RiverDogs-CCSD continue “Reading Around the Bases” despite COVID-19

Program enters fifth season focusing on continued literacy development and success among CCSD 2nd graders

Charleston County School District (CCSD) and the Charleston RiverDogs are moving forward with “Reading Around the Bases” for the fifth year in a row. The partnership started during the 2016-2017 school year as a way to encourage literacy. The Lowcountry’s professional baseball team (and Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays) is ready to generate excitement about literacy with second graders throughout the district again in 2021.

Starting on Monday, January 25, 2021, second graders from 11 elementary schools throughout Charleston County will begin a 10-week baseball-themed incentive program. Every student will receive a Reading Challenge packet that includes a scorecard, tracking sheet, and their very own personal baseball card.

To move around the bases on the scorecard, a student must read a certain number of pages: 100 pages for a single, 200 pages for a double, 300 pages for a triple, and 500 pages for a home run.

Special guests from the RiverDogs will visit schools (virtually) in CCSD throughout the 10 weeks to provide encouragement, fun, and serve as volunteer readers.

“We cannot thank the Charleston RiverDogs enough for their commitment to their partnership with our district,” said Karolyn Belcher, CCSD’s Chief Academic Officer. “Even with the obstacles presented the COVID-19 pandemic, the RiverDogs are working hard to have a meaningful presence in our schools and continue to drive home the point that reading, while critical, is fun.”

The unofficial kickoff event for “Reading Around the Bases” in 2021 will be at Angel Oak Elementary School on Johns Island Monday, January 25, 2021, at 9:45 a.m. Media outlets are welcome to attend.

The top-25 second graders from each participating school will be honored at a RiverDogs’ game during the upcoming season.

“The RiverDogs are proud to be a part of what has been a mutually beneficial relationship with the Charleston County School District over the last two decades,” added RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “Literacy and education continue to be a pillar of our team’s commitment to the Charleston community, and we are excited to continue to further the development and impact of the Reading Around the Bases program in its fifth year.”

For more information on “Reading Around the Bases,” please contact Christy James, CCSD’s Library and Media Services Coordinator, at (843) 790-3707, or Chris Singleton with the RiverDogs at (843) 723-7241.

RiverDogs release expanded summer camp offerings, starting June 16, with capacity restrictions and new protocols 

 

With the start of the 2020 baseball season still delayed, the RiverDogs today announced the expansion of its Youth Summer Camps, presented by Fins Car Wash, along with new restrictions and protocols to keep campers safe in light of COVID-19 precautions.

The team will begin a six-week slate of summer camps on Tuesday, June 16, with Week 1 of its youth baseball camp, which takes place on the green grass of Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. RiverDogs director of community outreach Chris Singleton and his team will lead five weeks of baseball camp in June and July, and the RiverDogs have added a one-week, limited-time culinary camp in July with chef and VP of food and beverage Josh Shea. Singleton is a former standout outfielder at Goose Creek High School, Charleston Southern University and in the Chicago Cub’’ minor league system.

All RiverDogs summer camps are sponsored by Fins Car Wash, which has open locations in Mt. Pleasant, West Ashley and North Charleston.

“We’re thrilled to be launching our 2020 summer camps,” said RiverDogs president Dave Echols. “This has been an abnormal year for everyone, and it’ll be great to see kids on the field at The Joe again before long.”

Both versions of the camp will be different than past years in order to keep campers safe. The baseball camps will be limited to just 40 campers, which will be split into four groups of 10, which will each remain separate from the others. The culinary camp is limited to 15 campers. In addition, new drop-off procedures and counselor interaction guidelines are in place to limit exposure and spread of COVID-19. The RiverDogs’ policies have been adapted from the City of Charleston Recreation Department’s guidelines for its own summer camps.

The baseball camps include stations in hitting, pitching, base running, speed and agility, warm-up and stretching, and fundamentals. The camp takes place in weekly sessions from 8:30am-12:30pm Tuesday-Friday. The camp is open to campers aged 6-13. Weekly registration is $250 per camper; individual day sessions can also be purchased for $70 each.

The new culinary camp taps into the RiverDogs’ strong food and beverage history with Shea, who will conduct the camp out of the Segra Club at Riley Park. The one-week camp will go from 8:30am to 12::30pm each day from Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 17. Each day will start with proper station set-up, include basic cooking skills, and conclude with a new lunch dish, which the campers will dine on. Culinary camp is $300 per camper for the week.

“I’m excited to share my passion for cooking with kids in the Lowcountry,” Shea said. “Our culinary operation at the ballpark goes way beyond hot dogs and soda, and I’m excited to pull back the curtains.”

Registration is now live at RiverDogs.com for the following sessions, each running 8:30am to 12:30pm:

  • Baseball Camp – Week 1 (June 16-19)
  • Baseball Camp – Week 2 (June 23-26)
  • Baseball Camp – Week 3 (July 7-10)
  • Culinary Camp – Week 1 (July 13-17)
  • Baseball Camp – Week 4 (July 21-24)
  • Baseball Camp – Week 5 (July 28-31)

RiverDogs, Boeing Introduce ‘Hall of Honor’ to memorialize military families in Lowcountry

 

On the eve of Armed Forces Day and the first scheduled RiverDogs Military Appreciation Night at The Joe, the ballclub is announcing the creation of the Hall of Honor, in partnership with Boeing, and asking for the public to nominate outstanding military veterans with Lowcountry ties.

The new recognition, which will feature new inductions at each Boeing Military Appreciation Night – starting June 15 whether or not there will be a live game at The Joe –, is meant to create a way for military veterans in the Lowcountry to be permanently recognized.

The Hall of Honor is the newest of Boeing and the RiverDogs’ joint military appreciation platform, which aims to honor and celebrate military families in the Lowcountry through various recognition programs. The team planned to roll out this program live in person at its Boeing Military Appreciation Night on May 16; however, although the season has begun in a delay due to COVID-19, the team decided not to postpone honoring our area’s military families.

“We at the RiverDogs think we can’t do enough to recognize the sacrifices and achievements of our country’s military heroes,” said RiverDogs president and general manager Dave Echols. “Adding a Hall of Honor allows us to immortalize Lowcountry military heroes to help ensure their stories are not forgotten.”

At each Boeing Military Appreciation Night moving forward, a minimum of two inductees will be enshrined in the Hall of Honor. A community committee will choose one nominee from a pool of high-profile local military heroes. The other inductee will be selected from open-to-the-public nominations, which can be submitted at https://forms.gle/fQJ5kicLxo8jpUbL7.

Inductees will be recognized on the field on a Military Appreciation Night, and will have their story told on the RiverDogs’ brand new Hall of Honor web site: https://www.milb.com/charleston/community/boeing-hall-of-honor​​​​​​​

“Boeing’s commitment to veterans and their families goes beyond the products we make, it includes our investments that highlight the vital role veterans play in our community,” said Boeing’s Lindsay Leonard, Senior Director of National Strategy and Engagement and Government Operations. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Charleston RiverDogs to showcase our military heroes and forever recognize their service and sacrifice through the Hall of Honor.”

The Latest on the RiverDogs

The health and safety of RiverDogs fans and employees is of the utmost importance to the organization and we support Minor League Baseball’s decision to delay the start of the 2020 season in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This is a fluid, rapidly evolving situation and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure that our facilities are following the recommendations set forth by local, state and national officials. At this time, the RiverDogs remain unsure as to what extent this delay will have on our season. RiverDogs season tickets, partial season plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are now available for the 2020 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets. You can view the RiverDogs’ COVID-19 Readiness Plan at RiverDogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

Carryout lunches are available to general public Tuesday-Friday and delivered to front-line COVID-19 responders on Mondays 

 

The Charleston RiverDogs announced that on Thursday, the ballclub – whose season’s start has been delayed by COVID-19 – will begin drive through lunch service at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Vice President of Food and Beverage Josh Shea, a longtime chef in the Charleston culinary scene, has created a special menu, from which patrons can order for pickup during lunchtime Tuesday through Friday for the foreseeable future. On Mondays, Shea will prepare 100 meals to be donated to various front-line COVID-19 responders in the Charleston area.

The RiverDogs, long-known as one of baseball’s nationwide leaders in food and drink creativity at the ballpark, will roll out a full menu prepared and cooked in the kitchen of the Segra Club at Riley Park. Items for purchase include ballpark favorites (yes, you can get the HomeWrecker) and healthy options, inspired by the RiverDogs’ partnership with MUSC Health.

Online orders can be placed at http://charlestonriverdogs.ehopper.info/. Lunches will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and available for pickup from the VIP lot directly adjacent to Riley Park. Also included on the menu are Kids Meals, which come with RiverDogs baseball cards, and all meal orders include two free RiverDogs ticket vouchers, good for any game in the 2020 season.

The RiverDogs will also take the chance to give back to the community in this time of need. Individuals can nominate groups of community members working to fight the effects of COVID-19, including first responders and medical professionals, for free lunch for up to 100 through an online nomination form. The RiverDogs will choose recipients and deliver hot lunches each Monday, starting on Monday, April 6. The link for nomination is: https://forms.gle/yQx2sFD1j9HD94fx6.

“We’re not, unfortunately, making final preparations for RiverDogs baseball as we normally would be rolling into April,” said president and general manager Dave Echols. “However, we believe using our resources and talent to offer an option for drive through meals and help those who are hard at work on this pandemic is a way to still be a positive force in this community.”

In offering this special menu, the RiverDogs have enacted additional health measures to ensure the safety of both its employees and its patrons. Additional sanitizers will be placed throughout the ballpark and pickup location, and health checks will be conducted on the limited RiverDogs employees involved in food service. The operation is made possible in large part due to its longstanding partnerships with Sysco and Pepsi.

All links are available at RiverDogs.com.

The Latest on the RiverDogs

The health and safety of RiverDogs fans and employees is of the utmost importance to the organization and we support Minor League Baseball’s decision to delay the start of the 2020 season in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This is a fluid, rapidly evolving situation and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure that our facilities are following the recommendations set forth by local, state and national officials. At this time, the RiverDogs remain unsure as to what extent this delay will have on our season. RiverDogs season tickets, partial season plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are now available for the 2020 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets. A full schedule and list of game times for the 2020 season is also available at riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

RiverDogs Seeking to Fill Gameday Positions, Hosting Job Fair This Saturday

The Charleston RiverDogs are looking to fill the remainder of their more than 200 gameday positions at The Joe for the upcoming 2020 season. With that goal in mind, the team will be hosting a second job fair this Saturday, March 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Joseph

The Charleston RiverDogs are looking to fill the remainder of their more than 200 gameday positions at The Joe for the upcoming 2020 season. With that goal in mind, the team will be hosting a second job fair this Saturday, March 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

Positions are available in a variety of different roles for applicants with varying levels of experience. The primary requirement for all applicants is a willingness to help the RiverDogs Make Fun! On-site interviews will be conducted for the following positions:

· Food & Beverage cooks at any level of experience (experience cooking with a smoker is a plus!)

· Stadium Operations Assistant

· Security

· Guest Relations

· Cashiers

· Picnic Staff

· Box Seat Servers

· Food Runners

· Alcohol Servers

· Parking Squad

· Kids Zone Attendants

Interested applicants are invited to pre-register for this event by filling out a candidate information form located at tinyurl.com/JobsAtTheJoe. Applicants are encouraged to dress appropriately.

RiverDogs season tickets, partial season plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are now available for the 2020 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The RiverDogs begin their home schedule on April 9 when they host the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers at The Joe. A full schedule and list of game times for the 2020 season is available at riverdogs.com.

RiverDogs Set to Host 15th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

 

Even when the team is on the road, the Charleston RiverDogs aren’t opposed to throwing a party, especially when it benefits a good cause. Under the theme of “Cinco de Mayo Fiesta,” the RiverDogs will host their 15th annual charity golf tournament at the Wild Dunes Harbor Golf Course on Tuesday, May 5.

Presented by Container Maintenance, this year’s event will provide an afternoon filled with golf and networking. A portion of the proceeds will benefit MUSC Children’s Health.
“We are looking forward to another great golf outing at Wild Dunes. It will be a fun way to spend an afternoon celebrating Cinco de Mayo and, at the same time, supporting a great cause,” said RiverDogs Director of Special Events, Lisa Dingman.

The event begins with an 11:00 a.m. shotgun start, and limited space is available. Foursomes can reserve a spot for $650 and individuals may register for $175. Sponsorship opportunities for the event begin at $400.

The afternoon will feature costume contests, celebrity appearances and plenty of chances to win prizes. The Cinco de Mayo theme also relates to the RiverDogs continued participation in Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión initiative. The club will once again take the field as “Los Perros Santos” for four home games during the 2020 campaign. Lunch and dinner are included with lunch being provided by The Kickin’ Chicken.

Contact Lisa Dingman at [email protected] or Kayli Varner at [email protected] with questions about the event.

On the heels of their third straight season eclipsing 300,000 fans through the turnstiles, the RiverDogs have already begun preparations for another year down at The Joe. RiverDogs season tickets, partial ticket plans, and group tickets, including options for the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2020 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The RiverDogs begin their home schedule on April 9 when they host the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers at The Joe. A full schedule and list of games for the 2020 season is available at riverdogs.com.

Registration Begins for RiverDogs Annual 5K

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston RiverDogs will host their 17th annual 5K Race presented by Fleet Feet Sports, on Saturday, April 25 at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Registration will open on Monday, February 17 for this year’s “Make Fun” themed race.

Runners can pre-register for one of the most unique race opportunities in the Lowcountry, featuring a 5K course around the park that culminates with a home plate finish at The Joe. Registration to the event includes a race bib, a “Make Fun” ball cap, post-race food and beer, and a ticket to that evening’s game as the RiverDogs take on the Augusta GreenJackets at Riley Park.

“We’re excited to continue with the ‘Make Fun’ theme for our annual 5K,” said RiverDogs Director of Special Events Lisa Dingman. “This event offers a chance for runners and their families to spend a full day at The Joe together. We look forward to another great group of participants!”

Fans can pre-register for the event for just $30 until March 1, $35 from March 2-April 12 and $40 from April 13-24. Registration will cost $45 the day of the race.

Registrant packet pick up will take place on Friday, April 24 at Fleet Feet Sports in Mt. Pleasant from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on the day of the run from 2:00-3:30 p.m. at The Joe. The race begins at 4:00 p.m. with first pitch for that evening’s ballgame scheduled for 6:05.

Registration is open at rileyparkevents.com.

On the heels of their third straight year eclipsing 300,000 fans through the turnstiles, the RiverDogs have already begun preparations for another year down at The Joe. RiverDogs season tickets, partial season plans, and group tickets, including options to the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2020 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The RiverDogs begin their home schedule on April 9 when they host the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers at The Joe. A full schedule and list of game times for the 2020 season is available at riverdogs.com.

 

–RIVERDOGS–

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

RiverDogs Announce “Reading Around the Bases” and “Education Days” 2020

 

CHARLESTON, S.C. – For the better part of the last three decades the Charleston RiverDogs have made youth literacy a focus of their community outreach strategy. Now, for the fourth year in a row, Charleston’s Minor League Baseball team is proud to announce its joint program with the Charleston County School District, “Reading Around the Bases.” The program began during the 2016-2017 school year to encourage literacy in a fun and interactive manner.

On Tuesday, January 21, 23 elementary schools throughout Charleston County will start a 10-week baseball-themed incentive program. Each student will receive a Reading Challenge packet that includes a score card, tracking sheet, and their very own personal baseball card.

To move around the bases on the score card, a student must read 100 pages for a single, 200 pages for a double, 300 pages for a triple, and 500 pages for a home run. Students also earn points for their class depending on how far they advance and how many times they “round the bases” on the score card. Top readers from each participating school will be recognized at Joseph P. Riley Jr., Park during the annual Education Day game on Wednesday, May 27.

Special guests from the RiverDogs will visit schools in the District throughout the 10 weeks to provide encouragement, fun, and serve as volunteer readers.

“We are so thankful one of the premier sports organizations in our state is committed to literacy and education,” said Karolyn Belcher, CCSD’s Chief Academic Officer. “The RiverDogs bring so much energy to our schools, classrooms, and most importantly, our students, through this initiative.”

The unofficial kickoff event for “Reading Around the Bases” this year will be at Memminger Elementary School in Downtown Charleston on Tuesday, January 21 at 1:00pm. Media outlets are invited to attend.

In addition to the reading program, the RiverDogs announce their annual “Education Day” games for the 2020 season. This year those games will fall on Wednesday, April 15th and Wednesday, May 27th. Both games will begin at 11:05 a.m. with gates opening at 10:00 a.m. Lowcountry area schools are invited to both games on a first come, first serve basis. Limited number of tickets are available for this “field trip.” To sign up, visit www.riverdogs.com or contact Charleston RiverDogs Director of Community Relations Brooke Swetenburg at communityrelations@riverdogs.com.

“Reading Around the Bases continues to be an integral part of the RiverDogs’ community outreach plan.” added RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “This program is an excellent way for our team and staff to support and ‘Make Fun’ with local youth in an interactive manner, while making a difference in our backyard.”

For more information on “Reading Around the Bases,” please contact Christy James, CCSD’s Library and Media Services Specialist and Textbook Coordinator, at (843) 937-6300, or Brooke Swetenburg with the RiverDogs at (843) 723-7241.

About the Charleston County School District

Charleston County School District (CCSD) is the second largest school system in South Carolina representing a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools that span 1,000 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves more than 50,000 students in 86 schools and specialized programs. With approximately 6,100 employees district wide, CCSD is the fourth largest employer in the region.

CCSD offers a diverse, expanding portfolio of options and specialized programs, delivered through neighborhood, charter, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), and Montessori schools, and is divided into three Learning Communities. Options include specialized programs in science, engineering and mathematics; liberal arts; music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; and military and other public service enterprises.

On the heels of their third straight year eclipsing 300,000 fans through the turnstiles, the RiverDogs have already begun preparations for another season down at The Joe. RiverDogs season tickets, partial season plans, and group tickets, including options to the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2020 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The RiverDogs begin their home schedule on April 9th when they host the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers at The Joe. A full schedule and list of game times for the 2020 season is available at riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

RiverDogs Introduce First Ever RiverDogs Youth Travel Baseball Team

 

CHARLESTON, SC – The Charleston RiverDogs are for the first time introducing a youth travel team program affiliated with the team, the New York Yankees’ Class-A South Atlantic League affiliate. The program will kick off with its first open tryout and information session, to be held on Saturday, Jan. 11 at the West Ashley High School baseball field. Check-in will start at 9:00 a.m., and the tryout will begin at 10:00a.m. Players who are eligible to participate in 9u through 12u programs are invited.

The program will be led by RiverDogs director of community outreach Chris Singleton, formerly a minor league outfielder with the Chicago Cubs. Through Chris’ leadership, the RiverDogs’ youth travel teams will function differently than most other area travel baseball programs. In joining the RiverDogs’ teams, players will learn and play competitive baseball at a high level, but an equally important part of the program will be exposing players to RiverDogs initiatives of philanthropy and community outreach.

“I’m excited to begin this youth baseball program because it focuses not just on baseball, but will give kids a path to make a significant impact in the community,” Singleton said. “The RiverDogs are looking forward to teaching both on field skills and life skills by requiring every player and coach to continually engage in philanthropic activities throughout the season.”

In addition to tournament play – which will largely be regional-focused – team members will have access to one-of-a-kind experiences, such as interaction with the RiverDogs team and playing time on the field at Riley Park.

For more information, contact Chris Singleton directly at 843-577-3647 or csingleton@riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

RiverDogs, Boeing Announce Joint Partnership to Recognize Military Members and Families

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Boeing has been named a 20/20 Partner of the Charleston RiverDogs, making the world’s largest aerospace company one of a group of partners committed to the vision of RiverDogs baseball and Joe Riley Park for the future.

Accompanying Budweiser and MUSC Health as a 20/20 partner, Boeing joins the Charleston club in strengthening the relationship between strong community-minded businesses and the RiverDogs. Boeing’s connection with the RiverDogs will offer several opportunities to showcase both organizations’ commitment to recognize, honor, and support military and veteran personnel and their families.

“The RiverDogs remain steadfast in our efforts to honor the military in the Lowcountry and bring awareness to the effort and sacrifice of veterans. We are thrilled to be partnering with Boeing to further these initiatives,” said Dave Echols, President and General Manager of the Charleston RiverDogs.

“Veterans and their families are a vital part of our company, our community, and our country. We are thrilled to partner with the Charleston RiverDogs to thank our veterans for their service and celebrate their contributions with America’s favorite pastime,” said Ashley Holbrook, Director of National Strategy and Engagement, Government Operations, Boeing South Carolina.

Exhibiting Boeing and the RiverDogs’ commitment to honoring the armed forces, a new, single, black seat, the POW/MIA “Chair of Honor,” will be a permanent fixture at The Joe all season long. The RiverDogs will host a dedication ceremony prior to the first pitch of the second game of the season on Friday, April 12.

Along with honoring the memory of past service members, Boeing will join forces with the RiverDogs in hosting three Military Appreciation Nights to honor active and retired military members in the local community on Saturday, May 25, Monday, July 1, and Friday, August 2. In conjunction with Boeing, the RiverDogs will offer complementary tickets to all active and retired service members and their families for these special event games.

Not just limited to three home dates throughout the season, RiverDogs players and staff will also wear specialty red jerseys at each Friday home game, expressing their support of the armed forces. As part of Red Shirt Fridays, fans wearing a red shirt may receive $1 off regular ticket pricing at the box office with the option to donate that dollar back to support various veteran’s non-profit groups in the Lowcountry. During an inning break at every Friday home game, a deployed military serviceman, servicewoman – – or veteran unable to attend the game – will be called and thanked by all in attendance for their service.

At each of the RiverDogs’ 70 home tilts during the year, Boeing will help present the “Hero of the Game,” recognizing an outstanding veteran while giving the special guest and their family a VIP treatment at the ballpark. As the Hero of the Game, honorees and their families are treated to the Riley Park Club experience, recognized on the video board and through public address with a description of their contributions to our country. Along with honoring one “Hero of the Game,” there will be a special in-game recognition, asking all veterans in attendance to stand at each of the RiverDogs’ home contests during the year.

For further details about the RiverDogs and Boeing’s military appreciation programs, how to nominate a veteran to be honored at a game this season, and complementary military tickets available throughout the year, visit the RiverDogs’ Military homepage at riverdogs.com/military.

On the heels of their second straight year eclipsing 300,000 fans through the turnstiles, the RiverDogs have already begun preparations for another year down at The Joe. RiverDogs season tickets, including options to the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2019 campaign by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The RiverDogs begin their home schedule on April 11 when they host the Greensboro Grasshoppers at The Joe, preceded by a weeklong road trip. A full schedule and list of game times for the 2019 season is available at riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

RiverDogs Host 14th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Just like a night out at The Joe promises more than just a baseball game, the RiverDogs’ annual charity golf tournament will be no different, while raising money for a good cause. Under the theme of “Día de los Perros,” the RiverDogs will host their 14th annual charity golf tournament, benefitting MUSC Children’s Health, at the Wild Dunes Harbor Course on Monday, March 25 at 11:00 a.m.

Presented by Container Maintenance, this year’s course theme, teasing the RiverDogs’ upcoming identity in the 2019 “Copa de Diversión,” will feature 18 holes and provide a fun afternoon of golfing and networking.

“We’re excited to host our annual golf tournament once again. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon while benefitting a great cause,” said RiverDogs Director of Special Events Lisa Dingman.

Also presented by Michelob Ultra and Estrella, the event begins with an 11 a.m. shotgun start, and limited space is available. Hole sponsorship is $400. Foursomes can reserve a spot for $650 and individuals may register for $175. The afternoon will feature costume contests, potential celebrity appearances, and lots of chances to win prizes with lunch and dinner provided by The Kickin’ Chicken and Mex 1.

Contact Lisa at ldingman@riverdogs.com with questions about the event or visit rileyparkevents.com to register.

The 2019 season will see 72 MiLB teams across the country, including the RiverDogs, transform their brands to join in Copa’s mission to authentically connect MiLB teams with their diverse communities, and embrace and celebrate the culture and values that resonate most with Latinx fans nationwide. The RiverDogs will reveal their Copa identity to the general public on March 18 and encourage their golf participants to help celebrate the occasion.

On the heels of their second straight year eclipsing 300,000 fans through the turnstiles, the RiverDogs have already begun preparations for another year down at The Joe. RiverDogs season tickets, partial season plans, and group tickets, including options to the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2019 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The RiverDogs begin their home schedule on April 11 when they host the Greensboro Grasshoppers at The Joe, preceded by a weeklong road trip. A full schedule and list of game times for the 2019 season is available at riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

RiverDogs Host Charlie Claus Toy Drive and Movie Night at The Joe

CHARLESTON, S.C. – With the holiday season underway, Charlie and the RiverDogs family are asking fans to help give back. The Charleston club will host their annual Charlie Claus Movie Night, featuring a special presentation of “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” on Saturday, December 8 from 2-5 p.m, while accepting donations to help benefit the Salvation Army Angel Tree Charleston.

Fans that bring a new, unopened toy benefitting the Angel Tree program will gain free admission to the event, hosted by the RiverDogs’ signature mascot, Charlie T. RiverDog. Tickets to the event are $5 otherwise, while kids 3 and under and members of the MUSC Children’s Health Kids Club get in free.

“We’re excited to once again bring back the Charlie Claus Movie Night, while partnering with the Salvation Army Angel Tree in this initiative for the first time,” said RiverDogs Director of Community Relations Walter Nolan-Cohn. “Our generous donations from fans will have a profound impact to help bring much-needed gifts to kids in the Lowcountry this time of year.”

In addition, all fans that donate at least a day before the event, in-person at The Joe will receive a Family Four-Pack (includes four tickets, four hot dogs, four drinks and four bags of chips) to a RiverDogs game in 2019, plus a free admission to the Charlie Claus Movie Night. Salvation Army Angel Tree bins will be available for fans to drop off donations all week leading up to the event (Dec. 3-7) from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. Fans can drop off donations and redeem their tickets at the Riley Park front office.

Along with the feature presentation from the Muppets, there will be a visit by Santa, letter writing stations for the North Pole, hot chocolate, and even an appearance from Charlie Claus himself.

About the RiverDogs

On the heels of their second straight year eclipsing 300,000 fans through the turnstiles, the RiverDogs have already begun preparations for another year down at The Joe. RiverDogs season tickets, partial season plans, and groups tickets, including options to the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2019 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The RiverDogs begin their home schedule on April 11 when they host the Greensboro Grasshoppers at The Joe, preceded by a weeklong road trip. A full schedule and list of game times for the 2019 season is available at riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

RiverDogs Host Fifth Annual Trick-or-Treat Movie Night Down at The Joe

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The RiverDogs are getting in the Halloween spirit with the fifth annual Trick-or-Treat Movie Night featuring Disney’s “Monsters University” from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, October 26 at Joe Riley Park.

The night begins with trick-or-treating around the Riley Park concourse starting at 6 p.m., followed by the showing of Disney’s animated hit starting at 7 p.m. on the video board. Admission for the event is $5 per person or free with a donation of five (5) or more canned food items for the Lowcountry Food Bank. Members of the MUSC Health Kid’s Club get in free, as do all children ages three (3) and under.

Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to dress in costume. Fans will have the opportunity to interact with various characters, enjoy a bubble station with ‘Good Clean Fun,’ and play in the RiverDogs’ Kids Zone as part of the evening’s festivities.

For more information about getting involved in the event, please contact the RiverDogs front office at (843) 723-7241.

Coming off the heels of their second straight year eclipsing 300,000 fans through the turnstiles, the RiverDogs have already begun preparations for another year down at The Joe. RiverDogs season tickets, including options to the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2019 campaign by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The RiverDogs begin their home schedule on April 11, 2019 when they host the Greensboro Grasshoppers at The Joe, preceded by a weeklong road trip. A full schedule and list of game times for the 2019 season is available at riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

Minor League Teams Across Carolinas Unite For Storm Relief

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – In the wake of Hurricane Florence that hit and devastated parts of South Carolina and much of North Carolina over the past week, thirteen Minor League Baseball teams in the two states are coming together to support and raise money for those victims in their states. The Asheville Tourists, Burlington Royals, Carolina Mudcats, Charleston RiverDogs, Charlotte Knights, Columbia Fireflies, Down East Wood Ducks, Durham Bulls, Greensboro Grasshoppers, Hickory Crawdads, Kannapolis Intimidators, Myrtle Beach Pelicans and Winston-Salem Dash announced today that they have created a joint GoFundMe page, raising funds for branches of the American Red Cross in affected areas of North Carolina and South Carolina.

The thirteen-­‐‑team dual state alliance will work together to maximize fundraising efforts across the state, utilizing the hashtag: #CarolinaStrong.

A State of Emergency was issued on September 7 by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and on September 8 for South Carolina by Governor Henry McMaster. More than 1 million people were told to evacuate coastal areas in the two states. President Trump declared a State of Emergency in the Carolinas on September 10. A day later FEMA announced that federal emergency aid would be made available.   As of Thursday, 37 deaths had been reported due to Florence with 27 confirmed in North Carolina and eight in South Carolina.

Both states have received unprecedented rainfall and flooding from a tropical cyclone, and hundreds of miles of roads were closed in each state. North Carolina Department of Public Safety is reminding residents to stay alert for continued flooding, power outages, and downed trees. Though evacuation orders have been lifted for the coastal regions of South Carolina, Florence’s aftermath has already begun to flood parts of the state while other areas remain on high alert for flooding in the coming days. Even this morning, Florence County issued a mandatory evacuation for several areas due to severe flooding.

“We’ve seen time and again that the residents of North and South Carolina are strong and resilient. In difficult times we stand by one another and lift up those in need. This time won’t be any different,” said the General Managers of the 13 MiLB teams in a joint statement. “Our teams are an integral part of the fabric of the community within our respective cities across North and South Carolina. While most days we operate as separate organizations, today we band together to support the citizens of these two great states.”

Those wishing to contribute can head to the #CarolinaStrong GoFundMe page at the following link: http://bit.ly/GoFundCarolinaStrong. All funds raised through this campaign will be donated to the American Red Cross in affected areas of North Carolina and South Carolina.

ABOUT THE ASHEVILLE TOURISTS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Colorado Rockies and play their home games at McCormick Field in Asheville, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Larry Hawkins. For more information on the Tourists please call (828) 258-0428.

ABOUT THE BURLINGTON ROYALS: They are the Rookie affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play their home games at Burlington Athletic Stadium in Burlington, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Mikie Morrison. For more information please call (336) 222-0223.

ABOUT THE CAROLINA MUDCATS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and play their home games at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Joe Kremer. For more information please call (919) 269-2278.

ABOUT THE CHARLESTON RIVERDOGS: They are the Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees and play their home games at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park in Charleston, South Carolina. Their General Manager is Dave Echols. For more information please call (843) 723-7241.

ABOUT THE CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS: They are the Class AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and play their home games at BB&T Ballpark in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Rob Egan. For more information please call (704) 274-8300.

ABOUT THE COLUMBIA FIREFLIES: They are the Class A affiliate of the New York Mets and play their home games at Spirit Communications Park in Columbia, South Carolina. Their President is John Katz. For more information please call (803) 726-4487.

ABOUT THE DOWN EAST WOOD DUCKS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their home games at Grainger Stadium in Kinston, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Wade Howell. For more information please call (252) 686-5172.

ABOUT THE DURHAM BULLS: They are the Class AAA affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and play their home games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, North Carolina. Their Vice President-Baseball Operations is Mike Birling. For more information please call (919) 687-6500.

ABOUT THE GREENSBORO GRASSHOPPERS: They are the Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates and play their home games at First National Bank Field in Greensboro, North Carolina. Their Vice President of Baseball Operations is Katie Dannemiller. For more information please call (336) 268-2255.

ABOUT THE HICKORY CRAWDADS: They are the Class A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their home games at L.P. Frans Stadium in Hickory, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Mark Seaman. For more information please call (828) 332-3000.

ABOUT THE KANNAOPLIS INTIMIDATORS: They are the Class A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and play their home games at Intimidators Stadium in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Their President/General Manager is Brian Radle. For more information please call (704) 932-3267.

ABOUT THE MYRTLE BEACH PELICANS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and play their home games at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Their General Manager is Ryan Moore. For more information please call (843) 918-6000.

ABOUT THE WINSTON-SALEM DASH: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and play their home games at BB&T Ballpark in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Their Vice President of Baseball Operations is Ryan Manuel. For more information please call (336) 714-2287.

RiverDogs Host Run Charlie Run 5K

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston RiverDogs will host the 15th annual Run Charlie Run 5K presented by Fleet Feet Sports on Saturday, May 19. The event starts at 4 p.m. at Joe Riley
Park and culminates with a home plate finish.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Campaign for MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.

“We’re excited to once again welcome our hundreds of runners to our annual 5K for a memorable run and ballgame later that night,” said RiverDogs Director of Special Events Lisa Dingman. “It’s a great way to spend a Saturday with the run and a RiverDogs game while benefitting a great cause.”

Early registration for the event is $30 and includes entry to the race, a ball cap, a post-race dinner and beer, and a ticket to the night’s game against the Columbia Fireflies. Runners can register to the event by following the link HERE.

RiverDogs single-game tickets, including options to the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2018 campaign, the club’s 25th season as the RiverDogs and their “175th season in dog years.” Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com/tickets.

–RIVERDOGS–

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