WooSox Show Respect to Veterans, Current Soldiers on Military Appreciation Night 

Worcester– On Friday, June 24, the Worcester Red Sox welcomed several members from our nation’s military, who were honored before their game against the Charlotte Knights (AAA, Chicago White Sox). The ceremony started with a ceremonial dropping of the massive American flag over the Worcester Wall in right field. Then, the WooSox welcomed several members of the Home Base Program. Following the Red Sox World Series Championships in 2004 and 2007, Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino, the former Red Sox President and CEO, and current Chairman of the WooSox, brought the championship clubs to Walter Reed Army Medical Center on their White House visit. An enormous impact was left on both the veterans and the players. Once the Red Sox won the World Series in 2007, they had veterans from the Walter Reed Center deliver the players their World Series rings. After this chilling moment, Werner and Lucchino knew the Red Sox had an opportunity to make a difference with all veterans around the country. Soon after, the Red Sox organization formed a partnership with the Massachusetts General Hospital, pledging to help soldiers heal the invisible wounds of war. The Home Base Program has served a staggering 25,000 veterans while training over 85,000 clinicians. Representing the Home Base Program was Volunteer Coordinator Jose Navarro-Robles and Veteran Outreach Coordinator, and United States Navy veteran, Kevin Dillon.

Then, the WooSox welcomed a Dominican Republic immigrant and Purple Heart recipient, Alex Arriaga. Arriaga served in the Army National Guard from 2001 to 2007 in several missions, including Operation Iraqi. Following his tenure with the National Guard, Alex served as an employment and training manager for Veterans Inc. Currently, Alex serves his hometown as the Director of Worcester’s Veterans’ Services.

Every home game, the WooSox honor a local non-profit as the “Heart of Worcester”. On Friday, the Heart of Worcester was Veterans Inc. Located on Grove Street, Veterans Inc. is the national leader in ending homelessness among veterans at an astonishing rate of 85%. Since its creation, Veterans Inc. has served more than 85,000 veterans. Representing Veterans Inc. was Government Affairs Specialist Ray Carville.

Honored next as the Hometown Hero was Project New Hope. Founded in 2010, Project New Hope sets out to help United States veterans and their family members cope with challenges, stigmas, and fears they endure during or after their tenure in the U.S. Military. Honored pre-game was the foundation’s president and CEO, Bill Moore. Also honored was Sturbridge native Colonel Tom Stewart. After serving in the Massachusetts National Guard for 32 years, including deployment in Afghanistan, Stewart joined the Project New Hope Board Of Directors. Stewart was honored by throwing out a Ceremonial First Pitch.

Following the Hometown Hero ceremony, 10 brave men and women recited the oath of enlistment into the United States Marine Corps. Among those sworn in were: Jameson Latour (Southbridge), Jordan Santos (Southbridge), Jose Quintana (Worcester), Mario Frascolla (Worcester), Mathius Gonzalez (Worcester), Nicholas Flood (Worcester), Reagan Casey (Grafton), Ryan Greenwood (Auburn), Sudip Gajurel (Worcester), and Phuc Vuong (Worcester). Swearing them in was Staff Sergeant Nicholas F. Lamothe. After the ceremony, Staff Sergeant Nicholas F. Lamothe threw out a Ceremonial First Pitch.

Presenting the colors for the national anthem was the Worcester Fire Honor Guard. Singing the national anthem for his second time at Polar Park was Pepperell native Ewan Beauzil. A recent graduate of North Middlesex Regional High School with high honors, Ewan is departing on July 5th to join the United States Army. Much like his first rendition, Ewan delivered a flawless performance.

At the end of the 4th inning of every home game, the WooSox honor a veteran as part of their “In Debt to a Vet” program. On Friday, the WooSox honored Technical Sergeant Bruce L. Cordero. A native of Lynn, MA, Bruce has served in the United States Air Force since 2004. Bruce was greeted by the fans with a standing ovation.

The WooSox players showed up for the veterans, smacking four home runs, including two from Christian Stewart en route to a 10-2 victory. The win was the WooSox’ 5th in a row, pushing their record to two games over .500 as they make their midseason push at a division crown.

WooSox Pitchers Strike Out Food Insecurity 

On Tuesday, Worcester Red Sox pitchers Brian Keller, Geoff Hartlieb, and Durbin Feltman visited the Worcester County Food Bank to take a closer look at the impact they are making for the city.

The pitchers toured the food bank alongside WooSox Founding Partner, Fallon Health. The Worcester-based company’s mission to improve health inspired the Strike Out Hunger campaign, which promotes food security.

At Polar Park’s Gate A entrance, named Fallon Health Square, each Sunday fans are asked to donate non-perishable food items in marked bins. This is just part of the twofold campaign in which “K”-marked cards are passed out to fans upon entrance to help celebrate the pitchers’ strikeouts.

The celebration is well deserved. For every WooSox strikeout, Fallon Health pledged to donate $50 to the Worcester County Food Bank.

The Worcester County Food Bank alone provides over 100,000 meals each week to families and community members in need. The food bank distributes food to communities across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, so these pitchers represent much more than just the Worcester community.

This tour of the facility allowed WooSox pitchers to see how each strikeout they collect helps put a meal on someone’s table.

Worcester County Food Bank CEO Jean McMurray told the pitchers, “Food insecurity may affect more than you think, you may be helping your own neighbors or a family three towns away.”

The players were all grateful to be making an impact on the community of Worcester. And the WooSox pitchers walked away with a little extra motivation heading into their homestand against the Charlotte Knights.

Polar Park Celebrates Juneteenth, sponsors Black Music Festival

The Worcester Red Sox concluded their six-game series Sunday in an afternoon matinee against the Toledo Mud Hens. In addition to Father’s Day festivities Sunday, Polar Park played host to multiple celebrations of Juneteenth, the commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865.

A trio of local musicians, Charles Ketter, Lydia Fortune, and Miss Shirley Johnson, rocked along Summit Street to begin Juneteenth commemoration. Patrons enjoyed spirituals as well as jazz and blues stylings pre-game.

For the Heart of Worcester, fans welcomed Dr. Thomas Doughton, a senior lecturer for interdisciplinary and special studies at The College of the Holy Cross. Doughton was instrumental in the creation of Worcester’s Black History Trail. Alongside Doughton was another influential figure to the trail’s creation: Worcester City Councilor Khrystian King.

The trail encompasses a near 300-year history in Worcester through several landmarks of historical significance across the Heart of the Commonwealth. The display tells the unfiltered stories of those who lived in the city as far back as the 18th Century, and had its first five stops dedicated earlier this month.

Sunday’s Ceremonial First Pitch was delivered by Ernest Floyd, who was honored as the Hometown Hero. Floyd created and serves as executive producer of Unity Radio, 97.9 FM. Unity Radio helps create an avenue through which members of the Worcester community can help one another.

Before the performance of the national anthem, Polar Park raised the Juneteenth flag alongside the American flag, and heard a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by 15-year-old Liyah McBridge. The Star-Spangled Banner was performed by P.E. James.

Social justice is one of the WooSox Foundation’s four areas of focus. To further strengthen the club’s commitment to supporting the local Black community, the Foundation announced its sponsorship of The Black Music Festival with a $1,500 contribution, which was dedicated before first pitch Sunday.

The festival will be hosted by the Uncommonwealth Group on Saturday, June 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Patrons can expect a full day of musical performances, entertainment, food, vendors, and building bridges to the community through music on the Worcester Common.

Sunday’s game was a victory for the WooSox on the back of Ryan Fitzgerald’s 5th inning three-run home run and Connor Seabold’s (5-1, 1.95) quality start.

Sunday concluded with a special Father’s Day Catch on the Field.

Sea Dogs now offering sensory kits

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs in partnership with Saco Bay Kids Pediatric Therapy are now offering sensory kits for fans attending a game with sensory sensitivities.

The kits will help individuals comes to a game and enjoy themselves with accommodations. Each bag includes noise-reducing headphones to help block out crowd noise, antiglare sunglasses to help with lighting, a communication card, and fidgets to help focus on the game and less on the crowd around.

The bags are available at every Sea Dogs home game this season at Hadlock Field. Fans wishing to utilize a sensory kit may visit the Fidium Fiber Guest Services Desk in the concourse to check out a kit.

“We are happy to partner with Saco Bay Pediatric Kids Therapy to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs,” said Sea Dogs President, Geoff Iacuessa. “Our objective is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests for all events including those with sensory needs.”

Sea Dogs tickets are available for all 2022 Sea Dogs games. Tickets can be purchased online at seadogs.com or by calling the ticket office at 207-879-9500. Tickets purchased in advance range between $11 and $13 for adults and between $8 and $12 for kids (16 and under) and seniors (62 and over).

United Way of Greenville County Centennial Celebration Held at Fluor Field

United Way of Greenville County is celebrating 100 years of impact and service to the Greenville community and they’re inviting you to join in on fun! Starting at 6 PM when the gates open, enjoy the fun throughout the concourse with our Drive inflatables, face painting, balloon art, and magic!

Throughout the game, the Drive will honor and recognize different leaders, organizations and volunteers that have helped to shape the lives of so many throughout Greenville County. If you were a Hands on Greenville Day volunteer, make sure to wear your t-shirt to the game and pick up a free drink voucher at a specially marked table at either gate. End the night with a bang and make sure to stick around for the best fireworks show in town, courtesy of United Way of Greenville County.

Get tickets for the night HERE.

Drive Hosts Second Annual Aerospace Night

The Greenville Drive & the SC Aerospace Team are excited to host the second annual Aerospace Night at Fluor Field event this year on Wednesday June 22nd. Building on the incredible success of last year’s first-ever Aerospace Night event, this signature event at Fluor Field will highlight and showcase, in a unique and impactful way, the companies and leaders driving the success of the Aerospace industry in our community and throughout the state.

All aspects of the Aerospace Industry will be on display during the Drive game on June 22nd including impactful, educational, and engaging entertainment content on the stadium concourse as well as before and during the Drive game. The stadium concourse will come alive with engaging displays from leading Aerospace companies in the Upstate including Lockheed Martin, Champion Aerospace, Kelley Engineering, Gemba Systems, HTI, and more! The night will also feature additional entertainment including a pre-game stadium flyover from Prisma Health, a Color Guard performance by the Civil Air Patrol Squadron, a mini Airplane toss inning break, and much more!

To help build our community’s Aerospace workforce of the future, all K-12 students in the community can receive a complimentary ticket to the game. Students and the general public should follow the instructions below to claim their tickets:

  1. Students: visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com/groupportal and use the password “aerospace” to enter the portal. Also use the promo code “aerospace” to claim your complimentary ticket during check-out. Make sure to click apply!
  2. General Public: visit https://www.milb.com/greenville/tickets/single-game-tickets to purchase your tickets.

This will be a highly educational and impactful event at Fluor Field on June 22nd! Gates open at 6pm with first pitch to follow at 7pm. See you at the game!

WooSox Honor History While Celebrating City's Tercentennial at Start of Polar Park Homestand

WORCESTER — Even though the WooSox have been in existence for only two years, the team understands how to recognize 300 years of history for its new home.

The city of Worcester celebrated its tercentennial last weekend while the WooSox were on the road, so the team kicked off a 12-game homestand at Polar Park by continuing the historic celebration on the actual June 14 birthday.

In perfect Worcester fashion, the WooSox finished with a 4-0 victory over the Toldeo Mud Hens in front of 5,669 at Polar Park.

Prior to Tuesday night’s game, the WooSox presented Bill Wallace, the Worcester Historical Museum’s executive director, with a time capsule to be opened on the city’s 400th birthday.

WooSox team president Dr. Charles Steinberg had every member of the team sign a baseball to present as part of the time capsule. The ball was photographed from all sides and the players were asked to legibly sign the ball, so future generations will know who played for the team in 2022.

A key to the city was presented to members of the Tercentennial committee, including Kate McEvoy, Kim Salmon, Yaffia Fain, Mary MacKenzie, Amy Peterson and Julie Bowditch. Mayor Joseph M. Petty also was in attendance and threw out the ceremonial first pitch to celebrate the city’s birthday.

“We’re celebrating who we are,” Wallace said. “We have a commitment to the future.”

The WooSox also recognized Jose Santiago, who was a key member of the 1967 Boston Red Sox’ pennant-winning Impossible Dream Team. The right-hander posted a 12-4 record with a 3.59 ERA in 50 games. He also pitched Game 1 of the ’67 World Series and also hit a home run in a 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

The tradition of honoring local nurses continued during the pregame ceremony, along with Worcester Chief of Police, Steven Sargent, and Worcester Deputy Fire Chief, John Powers, Deputy Chief Adam Roche and firefighter Jay O’Brien.

A moment of silence was held as the WooSox remembered police Officer Manny Familia, the Worcester 6 and three other firefighters who also made the ultimate sacrifice. The team also recognized Polar Park security guard Scott Gauvin, who passed away unexpectedly last week.

After Mary MacKenzie sang the national anthem, the WooSox announced the team is restoring the annual Police and Firefighter’s charity baseball game. The game will be played Sept. 26 at Polar Park.

Jovan Familia, the son of Manny Familia, who passed away June 4, 2021, attempting to save a drowning child, along with Ava Roy, the daughter of firefighter Christopher Roy, who passed away on call Dec. 9, 2018, will serve as the honorary captains of the charity baseball game. Jovan and Ava then threw out a ceremonial first pitch.

Prior to the top of the fifth inning, the team’s “In Debt to a Vet” recognized Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joseph Paul Genduso, 93, of Worcester, who earned a Purple Heart in the Korean War.

Then, everyone in attendance sang “Happy Birthday” to the city of Worcester.

It was a night of recognizing everything that makes Worcester a special place to call home.

“We’re celebrating everything that’s good about Worcester,” Wallace said. “It’s past. It’s present, and the role of all of us, and the ballpark in the future. Our role is to preserve all this and we’re pleased to be recognized, but this is also an exciting time for Worcester.”

It was only four years ago when the dream of having the Red Sox’ Triple-A affiliate in Worcester became a reality. Steinberg, a historian of the game, quickly went to work learning everything he could about the deep roots of baseball in Worcester.

“When you’re first learning about Worcester, you start studying the dates, and you learn about the flag and the seal, and you see 1722,” Steinberg said.

From Day 1, the WooSox had their focus on 2022 and the Tercentennial. Steinberg believed it was a special opportunity to recognize the team’s new home. The WooSox spent countless hours with Wallace, who taught the organization about the city’s history, so it was only natural for the Opening Celebration’s fireworks to take place last Friday at Polar Park.

“To be able to have Polar Park bat leadoff in the 300th celebration felt really good,” Steinberg said. “It felt like we had created a place that beyond baseball was a focal point for such a special celebration.”

The city’s history is evident all over Polar Park. From the heart-shaped lights, the city seal on the end of each row of seats, the city’s flag beyond the right-center field wall, and the numerous artifacts, the inside and outside of the ballpark is a living time capsule.

“It’s a ballpark that’s filled with Worcester-isms,” Wallace said.

Wallace added he would give the WooSox an A-plus in a course of Worcester history.

The next 100 years in the Heart of the Commonwealth could be a special time in the next chapter of the city’s future. Anything and everything could happen.

“Who knows?” Steinberg said. “That’s the beauty of it.”

This piece originally was published in The Telegram & Gazette on June 14, 2022

Drive Honor Black Spinners

On Friday, June 10th, the Greenville Drive will honor the successful Black Spinners team from the early 1900’s. This night is important not only to the Drive, but to the Greenville Community. With the opening of Unity Park, it’s important to honor The Black Spinners, Sterling High School, and the Negro League All-Stars that all once played at Mayberry Field and meant a lot to this community.

They will take the field sporting “throwback-style” uniforms to showcase the Black Spinners team look to the modern day Greenville community.

During the pre-game ceremonies, the Drive will recognize Frank White, the only remaining living Black Spinners player, as well as family members of former Black Spinners players. John Whiteside, a former shortstop at Sterling High School, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Throughout the game, vignettes will run on the DriveVision video board, telling the story of the Black Spinners, Sterling High School, and the Negro League All-Stars.

We look forward to telling and honoring the stories of historic baseball teams from our very own community!

Sea Dogs Partner with Nautilus Solar Energy to Shine the Light on Local Non-Profits

Portland, Maine– The Sea Dogs and Nautilus Solar Energy have teamed up to shine the light on local non-profit organizations at Sea Dogs home games this season. The Nautilus Solar Community Spotlight will provide 25 general admission tickets for a non-profit organization to each one of our 69 home games. Each non-profit organization will also be provided with a table in the concourse to promote its mission and upcoming events.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Sea Dogs as we put community front and center,” said Eric LaMora, Director of Community Solar for Nautilus. “Their community-minded mission aligns perfectly with our vision of creating a clean, sustainable future by providing thousands of residents an equitable and affordable renewable energy choice.”

Any Maine based non-profit is eligible to be featured at the Nautilus Community Spotlight at a 2022 Sea Dogs game. Interested organizations can request a game to be featured at seadogs.com. Requests will be filled by the Sea Dogs on a first come-first serve basis.

“The Sea Dogs have always taken great pride in being a strong, active, contributing member of the community,” stated Sea Dogs President & General Manager Geoff Iacuessa. “We are excited to partner with Nautilus Solar to highlight the great work local non-profit organizations do to enrich our communities.”

The Sea Dogs play 69 home games from April through September. Sea Dogs tickets can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com. Book your nine-inning vacation!

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About Portland Sea Dogs:

The Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. In 28 seasons the Sea Dogs have welcomed over 10 million fans to Hadlock Field in Portland, Maine. The Sea Dogs provide family-friendly entertainment while actively contributing to a vibrant and inclusive community. The Sea Dogs’ “Strike Out Cancer in Kids” program has raised over 5 million dollars for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. While over 300 Sea Dogs players have gone on to play in the Major Leagues including some of today’s Red Sox stars such as Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers, and Christian Vazquez. For more information on the Sea Dogs visit seadogs.com. Follow the Sea Dogs on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC:

Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC is a leading owner-operator of solar projects serving the community solar market and corporate customers throughout the United States. A pioneer in solar energy since 2006, Nautilus is committed to creating a clean, sustainable future by offering an equitable and affordable renewable energy choice. Through its Community Solar initiative, Nautilus is making solar energy available to a broader marketplace, including low-to-moderate income (LMI) households and unrated businesses that wish to reduce their carbon footprint and utility bills.

Nautilus is wholly owned by Power Sustainable, a global multi-platform alternative asset manager with a long-term investment approach focused on sustainable strategies. Nautilus owns solar projects throughout their entire lifecycle enabling Nautilus, along with entrusted local partners, to fulfill its promise of creating a better world by powering communities with clean energy for the long term.

For more information on Nautilus Solar Energy visit https://nautilussolar.com/. Join Nautilus on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

World Series Hero Mike Timlin & WooSox to Focus on ALS at “Lou Gehrig Day” Celebration, Thursday, June 2

The Mary Beth Benison Foundation, The ALS Association of Massachusetts, The Angel Fund for ALS Research, and UMass Chan Medical School All To Be Recognized at Polar Park

WORCESTER, MA*— *Red Sox World Series Champion Mike Timlin will visit Polar Park and meet fans on Thursday, June 2, to help the WooSox focus on ALS awareness as Baseball celebrates “Lou Gehrig Day.” The WooSox, who will be hosting the Syracuse Mets that night at 6:45 pm at Polar Park, will pay tribute to the Mary Beth Benison Foundation, based in Holden, MA, the ALS Association of Massachusetts, and the UMass Chan Medical School’s Cecil B. Day Laboratory for ALS research in special ceremonies before and during the game on June 2.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease for which there is no cure, took the life of Gehrig on June 2, 1941.

Timlin, the 4-time World Series Champion who helped the Red Sox win the 2004 and 2007 Fall Classics, lost his mother, Sharon Timlin, to ALS in 2002. She was born just ten weeks after Gehrig died. The veteran right-hander, who pitched 18 major league seasons, also won the World Series with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992 and 1993. He will greet fans in the Sherwood Diner from the 3rd-6th inning after he participates in pre-game ceremonies.

“Being at Worcester’s new Triple-A ballpark to raise awareness for such a great cause is going to be a real treat,” said Timlin. “ALS is a cause that’s near and dear to me, and I’m looking forward to being at Polar Park for the very first time. Thank you to the WooSox for supporting and promoting this year’s Sharon Timlin 5K.”

The 19th Annual Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K takes place Saturday, June 18, in Hopkinton. Since its inception in 2004, the annual fundraiser has generated more than $2 million dollars for The Angel Fund, which supports research in Worcester at the Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular Research at UMass Chan Medical School.

“The Angel Fund and its supporters have played a pivotal role in advancing research and gene therapy clinical trials at UMass Chan,” said Dr. Robert H. Brown Jr., DPhil, MD. “These critical investigations give us hope of slowing the progression of ALS and that a cure is within reach.”

“Mike Timlin was one of the most active members in the community during our time with the Red Sox,” said WooSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “We are thrilled that his annual 5K in his mother’s memory funds research right here in Worcester. He has been a champion on the field and off the field.”

The WooSox and Timlin will recognize the Mary Beth Benison Foundation, a prominent local charity that provides financial support for Central Mass families who struggle with the devastating and costly burden of ALS.

“All of us at the Mary Beth Benison Foundation are looking forward to Lou Gehrig day at Polar Park on Thursday, June 2,” said Katie Benison Camell, Executive Director of the MBB Foundation. “Having Mike Timlin on hand along with the ALS Association of Massachusetts is really going to allow us to collectively shine a light on this devastating disease. We thank the WooSox for their support of ALS families across this region.”

The WooSox and Timlin will also be honoring the ALS Association of Massachusetts, which supports research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy for those battling the devastating disease. Their mission is to lead the fight against ALS through global cutting-edge research, and empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.

“The ALS Association is once again pleased to partner with the WooSox for Lou Gehrig Day,” said John Hedstrom, Territory Executive for New England. “Baseball’s long connection with ALS runs even deeper here in Massachusetts with Pete Frates and Mike Timlin. We are grateful for Mike’s efforts and the work done by the Mary Beth Benison Foundation – together we will end ALS.”

Red Sox Hall of Famer Larry Lucchino, now Chairman & Principal Owner of the WooSox, has been an ardent supporter of ALS awareness and research, both in support of Mike Timlin’s efforts and those of Pete Frates. The late Boston College star, who hit a home run at Fenway Park before being struck with ALS, signed a Red Sox contract on the field on Opening Day, 2015, in tribute to his world-changing efforts as the father of the legendary Ice Bucket Challenge.

On March 4, 2021, Major League Baseball announced that June 2 would forever be celebrated as “Lou Gehrig Day” across the game to honor the Hall of Fame First Baseman, and to raise awareness for ALS.

“It’s a pleasure for all of us at the WooSox to put the spotlight on this disease every year in June,” said Joe Bradlee, WooSox Vice President of Baseball Operations & Community Relations. “Having Mike Timlin at Polar Park for the first time will only help us amplify these efforts, and we’re all looking forward to what will surely be an impactful evening in Worcester.”

Timlin, who won the World Series in 1992 and 1993 with the Toronto Blue Jays, joined the Red Sox in 2003 and helped the Red Sox end the 86-year drought in 2004 and won again in 2007.

Salute to America, Event to Honor Vietnam POWs

Join The Drive on Friday, June 3 at 6 PM in celebrating a special group of people, the Vietnam POWs. Members of the United States Armed Forces were held as prisoners of war (POWs) in significant numbers during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1973. The POWs spent years living in unimaginable circumstances. They had a mission to resist, survive and return with honor, and they did.

Fluor Field will be alive with large groups of POWs in Greenville for a reunion and celebration of their survival. Let’s show up and celebrate with them!

Using this evening to celebrate a perfect night of patriotism, bring your family out to Fluor Field for a complimentary community event. Saluting America together, a chance for us to come out and say thank you!

The evening will include special entertainment as a flag jump takes off in a helicopter and then lands back in the stadium. Continued programing to include Miss Liberty Belle, a patriotic fly over, and our special guest Steve Amerson (America’s Tenor) performing “Amazed by America” accompanied by Broadway singer, Laurie Gayle Stephenson. Ending the night in full celebration, we will conclude with fireworks!

You can register for the complimentary event HERE or by using the QR code above.

Come out to Fluor Field to show your appreciation for the these fearless members of society!

Schedule:

6:00 Doors open and concessions open

6:30 Program starts

6:45 Flag Jump into the stadium

7-7:30 Miss Liberty Belle

7:30 Fly over and Salute to America Musical Performance

8:40-8:45 Fireworks

Complimentary community event with donations to the Vietnam POW Reunion Foundation accepted.

The Greenville Drive Celebrates 10-Year Partnership with The Blood Connection 

The Greenville Drive takes great pride in being the front porch for the community of Greenville, which means they strive to aid their community. For 10 years the Drive has partnered with The Blood Connection to be a positive light in Greenville. The Drive announced a goal to secure 356 pints of usable blood over the course of the season through a series of six blood drives running from mid-April through mid-August at Fluor Field. The number 356 is special to The Drive, as it commemorates Shoeless Joe Jackson’s lifetime batting average and the name of the new District 356 entertainment area adjacent to Fluor Field.

The first two of these events took place on April 11 and April 20, with four additional tenth anniversary blood drives at Fluor Field set for:

  • Friday, May 20 from noon-5 p.m. (gameday)
  • Tuesday, June 7 from noon-5 p.m. (gameday)
  • Thursday, July 21 noon-5 p.m.
  • Friday, August 12 from noon-5 p.m. (gameday)

To encourage and recognize the importance of blood donors in helping friends and neighbors at their time of greatest need, the Ten Years of Saving Lives Campaign will include special rewards and incentives for those who donate at these events. The Blood Connection and the Greenville Drive will recognize the dedicated donors across the season at an end of the year event. Donate at two of the Fluor Field blood drives to be invited; donate at 3 throughout the summer and receive a commemorative Drive baseball jersey.

“In sports, we can sometimes throw the word ‘hero’ around a bit lightly, but those who donate blood are lifesavers and heroes in the truest sense of the word and should be treated accordingly,” said Greenville Drive Vice President of Marketing Jeff Brown. “Our work with The Blood Connection is not only one of our longest-standing relationships, but it is also core to The Drive’s mission to be a force for good in Greenville and beyond. We are proud to celebrate this milestone, and we know that the Greenville community will help us deliver on our very aggressive donation goals, because, just as we work to support them, this community has never let us down. As always, together, we win.”

Appointments are recommended but not required for donation, but those who need more information or wish to register in advance can do so HERE.

Drive For Excellence 2022

In partnership with Greenville County Schools and Furman University, the Drive will be hosting their annual Drive for Excellence celebration on Tuesday, May 17th. This evening is all about recognizing high-achieving student-athletes in Greenville County, as each student-athlete with a 4.0 GPA or higher will receive complimentary admission to the game plus in-game recognition and celebration for their hard work and many accomplishments.

A pregame reception for student-athletes and coaches in the 500 Club will begin at 5:30 PM. As part of the reception, special guest Jackie Carson, the current head coach of the Furman Women’s Basketball Team, will deliver a keynote address congratulating these students for their accomplishments and encouraging future success in all of them.

During the game, on-field recognitions will honor the top performing school in each sport, as well as the school with the highest overall GPA among its student-athletes.

Join us on Tuesday night at Fluor Field to help celebrate these hard-working students for their efforts both in the classroom and on the field!

Christ Church and St. Joe's Take Center Stage Thursday at Fluor Field

Two Upstate high school baseball programs will take center stage Thursday night at Fluor Field, as the Christ Church Cavaliers take on the St. Joe’s Knights. This will be the final high school game of the year at Fluor Field. First pitch between the Cavaliers and Knights is set for 6 PM.

All tickets are just $7, and can be purchased by clicking HERE.

The Main Street Gate at Fluor Field will open at 5 PM. Due to the construction of the all-new District 356 entertainment area, Field Street (first base side of the ballpark) will be closed off to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Concession stands will be open at Fluor Field, and outside food and beverage is prohibited. In conjunction with SCHSL rules, alcohol will not be sold during Thursday’s game at Fluor Field.

Please also make sure you are up-to-date with Fluor Field’s Clear Bag Policy, which can be found by clicking HERE.

Blood Drive Hosted at Fluor Field During Wednesday's Game

As blood donations continue to have an urgent need in our Community, the Greenville Drive and The Blood Connection will host another Blood Drive at Fluor Field on Wednesday, April 20th. Blood mobiles will be setup along Field Street.

The Blood Drive will begin at 2 PM, and conclude with the first pitch of Wednesday’s game at 7 PM. Walk-up donations are allowed, but those wishing to donate are encouraged to pre-register for a time slot by clicking HERE.

Donors will receive a commemorative raglan t-shirt, clear bag, and a voucher for two tickets to a future Drive game!