Richmond Flying Squirrels

Flying Squirrels hosting four job fairs ahead of 2022 season

February 24, 2022

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:

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

February 1, 2022

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

June 18, 2021

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

June 10, 2021

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

June 2, 2021

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

May 12, 2021

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

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

February 24, 2021

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

June 22, 2020

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

June 22, 2020

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

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

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.

Flying Squirrels looking for All-Stars in the community

May 28, 2020

Squirrels partnering with Elephant Insurance to recognize individuals in the area making a positive difference

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels and Elephant Insurance have launched the Community All-Star of the Week program, and they are turning to fans for help in finding nominees. The Flying Squirrels want to recognize members of the local community, such as healthcare workers, first responders and teachers, helping to ease the impacts of COVID-19.

The program is open to nominations of anyone who is making a positive impact around the greater-Richmond community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION

“While there is no action on the field at the moment, there are plenty of All-Stars working in our community keeping us safe and healthy,” Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “We appreciate Elephant Insurance joining in our program to showcase these Community All-Stars with this great program. Stay positive and we hope to be back together soon physically. In the meantime we will continue to do all we can to bring our fans and community together any way we possibly can.”

“We really value our partnership with the Flying Squirrels and we are proud to support the team’s efforts to recognize our local heroes and support local businesses during this time,” said Alberto Schiavon, CEO of Elephant Insurance. “This is a fun way that we can work together to give back to deserving community members and we’re looking forward to the weeks ahead.”

The selected Community All-Stars will be recognized across the Flying Squirrels’ social media channels, and they will be presented with a gift card to a local restaurant as well as a Flying Squirrels prize pack.

About Elephant Insurance

Elephant is a consumer-focused car insurance company headquartered in Richmond, VA with the aim to put its customers at the center of all efforts. Elephant Insurance is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Admiral Group, plc., one of the U.K.’s leading insurers with a presence in eight countries and over 6 million customers worldwide. More information is available at www.elephant.com.

Flying Squirrels looking for All-Stars in the community

May 28, 2020

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

Squirrels partnering with Elephant Insurance to recognize individuals in the area making a positive difference

The program is open to nominations of anyone who is making a positive impact around the greater-Richmond community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION

About Elephant Insurance

“Opening Day” Fundraisers, Flying Squirrels Charities to donate $40,000 to local COVID-19 relief

April 22, 2020

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

April 16 fundraising efforts to benefit organizations assisting families and individuals across the Richmond region

RICHMOND, Va. – Last week’s “500 Bases of Love” and “Bring it Home” fundraisers by the Richmond Flying Squirrels and Sports Radio 910 The Fan raised more than $30,000 for COVID-19 relief. With an additional $10,000 contribution from Flying Squirrels Charities, more than $40,000 will be distributed to local organizations combating needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including Holli Fund, The Community Foundation, Robins Foundation’s Family Crisis Fund through RVA Strong, Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation, Nourish Henrico and Chesterfield Food Bank.

On Thursday, April 16, the date originally scheduled as the team’s home opener, Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell walked 125 laps around the basepaths at The Diamond, touching 500 bases, as part of the “500 Bases of Love” fundraiser. Each lap and each base touched were representative of donations made to the fundraiser. Parney’s walk totaled more than 8.5 miles.

Later on Thursday afternoon, Parney joined Wes McElroy on Sports Radio 910 The Fan for “Bring it Home,” a four-hour live fundraiser with celebrity guests and prize opportunities for donors.

The double-header of events resulted in more than $30,000 raised.

On Wednesday, the team announced that Flying Squirrels Charities will be contributing an additional $10,000.

“We miss our fans terribly, so the ‘500 Bases of Love’ was a great way for us all to connect positively, raise some money to fight COVID-19 and tell our fans we appreciate them, love them and can’t wait to make memories again soon,” Parney said. “Each of these organizations will work diligently to make sure this money helps people in need because of this pandemic. We pray we can be together soon in safe and happy surroundings.

The money from the fundraisers will be distributed to organizations assisting families and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as groups helping those who are combating the outbreak.

Holli Fund offers grants to individuals in the food service industry experiencing an economic crisis. Grants help pay for rent, transportation, mortgage payments, and/or utilities. Holli Fund supports individuals in the Richmond-area food service industry who are experiencing an economic crisis such as injury, illness, death of an immediate family member, loss of income due to coronavirus restrictions, or other emergency.

The Community Foundation is a leading partner and advocate for philanthropy and service in the Richmond region. Founded in 1968, they’ve built a strong legacy of helping people and institutions give back with passion and purpose.

“You can always count on Parney and the Flying Squirrels organization not only to entertain us, but also to give back in meaningful ways,” Community Foundation CEO Sherrie Armstrong said. “At a time when many of our community members are particularly hard hit by this crisis, a donation to the Central Virginia COVID-19 Response Fund will directly support local organizations that are working hard to fulfill basic needs such as food, healthcare and shelter. Their generosity also sends a powerful statement that we can do more good when we come together.”

The Robins Foundation in partnership with the City of Richmond launched The Family Crisis Fund earlier this month to assist families with children in direct and immediate need of support due to job loss from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program has partnered with Family Independence Initiative to work with families across Richmond, Chesterfield and Henrico.

Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that partners with the school district to improve student learning and achievement in preparation for success in college, career, and community. Their role is to seek private sector philanthropy to support new and existing evidence-based programs and enrichment activities.

“We are incredibly grateful for this donation from the Flying Squirrels,” Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation Executive Director Ty Toepke said. “At a time when so many of our local businesses are facing their own challenges related to the COVID-19 crisis, their generosity towards the students of Richmond Public Schools is inspiring.”

Nourish Henrico supports locally owned restaurants in Henrico by buying meals for police officers, firefighters and other county employees who are working the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the county’s program, 700 to 900 employees are eligible to receive meals valued at $15 or less from about 100 approved restaurants. In addition to its own support, Henrico welcomes contributions from the community. Donations for Nourish Henrico may be made through the Henrico Police Foundation and the Henrico Firefighter Foundation.

“The Nourish Henrico Program is about giving back – giving back to one of the most impacted industries and to our frontline employees,” Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas said. “This effort has also shown me how strong and supportive our community is during times of difficultly, and the Flying Squirrels are an integral part of our community.”

Chesterfield Food Bank strives to stop families in the community from going to bed hungry every night. They proudly serve a variety of neighbors, a majority of whom do not qualify for government assistance. In cooperation with local Social Services, they locate and help those families and individuals that would not have been helped otherwise and serve 1,800 people a week.

Celebrity guests, prize giveaways with Wes McElroy and Parney to raise funds for local COVID-19 support

April 13, 2020

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels and Sports Radio 910 The Fan have partnered for the “Bring It Home Funn-raiser,” which will take place on Thursday from 2-6 p.m., in an effort to bring the Richmond community closer together and to help those fighting on the front lines against COVID-19 in the region. The radio fundraiser will include celebrity guests and prize giveaways.

Following Flying Squirrels’ VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell’s 500 Bases of Love fundraiser on Thursday morning, he will join Wes McElroy from 2-6 p.m. on Sports Radio 910 The Fan and on FM at 105.1. Throughout the program, listeners are encouraged to make donations at TheFanRichmond.com.

Each $11 donation, in honor of the Flying Squirrels’ 11th season in Richmond, will enter the donor for a chance to be a “Squirrels Player for a Day.” The prize winner will attend a Flying Squirrels game and receive a jersey and a hat, take batting practice on the field, shag fly balls in the outfield, have a special autograph and photo session with players, sit in the dugout before the game and meet with the media afterwards (must be 18 or older to win).

There will be other prize giveaways throughout the show, including:

Help set off fireworks at a Flying Squirrels game
Throw out a ceremonial first pitch
Dinner & drinks with McElroy and Parney at Hurley’s Tavern with three invited guests (must be 21 or older)
Pizza party for 15 people at your home or office with Nutzy
2019 Eastern League All-Star Game jersey
Matt Cain autographed baseball
Michael Robinson autographed football and a Meet & Greet in the studio at Sports Radio 910 The Fan
Three pairs of VCU basketball tickets with gift cards to Home Team Grill for a pre- or post-game meal

The show will feature special celebrity guests, including:

Former MLB manager Bruce Bochy
Six-time MLB All-Star Will Clark
ESPN commentator Karl Ravech
Former NASCAR driver Elliott Sadler
VCU men’s basketball head coach Mike Rhoades
University of Richmond men’s basketball head coach Chris Mooney
Richmond Kickers sporting director & head coach Darren Sawatzky
Richmond Raceway track president Dennis Bickmeier
VCU Vice President & Director of Athletics Ed McLaughlin
Flying Squirrels president & managing general partner Lou DiBella
VCU baseball head coach Shawn Stiffler
Former MLB pitcher & co-owner of Center of the Universe Brewing Company Chris Ray
Former Flying Squirrels pitcher Daryl Maday

Donations can be made beginning at noon on Thursday at TheFanRichmond.com. The show can be heard at on Sports Radio 910 The Fan, on FM at 105.1, online at TheFanRichmond.com or on the Radio.com app.

Parney to walk ‘500 Bases of Love’ for COVID-19 relief on Apr. 16

April 9, 2020

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

Flying Squirrels VP & COO to circle the bases in effort to raise funds for local coronavirus relief

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond Flying Squirrels’ VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell will walk the bases at The Diamond on Thursday, April 16 to help raise help raise funds for Richmond-area organizations assisting with COVID-19 relief efforts.

Beginning at 6:35 a.m. on the day that was originally scheduled to be the Flying Squirrels’ home opener, Parney will begin walking the basepaths at The Diamond. The event will be streamed live on the Flying Squirrels’ YouTube channel.

“As we strive to stay positive during this time, we thought a great way to bring the community together and to help raise money to support those fighting on the front lines against COVID-19 would be to ‘touch ‘em all,’” Parney said. “We miss our fans terribly and think this is a good way for all of us to join forces on a day that would have been another special Opening Day in Richmond, and we can still make it special in a different way.”

The Flying Squirrels are collecting donations of $25 for each base Parney hits and $100 for each lap, with proceeds going to Flying Squirrels Charities for distributing to Richmond-area organizations helping with coronavirus relief efforts. Donations can be submitted by texting BasesOfLove to 76278 or online at BasesOfLove.givesmart.com.

On his walk, Parney will circle the bases 125 times, totaling a distance of more than 8.5 miles.

Chris Ray selected as recipient of 2020 Paul Keyes RBI Award

January 9, 2020

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

RICHMOND, Va. – Former MLB pitcher and co-founder of Center of the Universe Brewing Chris Ray has been named the recipient of the 2020 Paul Keyes RBI Award, the Richmond Flying Squirrels announced on Thursday.

Ray will be presented with the award during the Flying Squirrels’ annual Hot Stove Banquet on Wed., Jan. 22 at the Siegel Center. Tickets, tables and sponsorship packages for the annual Charity Hot Stove Banquet are available now here.

The Paul Keyes RBI (Richmond Baseball Impact) Award is given annually in memory of the late VCU baseball coach Paul Keyes to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the game of baseball within the Richmond community or from the Richmond community.

“I am honored to be this year’s recipient of the Paul Keyes RBI Award and to be part of such an amazing group of previous winners that can only aspire to be good representations of who Paul Keyes was and what he stood for,” Ray said.

After playing collegiately at the College of William & Mary, Ray was selected in the third round of the 2003 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. He went on to play six seasons in the majors with the Orioles, Texas Rangers, San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners. Ray was part of the Giants’ World Series title run in 2010.

Ray made 283 appearances in the majors, going 18-19 with a 4.10 ERA and 51 saves, including a career-high 33 saves as the Orioles’ closer in 2006.

“Chris Ray is a success story all throughout his life, at William & Mary, as a professional baseball player, as a business owner and now in the Richmond region while he raises his family and is involved actively in many things,” Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “Chris is the total package and a perfect choice for this year’s Paul Keyes Richmond Baseball Impact Award.”

Following his playing career, Ray returned to Virginia and partnered with this brother, Phil, to open Center of the Universe Brewing Company (COTU) in Ashland in 2012. Since its founding, Center of the Universe has donated over $200,000 to various charitable organizations throughout Virginia.

Ray also co-founded Hops for Heroes, a nationwide craft brewery effort that raises money for Soldiers’ Angels through the production and sale of Homefront IPA.

In the Ashland community, Ray is on the board of directors for the Ashland Theatre, serves on the board of directors for the Downtown Ashland Association, helps organize community events in Ashland and serves annually as a volunteer coach and sponsor with Ashland Little League.

Ray and his wife of 15 years, Alice, have two children, Virginia (9) and Thomas (7).

Paul Keyes RBI Award Recipients

2011 – Eddie Kasko

2012 – Johnny Grubb

2013 – Gene Alley

2014 – Tracy Woodson

2015 – Sam Ayoub

2016 – Cla Meredith

2017 – Shawn Stiffler

2018 – Tony Beasley

2019 – Ray Hedrick

2020 – Chris Ray

The Flying Squirrels’ annual Hot Stove Banquet will be held on Wed., Jan. 22 at the Siegel Center. The event includes special guest Brian Jordan, a former two-sport star for the Richmond Spiders prior to his career in the National Football League and Major League Baseball. Tickets, tables and sponsorship packages are available now at SquirrelsBaseball.com.

-SQUIRRELS-

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.