FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 22, 2013

Courtesy of Franklin Pierce Athletics Communications

RINDGE, N.H. – The Franklin Pierce University baseball team met its newest member last week, as the team began its relationship with seven-year-old Domanik of Winchester, N.H. Domanik comes to the team through Team IMPACT, which works to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening illnesses. He will have the opportunity to join the Ravens at events throughout the 2013-14 season. 

Part of Domanik’s day with the Ravens included a contract signing as part of Team IMPACT’s “Draft Day” process. Along with signing a National Letter of Intent, Draft Day outlines the relationship between the draftee and the team and served to welcome Domanik to the Ravens baseball family. Domanik lists his favorite foods as pizza and strawberries, and head coach Jayson King made sure plenty of both were on hand at Dr. Arthur and Martha Pappas Field for the afternoon, and Rocky the Raven stopped by for the festivities as well.

The defending NCAA East Regional champion Ravens had a bat distributor at practice last Wednesday, as they continue preparations for their defense of the East Region title in 2014. This proved fortuitous for young Domanik, as the team was able to present him with a brand-new wooden bat -- signed by all of his new friends -- along with a selection of Franklin Pierce baseball gear. After the Draft Day proceedings and presentations, the Ravens got to work for the afternoon, and Domanik was able to watch batting practice and interact with his new teammates next the batting cage.

Through his family, Domanik has announced how excited he is to come back to Rindge as soon as possible. The Ravens will have a spot waiting for him at Pappas Field when he does. 

Team Impact is a non-profit organization chartered to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening illnesses. Core to its model is harnessing the power of teamwork by matching courageous kids with collegiate athletic teams. Team Impact children are drafted onto local college teams and, to the greatest extent possible, become an official member of the team for the duration of their treatment and beyond. For more information, visit http://goteamimpact.org/. 

The Ravens wrapped up their fall season later last week with Scout Day, and will open defense of the East Region crown with a four-day trip to The Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, S.C. on Feb. 20-23, 2014. The team’s home opener is currently scheduled for April 1 against Southern New Hampshire University at 3:30 p.m.