Hartford Yard Goats named winner of “Driving Diversity Award” from Minor League Baseball

The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, was named winner of the “2025 Driving Diversity Award” by Minor League Baseball (MiLB). The announcement was made today at the Minor League Baseball Business Summit in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Yard Goats were selected among the 120 full-season affiliated teams across the U.S. and Canada across four levels: Triple-A, Double-A, High-A, and Single-A, and nominees from each league were selected by their peers. The “Driving Diversity Award” recognizes a club that demonstrates a concerted effort to welcome fans of all backgrounds to their ballpark through a variety of programming intended to reach minority groups in their community.

Showcasing featured groups like the Yard Goats Young Ambassador Program for high school-aged youths, the annual Black Business Expos, and the Bank of America Black-Owned Small Business Booth, the Yard Goats continued their commitment to ensuring that Dunkin’ Park is for everyone.

The Yard Goats also host a variety of afterschool programs, such as Youth Theater, Vocational Training, and Dance Enrichment, that bring the community into the ballpark in meaningful ways. Additionally, the Community Drumline Performance welcomes local drumlines to showcase their talents at games throughout the season.

“We are incredibly proud to be the recipient of the Driving Diversity Award from Minor League Baseball,” Yard Goats owner Josh Solomon said. “Ensuring our ballpark is home to all fans is our number one priority.”

The Yard Goats’ annual Celebration of the Negro Leagues and HBCU Games offer meaningful opportunities to honor and share powerful stories of history, diversity, and culture. This dedication to inclusion extends beyond the ballpark and into the community, symbolized by a newly erected sign featuring a quote from the late Congressman John Lewis: “We are one people, one family, the human family, and what affects one of us affects us all.”

Discover our Vintage Merritt Parkway & Wilbur Cross Parkway merch—tees, hoodies, totes, mugs, and more. Free USA shipping!

In addition to the several community programs at Dunkin’ Park, the Yard Goats continued their tradition of playing a game as The Hartford Schoolboys, an alternate identity created as a tribute to the Negro Leagues, which honors Johnny “Schoolboy” Taylor, a Hartford native, who was a Negro League All-Star. Beyond that, the Yard Goats continued hosting the Black Business Expo, which gives opportunities for minority owned small businesses to get exposure from local leaders and experts. At every home game in 2025, the Yard Goats welcomed minority-owned small businesses to showcase their products and services to fans of all ages.

The Yard Goats have also continued their tradition to play some games as Chivos de Hartford with a strong focus on specific communities such as Puerto Rico, Cuba, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Colombia and others. The Yard Goats hold a clinic for children in the Latino community in partnership with the Roberto Clemente Foundation. All Yard Goats home games are broadcast in Spanish on Dinamica Radio.

The Yard Goats have introduced Heritage Games at Dunkin’ Park where fans have the opportunity to celebrate unique culture. Jewish Heritage Night, Italian Heritage Night, Irish Night, and Portuguese Heritage Night are enhanced by performances and food to celebrate. The Yard Goats also hold two Pride Nights, Women in Sports Night, and Autism Awareness Night.

The Yard Goats open the 2026 season on Thursday, April 2nd against the Baltimore Orioles affiliate, the Chesapeake Baysox. Season tickets are now on sale on the website,yardgoatsbaseball.com. Individual tickets and promotions will be announced at a later date.

Share your Hartford Yard Goats experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here for Hartford Yard Goats’ home schedule
Click here for the latest Hartford Yard Goats news
Click here for the latest news in Hartford
Click here for the upcoming events in Hartford
Click here for the latest news in Hartford County
Click here for upcoming events in Hartford County

Click here for Hartford Merch
#theartfordlife • 860 Hartford • I Clover Hartford • I’d rather be in Hartford • I Really Really Miss Hartford • Just a kid from Hartford • Hartord Coordinates

Hartford t shirts • Hartford hoodies • Hartford sweatshirts • Mugs • Stickers • Blankets

Click here for Hartford County Merch

Don’t miss

• Rob Zombie debuts first-ever art exhibition at Morrison Gallery in Kent
• Learn to cook this fall with AMG Catering & Events
• Sip, Stroll, and Savor: Downtown Milford’s 16th annual Wine Trail returns Oct. 11

••••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

October events at Fairfield Theatre Company

October is packed with live entertainment at Fairfield Theatre Company and beyond, bringing a mix of music, theater, and seasonal celebrations. From legendary performers and fresh new voices to fundraisers, family shows, and Halloween favorites, there’s something for everyone this month. Whether you’re catching an intimate concert, rocking out with a high-energy band, or getting into the spooky spirit, these upcoming events showcase some of the best performances and community gatherings of the season.

October 2025 calendar of events
October 7 – Rachael Yamagata
October 8- James Montgomery Band with Sean Chambers & The Savoy Brown Rhythm Section
October 9 – 2025 Rise & Bloom Fashion Fundraiser
October 10 – The Amish Outlaws
October 10 – Leo Kottke
October 11 – Roomful of Blues
October 15 – Julie Foldesi & Dan Carlucci
October 17 – Black Rock Theatre Presents The Addams Family
October 18 – Black Rock Theatre Presents The Addams Family
October 18 – Monster Mash
October 19 – Black Rock Theatre Presents The Addams Family
October 21 – Pokey Lafarge
October 22 – Clay Street Unit
October 23 – Sam Grisman Project
October 24 – Sicard Hallow
October 24 – The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary
October 25 – Ashes & Arrows
October 30 – Thriller Thursday

Click here for more information & order tickets.

Learn to cook this fall with AMG Catering

AMG Catering and Events in Wilton, Connecticut, is offering a fall series of cooking classes designed to celebrate seasonal flavors and global cuisine. Each class combines hands-on instruction with perfectly paired beverages, from wine and beer to creative cocktails, as participants learn to prepare a variety of savory and sweet dishes. From autumn-inspired comfort foods to festive holiday treats, these classes provide an interactive, fun experience for home cooks of all skill levels. Join AMG this fall to sharpen your culinary skills, explore new flavors, and enjoy delicious meals in a vibrant, social setting. Click here for more information.

Hartford Wolf Pack October Home Games

The Hartford Wolf Pack kick off their home schedule on Friday, October 17, 2025, against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at PeoplesBank Arena. Additional October home matchups include games against the Springfield Thunderbirds and the Bridgeport Islanders. Five of the team’s eight games this month will be played on home ice, giving fans plenty of chances to catch the action in Hartford.

10/17 – Wilkes-Barre Penguins vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
10/22 – Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
10/24 – Bridgeport Islanders vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
10/29 – Charlotte Checkers vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
10/31 – Lehigh Valley Phantoms vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets

Connecticut Merch

Celebrate Connecticut nostalgia with our Vintage Merritt Parkway and Wilbur Cross Parkway collection! Honoring the classic exit numbers, these designs pay tribute to the iconic parkways that connect communities across the state. Explore a variety of items including T-shirts, hoodies, crewnecks, mugs, tote bags, decorative pillows, and blankets, all with free shipping. Perfect for Connecticut residents, collectors, and road trip lovers who want to showcase their state pride. Each piece captures a timeless piece of local history while adding style to your wardrobe or home.

Vintage Merritt Parkway Exits
Exit 27 • Exit 28 • Exit 29 • Exit 31 • Exit 33 • Exit 34 • Exit 35 • Exit 36 • Exit 37 • Exit 38 • Exit 39 • Exit 40 • Exit 41 • Exit 42 • Exit 44 • Exit 46 • Exit 47 • Exit 48 • Exit 49 • Exit 50 • Exit 51 • Exit 52 • Exit 53 • Exit 54

Vintage Wilbur Cross Parkway
Exit 55 • Exit 55B • Exit 56 • Exit 57 • Exit 58 • Exit 59 • Exit 60 • Exit 61 • Exit 62 • Exit 63 • Exit 64 • Exit 65 • Exit 66• Exit 67 • Exit 68N-E • Exit 68W

Your ad here

The Message Center on Finding Connecticut appears on every post across the site, giving your message maximum exposure to a statewide audience. Whether you’re promoting an event, business, product, or service, your message will be seen by thousands of engaged readers exploring Connecticut content every day. Placement runs monthly, making it an ideal option for consistent visibility without the need for daily management. With prominent positioning and a streamlined setup process, the Message Center offers an affordable, effective way to get your message in front of locals—right where they’re already paying attention. Reserve your spot today to get noticed. Click here for more information on Message Center ads. Click here for more advertising opportunities.

Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater

Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us!

Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.

Stay connected with us on social media

Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Don’t miss our reviews

Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews

Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events

Foxwoods celebrates November with All Star Sumo, John Legend & a season like no other

ICYMI: Our top 5 visited stories of the week

Hartford Yard Goats named winner of “Driving Diversity Award” from Minor League Baseball