Flying Squirrels win MiLB CommUNITY Champion Award

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels have been named the recipient of the 2022 Minor League Baseball CommUNITY Champion Award, MiLB announced on Sunday night.

The CommUNITY Champion Award recognizes a Club that demonstrates an outstanding, ongoing commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and the baseball industry. The award was presented during the Opening Night Reception and Awards Program of the Baseball Winter Meetings at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.

“Making an impact in the community is a pillar of our organization,” Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “We strive to be a valuable community partner and aim to use our platform to make positive impacts in the Richmond region. We are grateful for this recognition from Minor League Baseball and for our community.”

In 2022, Flying Squirrels Charities expanded its areas of focus in an effort to fully encompass all the ways the Flying Squirrels impact the greater Richmond community. The newly rebranded Flying Squirrels Charities focuses on four pillars: Education, Athletics, Social Determinants and Inclusion. Flying Squirrels Charities raises funds through a number of avenues including in-stadium initiatives during the season and events around the region all year.

With Flying Squirrels Charities this year, the team has partnered to support local organizations including Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Richmond, Friendship Circle of Virginia (FCVA), Metropolitan Junior Baseball League (MJBL), Fox Elementary School and more.

The Flying Squirrels are visible in the greater Richmond community well beyond the baseball months. Mascots Nutzy and Nutasha have made more than 400 community appearances this year around the Commonwealth of Virginia. Additionally, Flying Squirrels front office staff, players and coaches have volunteered this year with organizations and events including children’s hospitals, Miracle Leagues, Feed More, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Salvation Army and others.

The Flying Squirrels continue to promote educational causes in schools around the Richmond region, including the “Go Nuts for Reading Program,” which challenges elementary and middle school students to read eight books over a two-month span to receive a free ticket to a Flying Squirrels game. This year, more than 10,000 students from 68 participating schools completed the challenge.

The Flying Squirrels launched their Executive Trainee Program, offering opportunities to students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities the opportunity to gain hands-on, professional experience working in various capacities with the team. The program is designed to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce with the goal of elevating more minorities into leadership positions throughout the professional baseball industry.

Through these and many other initiatives, the Flying Squirrels aim to make Richmond a better, more inclusive place, while simultaneously helping grow the game of baseball.

The Flying Squirrels open the 2023 season on Friday, April 7 at The Diamond against the Reading Fightin Phils. Ticket packages for the 2023 season are available now at SquirrelsBaseball.com.

Hall of Famer Andre Dawson headlining Flying Squirrels’ Hot Stove

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

RICHMOND, Va. – Hall of Fame outfielder Andre Dawson will headline the Richmond Flying Squirrels’ 2022 Charity Hot Stove presented by Performance Foodservice on Thursday, November 10 at the Altria Theater, the team announced on Thursday.

The annual Hot Stove raises funds for the initiatives of Flying Squirrels Charities, which focuses on education, athletics, inclusion and social determinants. Tickets and sponsorship packages are available now here.

“We are thrilled to be back in person for our Hot Stove fundraiser, benefitting the great community work of Flying Squirrels Charities,” Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “We very much look forward to an entertaining program at the beautiful Altria Theater featuring our first Baseball Hall of Fame guest, Andre Dawson.”

For the first time, the Flying Squirrels’ Hot Stove will be held at the historic Altria Theater. The main program will take place on the stage from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Doors will open for attendees with stage tickets at 6:30 p.m. Stage tickets are on sale now for $25.

Attendees with ballroom and VIP tickets will be able to enter beginning at 5 p.m. for hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live music with DJ Ron, an autograph session, silent auction items, a 360° photobooth and more. Ballroom tickets are on sale now for $100.

The program will feature special conversations with Dawson, Virginia native and Texas Rangers interim manager Tony Beasley, Flying Squirrels manager Dennis Pelfrey and Flying Squirrels outfielder Jacob Heyward. More guests, including the winner of the Paul Keyes RBI Award, will be announced at a later date.

Dawson played 21 major league seasons for the Montreal Expos, Chicago Cubs, Florida Marlins and Boston Red Sox from 1976-1996. During his career, he was named an All-Star eight times, won eight Gold Glove Awards, was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1977 and was named the National League MVP in 1987. He was inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010.

Tickets and more information are available online here, by phone at 804-359-3866 (FUNN) or in person at the Flying Squirrels’ offices.

Flying Squirrels hosting annual ‘Squirrel-O-Ween’ on Oct. 28

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels will host “Squirrel-O-Ween,” an annual Halloween celebration, at The Diamond on Friday, Oct. 28, the team announced on Friday.

The annual event will include free trick-or-treating along the concourse at The Diamond and will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Squirrel-O-Ween provides a safe and funn environment for children to trick-or-treat through the stadium. There will also be hayrides around the warning track of The Diamond’s playing surface.

Everyone is encouraged to come out dressed up for a chance to win prizes in a Halloween costume contest. The Flying Squirrels have also teamed up with Woofy Wellness Ranch for a dog Halloween costume contest with K9 prizes for the winners.

Nutzy and Nutasha will be on hand to take pictures with fans.

Free parking is available in the lots at The Diamond.

The Flying Squirrels open the 2023 season at The Diamond on Friday, April 6, 2023. To stay up to date with the Flying Squirrels during the non-baseball season, visit SquirrelsBaseball.com.

Flying Squirrels, Richmond Raceway to host 8th annual Turn Left Golf Classic

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels and Richmond Raceway on Monday announced the return of the 8th Annual Turn Left Golf Classic presented by Cranemasters on Monday, Oct. 24 at Independence Golf Club.

The Turn Left Golf Classic was created in 2014 to benefit Flying Squirrels Charities and Richmond Raceway Cares, two 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The tournament returns to Independence Golf Club for the first time since 2018.

“We look forward to another memory-making Turn Left Golf Classic presented by Cranemasters in conjunction with our friends at Richmond Raceway,” Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “This event has raised valuable funds throughout the years to benefit the excellent community work of Flying Squirrels Charities and Richmond Raceway Cares. We look forward to another festive event that will benefit our community for years to come.”

The Turn Left Golf Classic is a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Prizes will be allotted to the top foursome and a post-event lunch is included with the registration price. Sponsorship opportunities and foursome spots are available at nascarfoundation.com/turnleftclassic. A ticket to the Richmond Flying Squirrels game on Sunday, Oct. 23 will be included with each registration.

“When Richmond Raceway and the Richmond Flying Squirrels get together, you know it is going to be a memorable event in the community,” Richmond Raceway President Lori Collier Waran said. “The Turn Left Golf Classic will once again be an exciting event that brings RVA together to benefit our community.”

“We’re very excited and honored to be partnering with Richmond Raceway and the Richmond Flying Squirrels,” said Giff Breed, President, Pros, Incorporated. “I’m sure we’ll have the greens running as fast as a straightaway on the backstretch at Richmond Raceway.”

Squirrels offering free tickets for Veterans, military this weekend

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels are offering two free tickets for Veterans, active-duty military, Guard and Reserve members for their games on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29, the team announced on Friday afternoon.

Active-duty military, Guard members, Reserve members and Veterans can show their IDs at the Flying Squirrels box office to receive two free general admission tickets for the team’s games against the Hartford Yard Goats on Saturday and Sunday at The Diamond.

The complimentary tickets are not available online and must be picked up at the Flying Squirrels ticket office at The Diamond.

“As we enter Memorial Day weekend, we want to take a moment to reflect and remember those who have given their lives in service to our country,” Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “We also want to celebrate our Veterans and active duty military at The Diamond as a small ‘thank you’ for all they do and have done.”

On Saturday, first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. and the gates at The Diamond open at 5 p.m. Following Saturday’s game, fans can enjoy In-Your-Face Fireworks launched up close and inside the fences presented by Breeze Airways.

On Sunday, first pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. and the ballpark gates open at 12:30 p.m. The first 1,000 kids 14 and under will go home with a Patriotic Youth Bucket Hat presented by Pepsi and Aquafina. Kids 14 and under are also invited to play catch on the field before the game from 12:45 p.m.-1:05 p.m. presented by Nesquik. Following the conclusion of the game on Sunday, kids 14 and younger can run the bases presented by Richmond Family Magazine.

For tickets or more information, visit SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, call 804-359-3866 or stop by the Flying Squirrels offices.

Flying Squirrels hosting 'Dinner on the Infield' on July 14

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels are hosting “Dinner on the Infield” at The Diamond on Thursday, July 14 with proceeds benefiting Flying Squirrels Charities.

The dinner, which runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 14, will take place on the stadium’s infield and will feature food served by Richmond staple, LUNCH.SUPPER!

Tickets for the event are on sale now with a special, discounted “early bird” rate for $50 each or $90 for a pair. Beginning June 21, tickets are $75 each or $125 for two. Tickets can be purchased here.

“This is another unique experience we are bringing outside of baseball,” Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “In a wonderfully food-centric city like Richmond, this dining experience on the infield of The Diamond will not only be memorable but raise funds for the important work of Flying Squirrels Charities.”

The event will include an open bar, food from LUNCH.SUPPER!, special entertainment, live music from the band Main Street Station, games and more. Vegan food options will be available.

Attire for the event is “Summer Cocktail.” High heels are not allowed on the field, but wedges are permitted.

Proceeds from the event benefit the missions of Flying Squirrels Charities, including the All-Star Legacy Scholarship and the Richmond 34 Scholarship.

Tickets can be purchased online here, by phone at 804-359-3866 or in person at the Flying Squirrels’ offices at The Diamond.

Flying Squirrels hosting four job fairs ahead of 2022 season

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels will host four job fairs in the coming weeks to fill part-time, game-day positions for the upcoming 2022 baseball season.

Positions are available in food & beverage, ticketing and other areas for the team’s home games from April through September. Information on the Flying Squirrels’ upcoming job fairs can be found here.

The job fairs will take place at The Diamond (3001 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23230) on the following dates:

  • Saturday, February 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Interested candidates can enter the stadium through the main gates next to Arthur Ashe Boulevard.

Available positions include:

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Concession Stand Managers

Cashiers

Food Runners

Bartenders

Line Cooks

Prep Cooks

Banquet Servers

Dishwashers

Fry Cooks

Vendors

Warehouse Runners

TICKETING

Ticket Sellers

OPERATIONS

Grounds Crew

Anyone interested in working with the Flying Squirrels can fill out the Candidate Information Form and return it to [email protected]. The Flying Squirrels’ 2022 game schedule can be found here.

Flying Squirrels named team captain of “The Nine,” a new Minor League Baseball initiative to celebrate, engage and welcome Black fans

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels have been named a team captain of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform launched by Minor League Baseball® (MiLB™) specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

The Flying Squirrels are one of five MiLB clubs selected as team captains for the national platform.

Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, The Nine will connect MiLB teams’ existing, Black-community focused development efforts with new national programming and future special events in a coordinated and centralized campaign. The new inclusion initiative follows MiLB’s Copa de la Diversión Latino fan engagement platform introduced in 2017 that included 76 MiLB teams in 2021.

“The Flying Squirrels are honored to be a captain of The Nine and will continue to utilize our platform to promote equality and change inspired by Jackie Robinson and others before us,” Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “We look forward to continuing and growing our initiatives with the Richmond 34 Legacy Campaign, the Career Advancement & Mentorship Program and Flying Squirrels Charities.”

The Nine will recognize and honor numerous Black pioneers and trailblazing civil rights leaders in all 120 MiLB communities, ensuring the heroes of the past and their contributions continue to be celebrated through ceremonies and events at MiLB ballparks and in the community. Recent tributes and celebrations have included Negro Leagues commemorative games honoring the Austin Black Senators in Round Rock (TX), the Bradenton (FL) Nine Devils, and Page Fence Giants near Lansing (MI). Additional tribute games are being planned for the 2022 season and beyond.

“The Nine will shine bright spotlights on these successful initiatives and transform them into national campaigns reaching more fans and communities, further showcasing our teams’ commitment to representing, honoring, and welcoming all fans to MiLB’s unique brand of fun,” said Kurt Hunzeker, MLB’s Vice President of Minor League Business Operations. “The Nine is just the latest example of MiLB teams being true community champions.”

In addition to player- and team-related content, The Nine will focus heavily on creating new opportunities for youth participation among young Black boys and girls, particularly in communities where youth baseball and softball programming is either nonexistent or difficult to access.

Central to this youth-focused push is a planned expansion of Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program throughout MiLB’s national footprint. New competitions in MLB’s Pitch, Hit & Run and Junior Home Run Derby event series will also debut in MiLB markets beginning in 2022.

MiLB teams will continue to build relationships with local Black-owned and operated businesses, local artists and entertainers in an effort to embrace Black culture and make MiLB ballparks a hub for culturally relevant concerts, shows, and community events.

With several MiLB teams having a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in their community, opportunities will be provided for those schools to start internship and mentorship programs with their local team, creating opportunities for on-the-job experience for students prior to entering the job market. Additionally, MiLB recently partnered with TeamWork Online to create a more inclusive virtual job fair and ongoing talent pipeline that aims to recruit and position qualified and ready-for-hire candidates from across the country for potential management- and executive-level roles within MiLB team front offices.

In 2021, the Flying Squirrels launched a series of initiatives to honor and recognize the Richmond 34, a group of 34 Virginia Union University students who were arrested following a peaceful sit-in protest at the whites-only lunch counter of Thalhimers Department Store in downtown Richmond on February 22, 1960. The Richmond 34 sit-in ultimately led to the integration of Thalhimers and influenced legislation in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Richmond 34 Legacy Campaign collaborates on educational and community outreach programs to tell the story of the Richmond 34.

Additionally, the Flying Squirrels’ Career Advancement & Mentorship Program, in partnership with Virginia State University and Virginia Union University, offers students at both institutions opportunities to gain professional experience working with the organization in various capacities. The program was designed to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce with the goal of elevating more minorities into leadership positions throughout the professional baseball industry.

Cross Timbers Roofing partners with Flying Squirrels to present Field of Dreams

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

RICHMOND, Va. – Cross Timbers Roofing has partnered with the Richmond Flying Squirrels and Flying Squirrels Charities to present the Field of Dreams program, the team announced on Friday.

The Field of Dreams program presented by Cross Timbers Roofing enables area youth leagues to join Flying Squirrels players on the field for the national anthem in 2021. In conjunction with Flying Squirrels Charities, Cross Timbers Roofing will be making a donation to each league that has a team participating in the program throughout the 2021 season.

VIDEO STATEMENT

“We are thrilled to partner with Cross Timers Roofing and celebrate with Chuck and Wendy for their 30th year of serving the roofing needs of the Richmond region,” Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “Youth leagues will reap the benefits of that celebration and Cross Timbers Roofing will continue to support and serve the youth baseball and softball leagues across the Richmond region.”

Anyone interested in participating in the Field of Dreams program can click here for more information.

“Cross Timbers Roofing is excited to partner with the Flying Squirrels for the 2021 baseball season,” Cross Timbers Roofing president Chuck Glady said. “It has been an honor to be a part of the Richmond community for 30 years, and we are excited to celebrate with this partnership. When we thought about how to celebrate our 30-year anniversary, we immediately thought of baseball. The Flying Squirrels are iconic in Richmond, and we knew they would have a great program that we could partner with to contribute to our community. We talked through a few options and landed on youth baseball.

“One of our missions at Cross Timbers Roofing is giving back to the community, and we feel like giving back to the kids is a wonderful way to build the future of this community.

The Richmond Flying Squirrels return home from June 29-July 4. Tickets are available online at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-3866 or in person at the Flying Squirrels offices.

Flying Squirrels, Richmond Raceway & Dominion Energy Charity Classic to host 7th Annual Turn Left Golf Classic presented by Cranemasters at the Country Club of Virginia on Oct. 25

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Richmond Raceway, Richmond Flying Squirrels, and the Dominion Energy Charity Classic announce the return of the 7th Annual Turn Left Golf Classic presented by Cranemasters on Monday, Oct. 25. The Country Club of Virginia James River Course will be the site of the event following the completion of the Dominion Energy Charity Classic on Oct. 21-24. Participants will play the PGA TOUR Champions tournament course in the same condition and with the same pin placements as the pros did on Sunday, Oct. 24 during the Charity Classic.

“The annual Turn Left Golf Classic is always a memorable day in RVA that brings three Richmond sports organizations together to support our community,” said Richmond President Dennis Bickmeier. “We are grateful to our partners and friends who support this event and have a positive impact on our community.”

In 2014, the Turn Left Golf Classic was created to benefit Flying Squirrels Charities and Richmond Raceway Cares, two 501 (c) 3 non-profit organizations. This will be the second year the event is held at The Country Club of Virginia James River Course on the day following the Dominion Energy Charity Classic. The 2020 Turn Left Golf Classic was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with our friends at Richmond Raceway and the Dominion Energy Charity Classic to benefit the greater Richmond region,” said Flying Squirrels CEO, Todd “Parney” Parnell. “The Country Club of Virginia James River Course is an elite golf course and a fabulous setting for this year’s charity event. We look forward to making new memories for a good cause that will have a positive impact in our community at the Turn Left Golf Classic.”

The Turn Left Golf Classic is a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Prizes will be allotted to the top three foursomes and a post-event dinner on the back lawn is included with the registration price. Early bird pricing is available when registering a foursome team, hole sponsor, or a foursome team and hole sponsor package. Special early bird pricing ends on Sept. 1. To register for the Turn Left Golf Classic, visit www.richmondraceway.com/events/tlgc.

“Helping to generate charitable contributions in the RVA community is at the heart of the Dominion Energy Charity Classic,” said Charity Classic Executive Director Steve Schoenfeld. “To help the Flying Squirrels and the Raceway in their efforts to host their golf tournament is a natural fit for us, so we are excited to team up with them again this year.”

The Dominion Energy Charity Classic at The Country Club of Virginia James River Course will be held on Oct. 21-24, where the top 72 PGA Tour Champions players will compete in the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs. To learn more about the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, visit deccgolf.com.

For more information on the 7th Annual Turn Left Golf Classic, visit richmondraceway.com/turnleft.

Flying Squirrels offer first responders complimentary tickets to game on June 13

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels will host First Responders Day, presented by the Brad Clark Memorial Fund, at The Diamond on Sunday, June 13.

Active-duty police, firefighters and EMS from the cities and counties throughout Central Virginia are eligible to receive two (2) complimentary General Admission tickets to the game against the Harrisburg Senators, based on availability. Eligible first responders simply need to show their ID or badge to receive the tickets. Advanced redemption is strongly encouraged.

Tickets can be picked up in advance at the Flying Squirrels offices or at the ticket booth on the day of the game

The last 15 months have been very traumatic, yet first responders have stood up to every challenge,” Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “Now it is our turn to honor them on June 13 and collectively, as a community, say ‘thank you.’”

The Brad Clark Memorial Fund was established in memory of Hanover County Fire Lt. Brad Clark, who was killed in the line of duty in 2018.

First pitch for the game is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. The ballpark gates open at noon. Kids 14 and younger can run the bases following the game presented by Richmond Family Magazine.

The Diamond has returned to full capacity and tickets are available for upcoming Flying Squirrels games at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-3866 or at the Flying Squirrels offices.

HELP WANTED: Flying Squirrels hosting job fair on Thursday

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels are hosting a job fair on Thursday at The Diamond to fill positions in food & beverage, retail and other areas for their home games at The Diamond throughout the spring and summer.

The job fair will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday at The Diamond (3001 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23230). Interested candidates can enter the stadium through the main gates next to Arthur Ashe Boulevard.

“We are off to a fantastic start to the 2021 season, but in order to serve the increased anticipated crowds as the summer goes on, we are in need of more part-time employees to help us make positive memories with our fan base,” Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “The Squirrels are a family and The Diamond is a unique, fun place to work. We hope that many folks will visit our job fair on Thursday and join the Squirrels family as we continue to help the community heal from the pandemic.”

Available positions include:

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Concession Stand Cashiers

Line Cooks

Cold Prep Cooks

Fry Cooks

Food Runners

Dishwashers

Stock Crew

HOSPITALITY

Banquet Servers/Suite Attendants

RETAIL

Daytime Retail Associates

TICKETING

Ticket Sellers

FIELD OPERATIONS

Grounds Crew

Anyone interested in working with the Flying Squirrels can fill out the Candidate Information Form and return it to [email protected]. The Flying Squirrels’ 2021 game schedule can be found here.

The Flying Squirrels return to The Diamond for their second homestand of the 2021 season from Tuesday, May 18 through Sunday, May 23. Tickets are available online at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-3866 or in person at the Flying Squirrels offices.

Flying Squirrels announce initiatives to honor Richmond 34

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels announced multiple new initiatives on Wednesday that the team will be implementing beginning in 2021 to celebrate the legacy of the Richmond 34.

The initiatives include:

  • Retirement of the No. 34 by the Flying Squirrels organization
  • Richmond 34 Legacy mural at The Diamond
  • Richmond 34 Legacy Weekend
  • Richmond 34 Legacy campaign
  • Career advancement & mentorship program for Virginia State University and Virginia Union University students

On February 22, 1960, 34 Virginia Union University students were arrested following a peaceful sit-in protest at the whites-only lunch counter of Thalhimers Department Store in downtown Richmond. The Richmond 34 sit-in ultimately led to the integration of Thalhimers and influenced legislation in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Flying Squirrels will be permanently retiring the No. 34 from on-field use to honor the Richmond 34’s legacy. It is the second number retired by the team, joining Jackie Robinson’s No. 42, which was retired by Major League Baseball in 1997.

“The Richmond 34 are heroes in the push for civil rights,” Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “We are more than thrilled to celebrate their legacy and tell their story to new generations, working hard together to positively affect our community twelve months a year.”

The Richmond 34 Legacy Mural, painted by Andre Shank, was dedicated at The Diamond. Shank is a Richmond-based painter and sculptor who originally painted the mural that wraps around the façade of The Diamond during the RVA Street Art Festival in 2017. The Richmond 34 Legacy mural is positioned on The Diamond’s upper façade directly behind home plate and stretches 100 feet wide and 20 feet tall. It will be visible to all fans who enter The Diamond gates as well as motorists passing by on Arthur Ashe Boulevard and south-bound travelers on Interstate 95.

The Flying Squirrels will host a two-day “Richmond 34 Legacy Weekend” event beginning in 2021 to celebrate the contributions of the Richmond 34 to the Civil Rights Movement as well as other local leaders both past and present who have made contributions in the push for social justice and racial equality. The event will include a T-shirt giveaway featuring an “End Racism” design, a collaborative work from Noah Scalin X The Cheats Movement.

“The Richmond Flying Squirrels are making a strong, clear stand that they are a great community partner committed to positive change,” Scalin said. “It’s so important that we recognize Richmond’s civil rights history as we build towards a better future and I’m proud that I can be a part of this initiative.”

“Noah Scalin and I are honored to be a part of such a historic weekend,” Marc Cheatham of The Cheats Movement said. “The fight for social justice and equality is ever ongoing. We believe community partners must be proactive in advocating for an inclusive and welcoming future. The Flying Squirrels are committed to diversity and inclusion. They are standing in solidarity with the community against racism and injustice, and their actions prove a commitment far greater than one weekend. It is an honor to partner with them and play a role in this tremendous effort.”

During the Richmond 34 Legacy Weekend, the Flying Squirrels will wear special Richmond 34 Legacy jerseys featuring the “End Racism” mark. The jerseys will be auctioned with proceeds going towards scholarships to support students attending either Virginia State University or Virginia Union University. Dates for the Richmond 34 Legacy Weekend will be announced at a later date.

Elizabeth Johnson Rice, who was a member of the Richmond 34, will serve as a community ambassador for the Flying Squirrels. Rice and the team will collaborate on educational and community outreach programs to tell the story of the Richmond 34 as part of the “Richmond 34 Legacy Campaign.”

The official mission of the Richmond 34 Legacy Campaign is “to promote justice, peace, racial equality and diversity by creating innovative and exciting educational opportunities that utilize relevant information from the past to help students understand the present with the purpose of empowering them to advocate for a better future for all people.”

“As ambassador, I am proud to represent these two organizations which stand for justice, peace, diversity and racial equality,” Johnson Rice said. “Our mission is to learn from lessons of the past, embrace with passion the present and to be proactive with technology and creativity for the future. I have a dream for all parents and students that will create greatness and excitement here in Richmond. It is an honor to represent this organization as their ambassador.”

In partnership with Virginia State University and Virginia Union University, the Flying Squirrels will offer students at both institutions opportunities to gain professional experience working with the organization in various capacities. The programs will be designed to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce with the goal of elevating more minorities into leadership positions throughout the professional baseball industry. Details of the program with both schools will be announced at a later date.

“Since its founding, Virginia Union University has been at the forefront of calls for racial, economic and social equality,” Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President and CEO of Virginia Union University said. “The Richmond 34 represents an iconic moment in VUU’s history, as well as a pivotal moment in the national civil rights movement. We are proud that their legacy is being celebrated by the Richmond Flying Squirrels. I want to thank the Flying Squirrels for partnering with us to create equal opportunities for underrepresented students of color allowing them to gain valuable workforce training and entry to leadership roles within the professional baseball industry.”

Information about the Flying Squirrels’ Richmond 34 initiatives can be found here. A replay of Wednesday’s announcement event can be found here.

Flying Squirrels, Brown Distributing, CBS 6 looking to honor heroes on July 4

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Brown Distributing and CBS 6 will recognize military personnel and veterans with Honoring Our Heroes presented by Brown Distributing on July 4 at The Diamond.

As part of Honoring our Heroes presented by Brown Distributing, five military personnel and veterans will receive a VIP experience at The Diamond and will be featured during CBS 6’s live broadcast of the July 4 fireworks celebration.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO NOMINATE

The winners will be announced on Wednesday, July 1 between 6:30 and 7 a.m. on “CBS 6 This Morning.”

“Brown Distributing is proud to be a part of this event and honoring our heroes,” Brown Distributing Company Co-President Dave Sorokowski said. “Our team of over 250 employees are proud supporters of the community we work in and look forward to bringing Richmond together on July 4.”

Selected honorees will also receive a swag pack of Flying Squirrels gear, CBS 6 merchandise, gift cards and more.

“Brown Distributing has been a great partner since the Squirrels arrival in Richmond,” Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “Their desire to join this unique television event, honor military personnel and help the Richmond citizens through these times speaks volumes about their commitment to this community.

The live broadcast of the Fourth of July fireworks at The Diamond will air on CBS 6 on Saturday, July 4 from 9-10 p.m.

 

In an effort to practice safe social distancing and best ensure the health and of the Flying Squirrels family, the team’s front offices and team store are currently closed. Fans looking to reach out to the Flying Squirrels front office can find information here and are encouraged to interact on social media through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Additionally, COVID-19-related updates and resources from the Flying Squirrels can be found here.

Flying Squirrels, Brown Distributing, CBS 6 looking to honor heroes on July 4

Submissions being accepted to recognize local military personnel and veterans during Independence Day celebration

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Brown Distributing and CBS 6 will recognize military personnel and veterans with Honoring Our Heroes presented by Brown Distributing on July 4 at The Diamond.

As part of Honoring our Heroes presented by Brown Distributing, five military personnel and veterans will receive a VIP experience at The Diamond and will be featured during CBS 6’s live broadcast of the July 4 fireworks celebration.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO NOMINATE

The winners will be announced on Wednesday, July 1 between 6:30 and 7 a.m. on “CBS 6 This Morning.”

“Brown Distributing is proud to be a part of this event and honoring our heroes,” Brown Distributing Company Co-President Dave Sorokowski said. “Our team of over 250 employees are proud supporters of the community we work in and look forward to bringing Richmond together on July 4.”

Selected honorees will also receive a swag pack of Flying Squirrels gear, CBS 6 merchandise, gift cards and more.

“Brown Distributing has been a great partner since the Squirrels arrival in Richmond,” Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “Their desire to join this unique television event, honor military personnel and help the Richmond citizens through these times speaks volumes about their commitment to this community.

The live broadcast of the Fourth of July fireworks at The Diamond will air on CBS 6 on Saturday, July 4 from 9-10 p.m.

In an effort to practice safe social distancing and best ensure the health and of the Flying Squirrels family, the team’s front offices and team store are currently closed. Fans looking to reach out to the Flying Squirrels front office can find information here and are encouraged to interact on social media through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Additionally, COVID-19-related updates and resources from the Flying Squirrels can be found here.