bus usually leaves around 12:30 or 1 p.m, and will continue to make the 90-minute drive throughout the duration of the series. Almost everyone bring a pillow or blanket to try and get as much rest as possible. The bus is equipped with satellite TV and WiFi for those that choose to use it. If the trip is shorter than five hours, the bus typically makes the drive straight through to the destination. If not, the Hillcats bus driver of the past two years, Ray, will pull over at a rest stop or gas station for a 10-minute break. Upon arrival, the bus will usually stop at a mall for lunch. After getting a bite to eat, the bus will either take the club straight to the ballpark, or, if time allows, check into the hotel.

On non-travel days on the road, the bus will usually take everyone to the gym for a workout around 10 a.m. Some cities have quality lunch options within walking distance of the hotel. If not, the bus will once again make a stop at the mall for lunch. From there, everyone goes back to the hotel, with a bus to the field shortly thereafter. For a 7 p.m. game, the bus will make one trip to the ballpark at 2 p.m. and another at 3 p.m. After the game, the bus often takes two different trips back to the hotel. Most players will depart the ballpark about 45 minutes after the game ends, while the coaching and training staff takes the second journey around 90 minutes post-game. Lynchburg’s longest road trip of the season was a two-city, nine-game stretch in Wilmington and Frederick from June 25-July 3. The Hillcats travel with their entire roster and coaching staff, as well as the Athletic Trainer, Strength & Con- ditioning Coordinator, and the Radio Broadcaster. Life on the road typically allows the Hillcats players to get more rest than they receive at home. They arrive at the ballpark later, and oftentimes get some extra well-needed sleep. While long bus trips are not always glamor- ous, it is just another part of life in the Minor Leagues. Everybody on the bus hopes to one day trade their bus ride for a charter jet with five-star hotels and amenities.

Sandlot Sundays - During the 2018 season, the Lynchburg Hillcats are starting what is sure to be an instant fan favorite with “Sandlot Sundays”. Every Sunday, the Hillcats will don special Sandlot themed jerseys as a tribute to the 25th movie anniversary. The game worn Sandlot jerseys will be auctioned off on Sunday, August 19th (the last Sunday home game of the season). In addition, the Hillcats will also have their traditional Kids Run the Bases and Family Catch in the Outfield presented by MedExpress with a new twist. Fans will also be able to play wiffle ball on the field after all Sunday games. A special added bonus for Lynchburg area families. The Hillcats will continue their family value 4 for $40 Family 4 Packs for all Sunday games.

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lynchburg hillcats roster As of 5/30/2017

Pitchers B/T Height Weight DOB

1 Columbus/Akron/LC/MV Mahoning Valley Lake County Lynchburg/Lake County Lynchburg/Lake County Lynchburg Lynchburg/Lake County Lynchburg/AZL Lake County Lake County/Mahoning Valley Akron/Lynchburg Lynchburg/Lake County Lynchburg/Lake County 2016 Club Lynchburg/Lake County Lynchburg/Lake County Akron/Lynchburg 2016 Club Akron/Lynchburg Columbus/Akron/Lynchburg Lynchburg/Lake County Lake County Lynchburg/LC/MV Lake County Lake County/Mahoning Valley Lynchburg/LC/MV Lynchburg/Lake County Lake County 2016 Club 2016 Club

34 Angulo, Argenis 22 Bieber, Shane 30 Chiang, Shao-Ching 23 DeMasi, Dominic 27 Esparza, Matt 20 Garcia, Justin 24 Hartson, Brock 15 Hendrix, Paul 36 Lovegrove, Kieran 45 McKenzie, Triston 31 Milbrath, Jordan 6 Robinson, Jared 44 Strode, Billy

R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/R

6-3 6-3 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-0 6-0

220 195 175 190 195 185 200 190 185 165 215 190 180 175 195 210

2/26/94 5/31/95 11/10/93 5/18/93 8/22/94 9/16/92 8/9/93 11/18/91 7/28/94 8/2/97 8/1/91 11/20/94 8/10/92

Catchers B/T Height Weight DOB

13 Cervenka, Martin 7 Loopstok, Sicnarf 12 Salters, Daniel

6-1 5-11 6-3

8/3/92 4/26/93 2/5/93

Sometimes the grass really IS greener! We make managing your finances a little easier.... From kid’s savings clubs to auto and home loans to retirement, we can meet your needs at every stage of life. Join today and start saving! 29 Bautista, Claudio 17 Castillo, Ivan (DL) 2 Castro, Willi 1 Haggerty, Sam 37 Mendoza, Yonathan 40 Miller, Anthony R/R S/R S/R S/R S/R L/R 5-11 5-9 6-1 5-11 5-11 6-4 Outfielders B/T Height Weight DOB 170 173 164 175 167 240 Infielders B/T Height Weight DOB

11/29/93 5/30/95 4/24/97 5/26/94 2/10/94 10/4/94 3/5/94 7/20/96 3/28/94 5/24/94

8 Calica, Andrew 10 Carter, Jodd 9 Marabell, Connor 4 Tom, Ka’ai

L/R R/R L/R L/R

6-1 5-10 6-1 5-9

190 175 195 185

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10 TOP AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL PROSPECTS

FROM THE PAGES OF

CLEVELAND INDIANS TOP 10 PROSPECTS FRANCISCO MEJIA AND TRISTON MCKENZIE LEAD A SYSTEM HEADED BY HIGH-UPSIDE TALENT BY TEDDY CAHILL

1. FRANCISCO MEJIJA, C BORN: Oct. 27, 1995. B-T: B-R. HT.: 5-10. WT.: 175. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2012. SIGNEDBY: Ramon Pena. TRACKRECORD: Mejia’s precocious talent has been apparent since the Indians signed him out of the Dominican Republic in 2012 and sent him to make his pro debut in the Rookie-level Arizona League the following season. He had an eventful path through the minors that included a historic hitting streak and nearly being included in a blockbuster trade before making his major league debut in September 2017 as a 21-year-old. Mejia broke out in 2016 and authored a 50-game hitting streak at two Class A levels that is the longest in the modern era of the minor leagues (dating back to 1963). He kept hitting in 2017 as he advanced to Double-A Akron. He finished the year in the Arizona Fall League, where he was one of the cir- cuit’s leading hitters. SCOUTINGREPORT: Mejia has long been known for his hitting ability, and the switch-hitter consistently makes hard contact from both sides of the plate. He has matured as a hitter to use the whole field to hit, instead of relying on the pull-oriented approach he had when he was younger. His bat speed gives him more raw power than his lean 5-foot-10 frame would suggest, but he more typically drives balls into the gaps than over the fence. He has an aggressive

† ProjectedFutureGradesOn20-80ScoutingScale HIT: 60. POWER: 45. SPEED: 40. FIELD: 50. ARM: 80.

approach and doesn’t walk much, but his excellent feel for the barrel means he also doesn’t strike out much and is comfortable working behind in the count. Mejia has made strides defensively, has elite arm strength and has become a good receiver. He has gotten comfortable speaking English, a key skill for him to work with his pitchers, and has developed more consistency behind the plate. For all his progress defensively, however, Mejia’s bat remains ahead of his glove. Because his bat isn’t far off from being ready for the big leagues, and because the Indians haveYan Gomes and Roberto Perez, a pair of excellent defensive catchers, in Cleveland, Mejia went to the AFL to get experience at third base. He is naturally still learning the position but he will continue to see action at the hot corner in 2018. THEFUTURE: Mejia will open 2018 atTriple-A Columbus, and if he continues to hit the way he has throughout his career, he will find his way into the big league lineup during the summer. His long-term future remains behind the plate, but his added defensive versa- tility will help him as he breaks into the majors. 2017Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB Akron (AA) .297 .346 .490 347 52 103 21 2 14 52 24 53 7 Cleveland (MLB) .154 .214 .154 13 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 3 0

2. TRISTON M c KENZIE, RHP BORN: Aug. 2, 1997. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-5. WT.: 165. DRAFTED: HS—Royal Palm Beach, Fla., 2015 (1st round supple- mental). SIGNEDBY: Juan Alvarez. TRACKRECORD: McKenzie contin- ued to build on his track record of success in 2017 and ranked second in the minors with 186 strikeouts. He

3. BOBBY BRADLEY, 1B BORN: May 29, 1996. B-T: L-R. HT.: 6-1. WT.: 225. DRAFTED: HS—Gulfport, Miss., 2014 (3rd round). SIGNEDBY: Mike Bradford. TRACKRECORD: Bradley has been one of the most productive players in the Indians’ farm system since they drafted him. He won the

4. NOLAN JONES, 3B BORN: May 7, 1998. B-T: L-R. HT.: 6-3. WT.: 195. DRAFTED: HS—Bensalem, Pa., 2016 (2nd round). SIGNEDBY: Mike Kanen. TRACKRECORD: Jones was regard- ed as one of the best prep hitters in the 2016 draft class, but he slipped to the second round, where the

presents the same challenge to evaluators today that he did as an amateur: His track record is unimpeachable and he has impressive stuff, but he is listed at a rail-thin 6-foot-5 and 165 pounds. SCOUTINGREPORT: McKenzie’s fastball can get up to 95 mph and averaged about 92 in 2017. He held that velocity throughout the season, and while it would dip during starts, he also showed the ability to reach back for more at the end of his outings. His fastball plays up and gets swings and misses thanks to the extension in his delivery and the high spin rate on the pitch. He also has a feel for spinning his curveball, which can be an out pitch. His changeup isn’t as advanced but has the poten- tial to be above-average. McKenzie needs to improve his routines and physique to allow him to manage a start- er’s workload. THEFUTURE: McKenzie is speeding toward the big leagues and has the upside to be a frontline starter. He will advance to Double-A Akron in 2018 for his first taste of the upper minors. 2017Club (Class) W L ERA G GS SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Lynchburg (HiA) 12 6 3.46 25 25 0 143 105 14 45 186 .203

Rookie-level Arizona League triple crown in 2014 by hitting .361 with eight home runs and 50 RBIs. He led the Midwest League with 27 home runs in 2015 and the Carolina League with 29 home runs in 2016. He fell short of making it four straight home run crowns, however, when he ranked sixth in the Eastern League with 23 homers at Double-A Akron in 2017. SCOUTINGREPORT: Bradley’s raw power is the best in the system, and he has shown he is adept at getting to it in games. He has a strong, physical frame and creates excellent bat speed that allows him to drive the ball out to all fields.That power comes with a lot of swing and miss, but he cut his strikeout rate in 2017 from 29 per- cent to a much more manageable 22 percent. Bradley is a well below-average runner with an average arm, limit- ing him to first base. THEFUTURE: Bradley will advance toTriple-A Columbus in 2018, where he could take advantage of Huntington Park’s hitter-friendly dimensions. He has the potential to become a middle-of-the-order hitter. 2017Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB Akron (AA) .251 .331 .465 467 66 117 25 3 23 89 55 122 3

Indians were happy to take him at No. 55 overall. He got back to his elite hitting in 2017 at short-season Mahoning Valley, where he led the NewYork-Penn League with a .912 OPS as a 19-year-old. SCOUTINGREPORT: Jones has an easy lefthanded swing and uses the whole field to hit. He is a patient hitter who led the NYP in with 43 walks. He reduced his strike- out rate, but his patience means he works many deep counts and will always strike out a fair amount. He has proven to be an advanced hitter but also has above-av- erage raw power that he is still learning to get to consis- tently in games. As he physically matures, he projects to hit for plus power. Jones fits the third-base profile, but he still has work to do to ensure he can stick at the hot corner. He has plus arm strength but needs to improve his glove work and infield actions. If he moves, his ath- leticism and average speed will play in right field. THEFUTURE: Jones provides plenty of upside. He will get his first taste of full-season ball in 2018 when he opens the year at low Class A Lake County. 2017Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB Mahon.Valley (SS) .317 .430 .482 218 41 69 18 3 4 33 43 60 1

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Promotional Schedule 2018

Lynchburg, Va. – The Lynchburg Hillcats, A-Advanced affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, unveiled their 2018 promotions schedule filled with excit- ing giveaways, entertainment, themed nights and fireworks to engage fans for the upcoming season. The jam-packed promotional schedule begins with Opening Day at Calvin Falwell Field on April 5. The game will feature a schedule magnet giveaway, as well as the first of 12 Thirsty Thurs- day’s during the 2018 season. A highlight of the Hillcats theme nights in 2018 will be four bobblehead give- away nights. The Hillcats will be giving away the bobbleheads as part of the Bobblehead “Love” Series this season. When put together, the four bobble- heads create a Love Sign, making them a memorable collectable throughout the year. The annual Star Wars Night is on May 4, along with the Southpaw Bobblehead giveaway. Greatefully Dead Christmas Night is on May 19th, presented by My Guitar Shop and Speakertree Records, which includes a pre-game cover band performance and post-game fireworks presented by Woodforest National Bank. Addition- ally, Lynchburg will wear Gratefully Dead Christmas-themed jerseys that fans will have the opportunity to bid on during the game. June 22 is Jurassic at the Park Night, plus the Francisco Mejia Bobblehead giveaway. The Hill- cats will also be giving away an Evan Gattis Bobblehead on You’re Killing Me Smalls Night on July 20. Margaritaville Night is coming to Calvin Falwell Field on August 10. Fans will enjoy a t-shirt giveaway as well as a pre-game cover band performance. August 17 features Mario Kart Night at the ballpark, and the Hillcats will be passing out a Tris- ton McKenzie Bobblehead.

The Hillcats will wear special jerseys that will be auctioned off for charity on two additional nights this season. April 28 is the Hillcats’ 10th annual Autism Aware- ness Night, and all of the proceeds from the jersey auction will benefit Growth Through Opportunity.. Breast Cancer Awareness Night is on June 8, with the jersey auction benefiting the Susan G. Komen foundation. Both nights will also feature a t-shirt giveaway in support of autism and breast cancer awareness. All of the player and coach’s jerseys will be bid on during the game and given to the winner following the game. The 2018 promotional schedule including giveaways, fireworks and daily value pro- motions is listed on the next few pages.

Giveaways (15)

April 5 & 6 – 2018 Hillcats Magnet Schedule – (1,000) courtesy of Nadine Blakely April 27 – Team Photo – (1,000) courtesy of Clarke Printing April 28 – T-shirt for Autism Awareness – (1,000) courtesy of Physicians Treatment Center of Lynchburg May 4 – Bobblehead – Southpaw – (1000) courtesy of Pepsi May 18 – Paint the Park Purple Night: T-shirt for American Cancer Society – (1,000) courtesy of Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia June 8 – T-Shirt for Breast Cancer Awareness – (1,000) courtesy of Centra June 15 – Sunglasses – (1,000) courtesy of HighPeak Sportswear June 22 – Bobblehead – Francisco Mejia – (1,000) courtesy of Pepsi July 6 – Patriotic Cap – (1,000) courtesy of Foster Fuels & KD Country July 20 – Bobblehead – Evan Gattis – (1000) courtesy of Pepsi July 21 – Used Car Giveaway – Courtesy of D’NX Motor Sales August 10 – Hawaiian T-shirt – (1,000) courtesy of HighPeak Sportswear August 17 – Bobblehead – Triston McKenzie – (1,000) courtesy of Pepsi

Fireworks (12)

April 7 - presented by Select Bank April 28th - presented by Physicians Treatment Center May 5 - presented by Assurance Financial May 19 - presented by Woodforest National Bank June 9 - presented by Central Virginia Federal Credit Union June 16 - presented by The Leaf Creative Salads and La Carreta June 23 - presented by Hillcats Baseball July 4 - presented by Kroger and Westover Dairy July 7 - presented by MemberOne Federal Credit Union July 21 - presented by D’NX Motor Sales

August 11 - presented by Food Lion August 18 - presented by Food Lion

2018 Daily Value Promos 2Fur Tuesday : Fans receive a $2 concessions deal that will be rotated each week throughout the season, as well as buy-one-get-one specials on tickets. Winning Wednesday : Any fan who attends the game will receive a free ticket to the following Wednesday’s home game, presented by WNRN. Thirsty Thursday : Fans will enjoy $2 beer specials on Miller Lite and Yuengling, presented by Blue Ridge Beverage. Fantastic Friday : The first 1,000 fans will receive a free giveaway. Sparkling Saturday : All fans will see a sparking post-game fireworks show. Sandlot Sunday : Kids Run the Bases and Family Catch in the Outfield post-game. Fans can also play whiffle ball in the outfield following the game, presented by MedExpress. For information about tickets for the 2018 season to watch the Hillcats defend their Carolina League Championship, fans can either call (434) 528-1144 or visit the Hillcats Box Office Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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hillcats ownership The Elmore Sports Group LTD.

David G. Elmore is one of the most respected owners in Minor League Baseball. He founded the Elmore Sports Group in 1969, a sports & entertainment organization com- prised of Minor League Baseball and hockey teams, as well as companies specializing in facility management, travel, concessions and special events. Dave is a member of the Pa- cific Coast League Board of Directors and currently serves on the league’s Executive Committee. D.G. Elmore , son of Dave Elmore, holds both legal and M.B.A. degrees. He is currently the chairman and owner of several different companies including Gant Travel Manage- ment and Cornerstone Information Systems. D.G. is on the Board of Directors for the non-pofit charity New Horizons Foundation and The Navigators, an international Christian organization.

Doug Elmore , son of Dave Elmore, is Managing Director of the Elmore Sports Group, Ltd and President & owner of the Diamond Concessions companies and Vail Service Stations, LLC. Elmore is also involved in real estate, having owned and developed hotels, industrial parks, condominiums and gas stations. Doug Elmore has a B.S. in Public Affairs from Indiana University and an MBA in Finance from Pepperdine University. Elmore and his wife, Julie, live in Chicago and have three grown children.

About Elmore Sports Group: For almost half a century, Elmore Sports Group has provided first-rate and affordable family entertainment, specializing in all things sports, including Minor League Baseball, the East Coast Hockey League, the Premier Develop- ment League, the National Premier Soccer League, and facility management, hospitality, special events & concessions. Elmore Sports Group invests in the community through premium events, outreach initiatives and monetary con- sideration. Elmore Sports Group also strongly believes community is the most important structure in society and it is their honor to contribute to strength- ening this fabric.

hillcats front office staff

Chris Jones President

Ronnie Roberts General Manager

Matt Klein Assistant General Manager

Kestrel Kerl Director of Promotions & Fan Engagement

Max Rettig Director of Sales

Ryan Henson Clubhouse Manager

Max Gun Broadcast & Media Relations Manager

Lincoln Evans Director of ticketing

Crystal Williamson Director of Finiance & Accounting

Mike Georgiadis Head Grounds- keeper

Jordan Speicher Concessions Manager

Collin Tyzinski Grounds Assistant

Matt Present Broadcast & Media Relations Assistant

SouthPaw Director of Fun

2018 coaching staff

Manager: Rouglas Odor Odor, 49, is entering his 18 th year coaching in the Indians or- ganization and his first with the Hillcats. The former shortstop

Pitching Coach: Tony Arnold Arnold, 58, is back in Lynchburg after serving as the pitching coach for the Hillcats in 2015. The former right-handed pitcher played collegiately at the University of

played in the minor leagues for the Indians from 1988-1994 and for the Milwaukee Brewers organization in 1995. Although he has not managed since 2008, Odor brings a decade of skipper experience to Lynch- burg. He led San Felipe in the Venezuelan Summer League for two seasons from 1999-2000, the Burlington Indians for four seasons from 2001-2004, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers for two years from 2005- 2006 and the Gulf Coast League Indians for two campaigns from 2007-2008. The Maracaibo, Venezuela native spent the past three seasons as the hitting coach for the Colum- bus Clippers, Cleveland’s Triple-A affili- ate.

Texas and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 10 th round (258 th overall) in the 1981 MLB Draft. The El Paso, Texas native played in parts of two major league seasons with the Orioles in 1986 and 1987. He appeared in 38 total games in relief, ac- cumulating a 0-2 record with a 5.06 ERA in 78.1 innings pitched. Arnold has coached in the Indians organization since 1992 and most recently was pitching coach of the Akron RubberDucks, Cleveland’s Double-

A affiliate, for the past two seasons.

Hitting Coach: Justin Toole Toole, 31, is in his first year on Lynchburg’s coaching staff and third in the Indians orga- nization. The former infielder

Bench Coach: Grant Fink Fink, 27, joins the Hillcats as bench coach for the first time in 2018, now in his sec- ond season as a coach in the

played in parts of seven minor league seasons with Cleveland from 2009-2015, reaching Triple-A Columbus. The Council Bluffs, Iowa native worked as the hitting coach last year for Single-A Lake County.

Indians organization. The former infielder was drafted by Cleveland in the 23 rd round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Missouri Western State University. A native of St. Joseph, Mo., Fink played in parts of three minor league seasons for the Indians from 2013-2015, reaching Single-A Lake County. Fink was the bench coach last season for Rookie-Level Mahoning Valley.

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Meet southpaw

Southpaw was adopted as the team’s mascot from the Lynchburg Humane Society on January 9, 2017. The bright-colored cat with a big smile & youthful energy has already become a well-known entity with both kids and adults around Lynchburg. Sporting a backward cap and oversized sneakers, Southpaw has made numerous appearances at community and charity events in addition to visiting more than 40 local schools as part of the Hillcats "Hit The Books" reading program. Southpaw can be seen entertaining the crowd and distracting the opponent with his crazy antics.

Full Name: Southpaw Gender: Male Height: 5’10” Birthday: 8/24/2016 Resides: City Stadium

Adopted from the Lynchburg Humane Society on 1/9/17!

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In 2017, the Hillcats partnered with local youth sports leagues in the area to provide community events and fundraisers that were both financially beneficial to the Little Leagues, and a fun night out at the ballpark for players, coaches, parents, and friends alike. Each league picked a Hillcats game to be their “League Night.” The leagues all pre-sold tickets to their selected league night game and received a kickback from each ticket they sold. Players and coaches also participated in an on-field pre-game parade, where each team was recognized over the public-address system. Top selling individuals in each league had the opportunity to throw out first pitches before the game and the top selling team for each league as a collective got to participate in a field of dreams ceremony. As part of the youth sports league fundraising night program, Southpaw and the Hill- cats went to numerous youth league opening and closing ceremonies to promote the league nights and to expand community outreach. Youth Sports Fundraisers HAVE GREAT SUC CESS The Hillcats look to expand this program in 2018, working with several new area programs, in addition to ones from last season including: - April 28 th : Nelson County Dixie Youth Night - May 4 th : Goode Recreation Association Night - May 5 th : Lynchburg Little League Night - May 18 th : Madison Heights Dixie Youth Night - June 16 th : Forest Youth Athletic Association Night

- May 20 th : Appomattox Dixie Youth Day - June 9 th : Timberlake Dixie Youth Night

You can contact your local league or the Hillcats (mrettig@lyncburg-hillcats.com) to buy a special pre-sale only ticket to have a portion of the funds benefit your selected league. To sign up your league, please contact mrettig@lynchburg- hillcats.com for more information.

An unlikely twist allows Hillcats SS to be in familiar territory THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Lynchburg, Va. - Minor League Base- ball is comprised of 256 cities through- out the world. For most players, these cities are unchartered waters, and often small markets that are a considerable distance from major metropolitan areas, with not much going on. For Hillcats shortstop Ernie Clement, that standard was squashed on June 23, when he was promoted to the Lynchburg Hillcats from Single-A Lake County. Clement is no stranger to Central Virginia. He played his college ball a little over an hour up the road in nearby Charlottesville, for the University of Virginia. He admits, though, that the Hillcats were a team he knew nothing about. “I knew there was a professional team around where we played Liberty, so I knew they [the Hillcats] were there as a team but I really didn’t know much about them,” Clement said. “Once I joined Cleveland’s organization, I did know that Lynchburg was the only team outside of Ohio in the minors, so I was looking forward to getting back to the state of Virginia.” a star infielder for the Cavaliers. He started 61 games as a true freshman, helping lead the school to a College Baseball Championship in 2015. The Rochester, N.Y. native collected go- ahead hits in three of UVa’s 10 NCAA tournament wins that season. Over his three-year career with the Cavs, Clement finished with 745 at-bats, the While at UVa, Clement was

11th-most in school history. However, he never expected to end up in Virginia in the first place. “I was thinking about going the com- munity college route because I didn’t have any major division I offers coming out of high school,” Clement said. “The summer before my senior season I did a tournament down in Virginia and I guess I happened to do pretty well. The UVa coach was there and they had a guy back out at the last minute so they offered me a scholarship. I was at the right place at the right time, a little luck was involved, but I think it was meant to be.” Prior to UVa, Clement received offers from only Niagra and Radford. If he was going to go the Division I route, he knew it would have to be a really good academic school that had a well-regard- ed, established baseball program. The Cavaliers fit the bill. “It was amazing. I learned how to win there, said Clement. “It takes a lot. You have to really pay attention to the details, and that’s one of the biggest things in professional baseball. You have to hone in on team wins.” Clement said his experience Charlot- tesville helped prepare him for the big moment. “If you can treat everyday as if you’re on that big stage, once you get there it’s going to be normal and you can just go out and have fun.” the details. If you do that, it’ll help you be a team guy and have team at-bats and help get your

I was looking forward to getting back to the state of Virginia

During his sophomore season, Clement played in all 60 games and was named Third-Team All-ACC. He ranked 16th in the nation in hits, and decided to test the waters among the best of the best in college baseball by spending the following summer in the prestigious Cape Cod League. Over the years, many UVa players have played for the Harwich Mariners, and Clement fol- lowed suit. He would go on to win the Cape Cod League MVP in 2016, leading the league in batting average (.353) hits (59) and stolen bases (19) in just 40 games. “That was one of the best summers of my life, Clement said. “I had so much fun and learned a ton.” That summer helped cement Clement’s status as a pro prospect. During his junior season for the Cavs, Clement hit .315 with two home runs and 34 RBi. He was a 2017 Preseason All-American and ranked as the tough- est to strike out in the nation (36.3 AB/K; seven strikeouts in 254 AB). In June of 2017, Clement was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 4th Round of the MLB Draft. It was then, that it became a matter of when, not if, he would return to Central Virginia.

Clement began his professional career last season with Short-Season Mahon- ing Valley. He batted .280 with 14 RBI in 45 games for the Scrappers. In 2018, he hit .267 with a home run and 16 RBI in 54 games before his promotion. “It’s crazy, it’s good to be back,” Clement said. “I didn’t expect to be called up so fast, it kind of caught me off guard, but it’s been really cool and awesome to see all the UVa fans that came out to my first few games in Lynchburg.” The well wishes and excitement in- stantly sunk in. “My hitting coach at UVa, Kevin Mc- Mullan, texted me congratulations. I still have a bunch of friends who are in Charlottesville, so hopefully I can see them soon.” July 17, the Hillcats next off day, can not come soon enough. Just 70 miles away from the place that put him on the map and helped mold him into the player and person he is today, Ernie Clement is back home.

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Upcoming Promotions

D’NX Motors Night On Saturday, July 21st, the Hillcats, in conjunction with their partners D’NX Motor Sales, are partnering to give one lucky fan in attendance the keys to their own used car. The used car giveaway will take place during the game on 7/21, with gates opening at 5 pm and first pitch scheduled for 6 pm. There will also be a postgame Sparkling Saturday Fireworks Show presented by D’NX Motors. To enter and be eligible to win the used car, fans must be 18 years of age or older, have a valid driver’s license and be in attendance at the game to enter. Fans will have to fill out an entry form upon en- tering the stadium to enter the contest. A fan will be selected at random via a special raffle ticket handed out at a table inside the stadium. The winner will be selected after the game ends that night and before the fireworks extravaganza begins. On Friday, August 10th, City Stadium will make some Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes to become a tropi- cal destination for Margaritaville Night with the Hillcats presented by High Peak Sportswear. The Hillcats will welcome a pre-game performance by renowned Jimmy Buffett cover band, the Sandbar Band. Live music begins and gates open at a special time of 5:00 PM. Of course, there will also be numerous food and adult beverage specials for all the parrotheads of Lynchburg (yes, including your Cheeseburgers In Lynch- burg Hillcat Paradise and Margaritas). In addition, the Hillcats have Presents to Send You if you are one of the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a Hillcats Hawaiian T-shirt. The t-shirt giveaway is presented by proud partners High Peak Sportswear. Margaritaville Night The car D’NX and the Hillcats are giving away is a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu LT. You

can follow the link here for more informa- tion and pictures of the giveaway car. Located on Timberlake Road, it is D’NX Motor Sales’ passion to offer the best quality vehicles Call (434) 237-2500 or visit dnxmotorsales.com for more infor- mation about their inventory. You can purchase tickets for the July 21st game now by clicking here.

The Hillcats and D’NX Motors hope to see you at the ballpark on July 21st at 5:00 PM.

We would certainly Miss You So Badly if you did not attend, so be sure to get down to the stadium early to receive your giveaway t-shirt and enjoy live music and your own tropical oasis without having to leave the city. Tickets for Friday, August 10th are on sale now by clicking here.

You’re Killing Me Smalls Night

Let’s-A-Go! Mario Kart Night is rac- ing back to Lynchburg City Stadium by popular demand on Friday, August 17th at 5:30 pm. Enter your favorite Lynchburg race circuit and meet Mario characters galore, but watch out for banana peels! The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a Triston McKenzie, Luigi themed bobblehead presented by Pepsi. This will also be the fourth and final in the Hillcats’ and Pepsi’s 2018 bobblehead LOVE sign giveaway series, so be sure to get to the stadium early to complete your collection. Gates will open at 5:30 pm, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 pm. Triston McKenzie was a 2017 fan favorite and outstanding Hillcats alumni. At just 19 years old, McK- enzie racked up more than 180 strikeouts in 25 starts. Triston is currently the Cleve- Mario Kart Night will be on sale during the game in the Hillcats’ team store, the Catty Shack. Jersey quantities are limited, so be sure to get here early to snag one before the beast does. On Friday, July 20th the Lynchburg Hillcats will welcome fans to attend a one-of-a-kind celebration of, arguably, the greatest baseball movie of all time. The Sandlot movie celebrates it’s 25th anniversary at the stadium Hillcats style, with a special bobblehead giveaway to the first 1,000 fans in attendance on 7/20 presented by Pepsi. Gates will open at 5:30 pm, but fans will want to get here early for this Hillcats alumni and 2017 World Series Champion Evan Gattis, Sandlot themed bobble- head. This bobblehead is not only an instant collector’s item, but also the 3rd of 4 in the Hillcats and Pepsi’s LOVE sign bobblehead giveaway series. The Hillcats will also be selling a limited run of their Sandlot Jerseys, which were worn during Sandlot Sunday home games in the first half of the season. The jerseys

Tickets are on sale now for Friday, July 20th at 5:30 pm by clicking here and, “Re- member kid, there’s heroes and there’s legends: Heroes get remembered, but legends never die. Follow your heart kid, and you can never go wrong.”

land Indians #2 overall prospect and the #21 overall prospect in all of baseball. Tickets are on sale now for the Friday, Au- gust 17th game. You can purchase tickets by clicking the link here.