During the recent home stand, several Saltdogs players and coaches took time to engage with the Lincoln community at local libraries where they read to the youth and signed autographs.
Library readings took place at the Salvation Army, Crete Public Library, Bess D. Walt Library and the South Branch Library.
“It’s just a fun thing to do, some of the kids don’t get to come out to games, so when we come read to them they’re pretty happy to see us,” Pitcher Tommy Palica said. “It’s a good thing to encourage them to start reading instead of playing video games and things like that. It’s just an overall fun experience and the kids always seem to get a kick out of it.”
Manager Chris Miyake said “I think it’s great just to be able to associate with our fans. It’s all about giving back, especially in a town like Lincoln that’s a real family-oriented town. So, for us, it’s just a little way that we can do something for the community. Reading a story to kids is always a lot of fun, and to get the responses and smiles from the kids is what makes it special for us.”
The ‘Dog’s players and coaches hope that their platform can be used to encourage youth to stay active and keep reading. They visit dozens of Lincoln-area libraries each year.