T-L Photo/MIRANDA SEBROSKI Randy Greenwood, Amy Gresak and Stacy Tetley with Unified Bank donate $4,250 for Martins Ferry Civics and Fodor Field. Civics players Leo Zambori, Derek Lucas, Colton Reese, Dylan Pielech, Gavin Reese, Taylin Pryor and Kenzley Jozwiak benefit from this donation for the field they play on.

Unified Bank is continuing its support of Fodor Field and Martins Ferry Civics.

The bank has given a donation of $4,250.

“We are pleased to assist the Civics organization within our home-town city,” said Randy Greenwood, Unified Bank executive vice president chief financial and risk officer. “Once again, we are making a very substantial donation as an investment in and for the betterment of our community.”

Opening day for the 2018 Martins Ferry Civics baseball season is set for Saturday at Fodor Field. A day of activities will start at 9:30 a.m. with a team line-up and national anthem. Unified Bank’s Stacy Tetley will throw out the first pitch. Team and league sponsors will be recognized and the players will enjoy rides through town on the city fire trucks. After the recognition, teams will be grouped to play one-inning exhibition games. Unified Bank will assist with the concession stand that will provide hotdogs, chips and soda for the players and coaches.

“Unified Bank has a vision to improve the lives of people and the communities that it serves,” said Scott Everson, Unified Bank president and CEO. “Continuing our sponsorship with the Martins Ferry Civics and supporting the youth within our community helps fulfill this vision and it is very gratifying for our company. We hope that all of the players and teams, both from within our city and those visiting, have a wonderful season and enjoy competing at such a fine community ball park as Fodor Field.”

Unified Bank also sponsors the Home Run Challenge for Martins Ferry players during the season. When a Martins Ferry player gets a home run and hits one of four Unified Bank signs along the fence, the bank will make a $100 donation to civics. If a player gets a home run without hitting a sign, the bank will donate $25. As a part of the Unified Bank’s rebranding efforts, the signs at Fodor Field have been updated.

If there are no home runs made in any month during the season, the bank will still donate $100 for that month. Any player hitting a home run will receive a pin to put on his or her cap, and they will be placed in the Home Run Club.

“The home run challenge is a great way to recognize the players for their accomplishments and also help the civics benefit the kids,” said Everson. “It’s a winning combination for everyone!”