The Lincoln Saltdogs are honored to accept the Nebraska Stroke Advisory Council’s 2008 Community Service Award for outstanding service and dedication.  The council recognized the Saltdogs’ contribution to the “Strike Out Stroke” campaign, which raised funds for the Nebraska State Stroke Association.

“It’s always an honor to be recognized for doing something good in the community,” said Saltdogs assistant general manager Bret Beer.  “Still, this wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of our sponsors in this promotion.  Bryan LGH, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital and Saint Elizabeth’s Regional Medical Center all stepped up to the plate to make this a success.”

The “Strike Out Stroke” campaign revolved around the number of strikeouts recorded by Lincoln Saltdogs pitchers at Haymarket Park during the 2008 season.  For every home strikeout, Bryan LGH, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital and Saint Elizabeth’s Regional Medical Center each made a donation to the Nebraska State Stroke Association.  Lincoln pitchers record 315 strikeouts at Haymarket Park last season, and a total of $4,725 was donated to the Nebraska State Stroke Association.

Now entering its 13th year, the “Strike Out Stroke” campaign seeks to educate the public about the risk factors and early warning signs of a stroke.  When a person suffers a stroke, the faster he or she gets medical help, the better the odds that the person can make a complete recovery.  Since 2004, the Nebraska State Stroke Association and the Nebraska Cardiovascular Health Program have partnered with baseball organizations throughout the state to get the message out about stroke awareness.

For more information on the “Strike Out Stroke” campaign, and the organizations involved in this effort, please visit the following websites:

http://www.strikeoutstroke.org/ -- “Strike Out Stroke” website

http://www.nebraskastroke.org/ -- Nebraska State Stroke Association

http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/cvh/ -- Nebraska Cardiovascular Health Program

https://www.bryanlgh.org/ -- Bryan LGH Health System

http://www.madonna.org/ -- Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital

http://www.saintelizabethonline.com/ -- Saint Elizabeth’s Regional Medical Center

The 2009 Lincoln Saltdogs season begins on May 14 in Wichita, with the home opener scheduled for May 22 against Fort Worth. For more team and ticket information, go to www.saltdogs.com.