The Butler BlueSox' Buck-A-Hit campaign will benefit the YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign this season. On hand for the recent announcement were, from rear left, YMCA Sport and Family Director Jamie Knauff, Development Director Lisa Connelly, Butler Blue Sox Mascot, Blue Sox General Manager Matt Cunningham, and co owner William “Wink” Robinson with Wyatt, age 5, and Mackenna Loch, age 7.Tye Cypher/Special to the Eagle

The Butler BlueSox have announced the return of the organization’s Buck-A-Hit program for the 2013 season.

The Prospect League baseball team joined forces with BWP Bats and Dr. Michael Crawford, a local podiatrist, in contributing one dollar toward the Community Health Clinic for every BlueSox hit last year.

“We switched bat companies last year and in conjunction with them, came up with this program to give back to the community that supports us so well,” said William “Wink” Robinson, one of the team’s five co-owners.

The BlueSox collected a team-record 609 hits in 2012. BWP Bats, the BlueSox and Dr. Crawford contributed a dollar for each hit, meaning the Community Health Clinic received $1,827.

This year’s Buck-A-Hit beneficiary will be the Butler County YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign. That program provides funding for local families and children who otherwise could not afford the YMCA’s services and programs.

The Strong Kids Campaign benefited 11,609 recipients over the past five years, the Y giving away $1,666,987 worth of financial assistance for memberships and programs during that time.

The campaign benefited 2,240 individuals last year at a cost of $359,892.

“Through fund-raising, our goal is to cover 70 percent of that,” Lisa Connelly, Development Director of the YMCA, said. “We’re at $175,000 now and this (Buck-A-Hit) program will bring us closer to that goal.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of this.”

One of the BlueSox owners selected the YMCA as this year’s beneficiary. Another member of the ownership group will select next year’s beneficiary.

“We’ll rotate which one of us makes the choice every year,” Robinson said.

The four other BlueSox owners are Ray Conlon, Matt Clement, Mike Fiorina and Gordon Marburger.

BlueSox general manager Matt Cunningham handles publicity for the Buck-A-Hit program and will keep track of the running total of hits and contributions on the team’s website.

“It’s great to see the team being involved in the community,” Cunningham said. “We couldn’t survive without the support we get from local businesses, organizations and the community.

“Helping people in this area through a joint effort with others ... We want to do that.”

Other area businesses are welcome to join the BlueSox’ Buck-A-Hit program. Anyone may assist this year’s program by contacting Connelly at 724-287-4733.

“The more businesses that climb on board, the better it is for everybody,” Robinson said.

The BlueSox open the 2013 season Tuesday. hosting Chillicothe at 6:35 p.m. at Pullman Park.