Greenville Drive, Inspired By Community Support, Continued Winning Ways In 2020 Despite Cancelled Season

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GREENVILLE, S.C. – Despite the cancellation of the 2020 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) season, the Greenville Drive continued to rack up wins, finishing 2020 and entering 2021 strong with multiple honors and accolades, both locally and nationally. These awards come as an acknowledgement of the franchise’s excellence in management, unwavering commitment to community service and advocacy for timely issues. Most importantly, the awards recognize the team’s and the Greenville area’s perseverance in the face of the unprecedented challenges of the past year.

Local Awards & Recognitions

The Drive’s 2020 local awards come across a range of categories, from education and social justice to economic empowerment and positive growth.

  • Urban League of the Upstate’s Corporate Citizen Award: The Drive was honored as the Urban League of the Upstate’s Corporate Citizen Award for its shared vision for and support of economic empowerment, educational opportunities and the guarantee of civil rights for the underserved in our area, issues that took on additional significance this year.
  • Southernside Neighborhood Goodwill Ambassadors of the Year: Greenville’s Southernside neighborhood, which represents a large portion of Greenville’s urban core, recognized Drive owners Craig and Vicki Brown as Goodwill Ambassadors of the Year for their efforts to increase access to commercial centers and recreational space, enhance employment and economic empowerment, and strengthen community character.
  • Greenville County Schools Partner of the Year: Greenville County Schools, a longtime partner of the Drive, named the team its 2020 Partner of the Year in recognition of its ongoing educational programming, student and teacher advocacy and charitable support.
  • Greenville Literacy Association Partner of the Year: Greenville Literacy Association awarded the Drive this prestigious accolade based on the team’s literacy and employment programs and initiatives aimed at individual and community improvement and success.
  • Greenville News Best Local Sports Team: Based entirely on community voting, the Drive was named the Upstate’s favorite sports team, beating out all local professional and even collegiate teams and demonstrating the high regard the community has for its efforts.

Major National Recognition & A Significant Promotion

The Drive’s wins continued with a major national accolade.

  • Freitas Award (Nation’s Top Single A Franchise): Based on the achievements outlined above, Baseball America honored the Drive with the Bob Freitas Award, honoring the nation’s top Single-A franchise. The Drive earned accolades for its relevant & powerful community programming as well as its ongoing operational excellence.
  • Boston Red Sox Advanced-A Status: Despite the most challenging season in MiLB’s 100+ year history, and during a period of significant contraction of MiLB clubs across the country, the Drive maintained & extended its 17+ year affiliation history with the Boston Red Sox and beginning in 2021 will play as the Red Sox Advanced-A level affiliate.

Business Success and Continued Strong Partnerships

The Drive also enjoyed great success in delivering value to its long-term partners and expanding its sponsor base throughout the past year despite the Drive’s cancelled 2020 season. While the season cancellation made it difficult for many sports organizations to continue to offer visibility and brand recognition for its sponsors, the Drive’s strong partner relationships and innovation in modifying signature events and creating new programming to accommodate COVID restrictions allowed them to not only maintain their current partnership base but also to add several new, high-profile community partners to its portfolio.

“2020 has been an extraordinary year for our entire community, and the Drive is no different,” noted Greenville Drive Owner & Team President Craig Brown. “Like the Greenville community, the Drive worked to take these changes in stride, adapting and adjusting to challenges and taking them head-on, and, as these awards demonstrate, ultimately overcoming. These honors not only demonstrate our relentless commitment to giving back to our community but more importantly, our community’s continued support of and belief in our organization. In many ways, 2020 actually became our best and most impactful year ever – a true testament to the unique & special nature of the Upstate community, and how lucky we are to call this place home. We are deeply thankful for our fans, grateful for the opportunities we’ve had to give back and humbled by the meaning of these honors, especially in such difficult times. We are entering 2021 strong with the knowledge that we truly are better together.”

Drive Set to Host Two Marquee Community Events at Fluor Field

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GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Greenville Drive is pleased to announce two upcoming marquee community events at Fluor Field. A new event, the Green Monster Mash (October 17), and a community favorite, the Upstate Veterans Salute (November 8), will offer free, family fun and a chance for the Upstate to once come together at Fluor Field – our community’s ideal outdoor social distancing venue.

Named after Fluor Field’s iconic Green Monster in left field, the first-ever Green Monster Mash Fall Festival will offer trick-or-treating, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, Halloween and fall-themed arts and crafts and a screening of the movie “Goosebumps” (rated PG). Trick-or-treating and other activities will run from 3-5 p.m., with the movie starting at 5 p.m. Movie seating is available on the field and in stadium seats, so bring a blanket and prepare to get spooky. Admission to The Green Monster Mash is free, but reservations are required and must be staggered to ensure social distancing. Reserve your spot today by clicking here

For the 5th straight year, the Upstate Veterans Salute, founded originally by the Drive & long-time community partners Michelin, General Electric, & Prisma Health, honors & recognizes our community’s Veterans & active military heroes. This year’s event will feature emotional & powerful Military focused programming, Military vehicle displays at the stadium gates, an aerial flyover by the vintage Warbirds Flyover Team, and a concert by up-and-coming country artist Filmore. South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette will provide the keynote address, and the salute will conclude with a patriotic fireworks display. Gates open at 3 p.m., with Filmore set to begin at 4:30pm. Socially distanced seating will be available both in stadium seats as well as in first come, first served “pods” set up on the field itself. As always, admission to the Upstate Veterans Salute is free but a ticket reservation is required. Reserve your tickets today at UpstateSalute.com.

“Despite the challenges of the last 7 months, the Drive’s commitment to the Upstate community is stronger than ever & we’re excited to announce our upcoming Halloween & Veterans Day events”, said Drive Vice President of Marketing, Jeff Brown. “We’ve all missed out on a lot this year, so, with these events, the Drive is thrilled to bring back some of the joy and fun we are accustomed to providing our community each year. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy themselves in the safe and welcoming environment that is Fluor Field.”

SC Counts Day of Action at Fluor Field on Saturday

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The Greenville Drive are joining in on Lt. Governor Pamela Evette’s “2020 Census Day of Action Challenge”. This Saturday, September 26th from 9 AM to 2 PM, Fluor Field will serve as Greenville County’s location – joining 23 additional counties across the state – in a last-ditch effort to increase census participation before the September 30th deadline.

Additional important services will be provided at Fluor Field, including:

  • COVID-19 Testing
  • Flu Vaccinations
  • Voter Registration
  • SC DMV Read ID

Those wishing to take advantage of any and all of these services, will enter the ballpark through the Main Street Gate. A MASK MUST BE WORN TO ENTER FLUOR FIELD.

A limited edition “Vote. Baseball.” T-shirt, featuring the Greenville Drive logo, will also be available for purchase at the Greenville Drive Team Store, located outside of the Main Street Gate. The Team Store will open at 11 AM on Saturday.

South Carolina is currently lagging behind in the 2020 Census self-response rate. A complete county is critical for local governments to receive their fair share of resources from any federal and state programs for the next 10 years. In 2016, South Carolina received more than $12 billion from federal spending programs guided by data derived from the 2010 Census. South Carolina can’t afford to miss out!

Public Education Partners and Greenville Drive Announce My Drive to #Teach864 Campaign

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GREENVILLE, S.C. – Public Education Partners (PEP) and the Greenville Drive announced today that they will continue their support of Greenville’s public school teachers through the My Drive to #Teach864 campaign. The annual #Teach864 Night between the two organizations is a celebration of teachers across all Greenville County Schools, and is one of the most highly anticipated events at Fluor Field each year.

However, Covid-19 and the cancellation of the Drive’s 2020 baseball season prevented the event from taking place in its usual format this year – but that’s not stopping the team from going to bat for teachers.

As school doors reopen, PEP and the Drive will be launching a two-week community fundraising effort – My Drive to #Teach864 – to support programming focused on teacher health and wellbeing, appreciation, and access to professional development for the 2020-21 school year. These programs represent one of PEP’s three strategic priorities – Elevating Teachers – which is focused on recruitment, retention, and morale initiatives that cultivate increased teacher satisfaction.

In celebration of PEP’s 35th anniversary and the Drive’s 15th anniversary, the organizations are committed to raising $35,000 from August 24th through September 7th by asking individuals to pledge $8.64 a month or make a one-time gift of $100, $50, or $25 in support of Greenville County’s teachers. Corporate sponsorships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 are also available in support of the campaign.

Pledges to the campaign, as well as more information on PEP’s programming, can be made online at www.pepgc.org.

“Statewide data shows that teachers are leaving the classroom earlier in their careers than ever before. In Greenville County, 40% of teachers leaving the profession did so within the first five years,” stated Catherine Schumacher, PEP CEO & President. “Understanding that teachers are facing more hurdles than ever as they return to school this fall, PEP is doubling down on our commitment to teacher retention and morale. We are lucky to have community partners like the Greenville Drive that also recognize the importance of this moment and are joining us in thinking innovatively about how we support teachers.”

“While we may not be able to hit home runs at Fluor Field this season, that will not prevent us from hitting them in the classroom with PEP and Greenville County Schools,” Craig Brown, Greenville Drive Owner & President. “During our first 15 years our mission has always been, and will continue to be, a part of the fabric of the Upstate Community. Despite not having a Drive baseball season this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have doubled-down on that support, which includes our support of Greenville County Schools and Public Education Partners. We look forward to watching this campaign deliver valuable resources and opportunities to teachers.”

In addition the Drive, significant financial pledges have been made to the My Drive to #Teach864 campaign by Greenville Federal Credit Union, and others.

Greenville Top Fundraiser in MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

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GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Greenville Drive, along with long-time corporate partners Trehel Corporation, Duke Energy, and Spinx, recently participated in Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First campaign during the month of May, helping raise critical funds and resources for those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this effort, the Drive along with its partners aimed to maximize community impact and dollars raised; ultimately raising over $7,200 – the highest amount raised of all Minor League Baseball teams in the country!

“We’ve always worked tirelessly in both good and challenging times to position the Drive as the ‘Front Porch Of The Community’ so it’s a great privilege for us to take part in Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign and give back to those who need it most,” said Craig Brown, President and Owner of the Greenville Drive. “To raise the most funds across all of Minor League Baseball, and to do so with the great help of our long-time friends and partners at Trehel, Spinx, and Duke Energy, is humbling and speaks to the generosity and collaborative spirit of our partners and the Upstate community. COVID-19 has impacted nearly every aspect of daily life and we’re grateful for the help of our partners and the opportunity to use our platform to help those impacted the most.”

These critical funds will be distributed locally to Harvest Hope Food Bank and throughout the Upstate to help those most in need. In addition, as part of this effort, the Drive has also committed to donating 750 tickets to an Opening Week game during the 2021 season to be utilized by local heroes and frontline workers battling COVID-19. In total, because of the great work done by the Drive and its partners, as well as all Minor League Baseball teams across the country, over 550,000 meals will be donated to families through Feeding America’s nationwide network, and over 5,500 MiLB tickets will be provided to heroes and frontline workers across the nation.

“The Greenville Drive are a shining example of a team bringing together its local community and corporate partners to help individuals most impacted by COVID-19,” said Courtney Nehls, Director of Community Engagement of Minor League Baseball. “We are grateful to the Drive for putting forth such an extraordinary effort throughout the entire MiLB CommUNITY First initiative, and in turn, donating the most funds and tickets to the national campaign.”

For more information and details on the success and impact of the CommUNITY First Program, please visit GreenvilleDrive.com/commUNITYFirst.

Drive Named Greenville County Schools Partner of the Year

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Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster today announced the Greenville Drive as the 2020 Greenville County Schools Partner of the Year. This award was created to recognize and affirm organizations, groups, or individuals who are making a significant positive impact on our ability to fulfill the school district’s mission. This impact is seen through volunteer time, financial contributions, in-kind donations, or other collaborative supports to students, schools or the district as a whole.

“Recognizing the Greenville Drive as our Partner of the Year is the result of a multifaceted partnership between the Drive and Greenville County Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster. “We are fortunate to have a strong partnership that recognizes our athletes for their academic achievement, that recognizes our employees and helps recruit teachers into the profession and to our district, and that brings recognition and awareness of the various careers in manufacturing and health care to our students.”

The Greenville Drive has been a longtime champion of Greenville County Schools’ students and staff. Employee support is evident in the Drive’s annual GCS Appreciation Night to honor all employees. Every employee receives a complimentary ticket to the game and a ballpark food voucher. Employees are celebrated and recognized with between-inning games, great prize giveaways, and teacher recognition.

The Drive teams up with Public Education Partners for #Teach864 Night to celebrate teachers and promote the teaching profession. GCS teachers received a complimentary ticket, free t-shirt, and food voucher, and are honored on the field throughout the game.

The Reading All-Stars Program is aimed at promoting reading and academic success for students in second through eighth grades. Students who complete the reading program receive a ticket voucher as well as Reading All-Stars merchandise, a book for their personal library, and participation in the pre-game parade or Meet-the-Player event.

Since 2015, the Greenville Drive has sponsored the Drive for Excellence academic awards, presented annually to high performing athletic teams and athletic departments. Under normal circumstances, student athletes are recognized at a spring Greenville Drive baseball game. Recognition includes gift bags, snacks and guest speakers during a reception and the winning schools’ principal and athletic director are recognized and receive the trophy during the game. Each of the winning sport teams are recognized between innings on the field, and all teams with an average GPA of 4.0 are recognized on the message board. Due to this year’s COVID-19 pandemic, the awards were presented on-field, but the Drive highlighted GCS winners during the #BetheLight recognition.

Another partnership between the Greenville Drive and LaunchGVL gives high school students the opportunity to participate in a paid internship. The Greenville Drive also sponsors programs such as Manufacturing Night and Health Careers Night for students to learn about careers and certifications in these fields.

At the Table with The Greenville News Comes to Fluor Field March 10

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The moment you realize your life is going to go in a different direction, and that everything you’ve worked for, and how you’ve always defined yourself, is changing.

That’s the moment six local athletes will share at the next At the Table with The Greenville News event March 10 at Fluor Field. The event in partnership with The Greenville Drive is part of The Greenville News’ culinary storytelling series, which marries illuminating personal stories and creative cuisine.

The six athletes will tell stories of passion, loss, dedication and resolve, and of the day they decided to essentially break up with their pro career.

Participating storytellers are:

  • Bretton Cameron, who retired from the Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey team
  • Blakely Mattern, soccer player and J.L. Mann High graduate
  • John Harkes, coach of the Greenville Triumph and former USMNT soccer player
  • Levon Kirkland, former Pittsburgh Steeler and Clemson graduate
  • MarieAnn “Mo” Newman, former professional bodybuilder and current bodybuilding judge
  • Madison Younginer, a Mauldin High grad who pitched for the Atlanta Braves

Wilberto Sauceda, executive chef at Fluor Field will put his skills to the test to create a small plates menu inspired by each of the athletes.
The Greenville Drive is the venue sponsor for this event, and money raised will go to benefit the Greenville YMCA.
Tickets are $50 and include six dishes and an evening of stories you’ve never heard. The event is 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 10 at the Champions Club located at Fluor Field. Tickets are available here

 

Drive Hosting Job Fair at Fluor Field on January 25th

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Greenville, SC – The Greenville Drive will be hosting a Game Day Staff Job Fair at Fluor Field on Saturday, January 25th beginning at 9:00 AM.

The Drive will be making seasonal hires in three departments for the 2019 season at Fluor Field: Food and Beverage, Game Operations and Grounds Crew.

All interested parties can arrive beginning at 9:00 AM when the Main Street gates will open. They will be directed to the Champions Club on the suite level, where Drive representatives will be on hand to provide candidates with an application for their preferred department. Once the application has been completed, each candidate will be directed to a suite for an interview in their department.

Following the interview, the Drive will reach out to each candidate with more information if they are selected to be a member of the 2019 Game Day Staff.

Each department is seeking staff members in the following positions.

Food and Beverage: Bartender, Beer Cart Attendant, Concession Stand Manager, Concession Stand Worker, Cook, Dishwasher, In Seat Service Attendant, Picnic Server, Suite Attendant

Game Operations: Bat Boy, Crowd Manager, Cleaning Porters

Grounds Crew: Grounds Crew Member

For more information on the Greenville Drive’s Game Day Staff Job Fair, please call our front office at (864) 240-4500.

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

Drive to Hold Reedy Tryouts

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The Greenville Drive are looking for fun, enthusiastic candidates who are motivated to represent the organization at home games and in the community. The Promo Team is an integral part of home Drive games and devote their time to energizing the fans at Fluor Field and making sure that everyone has a great game day experience!

Saturday, January 18th, 2020

Fluor Field at the West End

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

CHECK-IN: 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM

The ideal candidate will be physically fit and able to sustain energy throughout a Drive game. Must be 18 or older with reliable transportation. Height Requirements: 5’9″ to 6’2″ to fit into the costume. You must be a highly skilled performer with a great ability to improvise and animate. Previous experience as an animator, character, mascot or interactive entertainer is a plus. Seeking people in good physical condition with skills in dancing, tumbling, gymnastics or acrobatics. Must be good with children and be an outgoing people person.

Position requires five months of 70 home games to attend, from April through September. You will have a preset schedule of game dates and times. Most games are in the evening and dates will include weekends. Please note our mascot performs outside in summer months and must take into consideration the likelihood for high temperatures. Additional appearance requests will be all calendar year. Compensation is on a per game basis and will be paid bi-weekly.

Those interested in auditioning will be required to have a 30 second to minute long performance/sketch prepared. This performance is at the discretion of the performer and must be appropriate for a family audience. We suggest you incorporate skits, your dancing abilities, and how you would interact with fans of any age. Tryouts will be on the dugout top. Please arrive between 9:45 to 10:25am. We will audition all candidates until all have had opportunity.

Please wear athletic/workout attire. Bring your ID and registration form.

 If you are unable to attend tryouts, we will be accepting audition videos until February 16th. Audition video should include a 30 second to minute long performance/sketch and should be sent to [email protected]. Include a little about yourself and why you should be the iconic Reedy Rip’It!

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

Drive to Hold Promo Team Tryouts

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The Greenville Drive are looking for fun, enthusiastic candidates who are motivated to represent the organization at home games and in the community. The Promo Team is an integral part of home Drive games and devote their time to energizing the fans at Fluor Field and making sure that everyone has a great game day experience!

Saturday, January 18th, 2020

Fluor Field at the West End

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

CHECK-IN: 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM

The ideal candidate will be an outgoing individual with a fun, energetic personality. Must be 16 or older, able to attend Drive home games, work nights and weekends and have reliable transportation.

You will be responsible for handing out promotional material, assisting with mascot functions, helping out with sponsored promotions, pumping up the crowd and having FUN!

The Drive wants positive minded persons. You will be the fresh face of our promo team that will be responsible for interacting with fans and making sure they have a pleasant experience.

Auditions will consist of interactive group games, improv activities, and opportunities to interact with other candidates and the judges. These activities are meant to assess each candidate’s personality, enthusiasm, energy, teamwork skills and their comfort level in front of a crowd.

Candidates should wear comfortable, but active, attire INCLUDING athletic shoes

All members that are selected for the Promo Team will be required to attend the following mandatory team-related activity.
Saturday, February 22nd – Orientation – during college game
Be sure this date is reserved on your calendar if you plan to audition for the team.

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

SC Veterans Upstate Salute at Fluor Field on November 10th

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The Drive are excited to team up with fellow Upstate Veterans Alliance partners GE, Michelin and Prisma Health for the fourth annual SC Veterans Upstate Salute! You’re invited to join us in this free celebration on Sunday, November 10th at Fluor Field, as we will honor our local veterans with a night full of entertainment.

The Fluor Field gates will open at 3:00. Highlights of the evening include a concert from Darryl Worley, a 21-gun salute, parachuters, an aerial flyover and opportunities to meet community agencies supporting veterans and their families. The night will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show. The concession stands at Fluor Field will be open throughout the evening.

Admission for the SC Veterans Upstate Salute is complimentary, and we hope you’ll join us as we help celebrate our nation’s veterans!

CLICK HERE TO REDEEM YOUR COMPLIMENTARY TICKET

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

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#Teach864 Night is Tuesday, April 9th at Fluor Field

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The Drive are thrilled to host the second annual #Teach864 Night at Fluor Field on Tuesday, April 9th. First pitch against the Augusta GreenJackets is at 7:05 PM.

#Teach864 Night is an opportunity for Greenville to celebrate and elevate our teachers in the Upstate, who are the most important professionals in the lives of our community’s youth. Public Education Partners, Greenville County Schools and The Greenville Drive invite the thousands of Greenville County teachers, our partners, our friends and the entire community to a night of fun, fellowship and baseball.

Pre-game and in-game recognitions include Greenville County Schools Teachers of the Year, Teacher Cadet and GATE programs, a Teacher Dance Break, and a Teacher “Signing Day” with new teachers.

All Greenville County Schools teachers will receive a complimentary “My Drive to Teach” t-shirt, and $5 meal voucher to use at any of the concession stands.

To purchase tickets, visit the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or CLICK HERE.

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

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Safe Kids Upstate Day is Sunday, April 7th

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The Greenville Drive are excited to host the annual Safe Kids Upstate Day at Fluor Field on Sunday, April 7th in celebration of Safety Patrol members across Greenville, Pickens, and Oconee Counties.

First pitch against the West Virginia Power is at 3:05 PM, and the first 300 kids to arrive when gates open at 2:00 will receive a complimentary, custom-fit bike helmet.

All afternoon, the Drive and Safe Kids Upstate have plans for fun activities, family safety exhibits and giveaways! The interactive exhibits include Buddy’s Safety House, a Teen Driving 3D Road Course Challenge, Hands Only CPR Demonstrations, and a chance to meet with local firefighters and law enforcement. Great prizes like drones, scooters and giant pool inflatables will be given away throughout the day.

To purchase tickets for Safe Kids Upstate Day on April 7th, visit the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or CLICK HERE.

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

Drive Hosting Job Fair at Fluor Field on January 12th

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

Greenville, SC – The Greenville Drive will be hosting a Game Day Staff Job Fair at Fluor Field on Saturday, January 12th beginning at 9:00 AM.

The Drive will be making seasonal hires in five departments for the 2019 season at Fluor Field: Box Office, Entertainment, Food and Beverage, Game Operations and Grounds Crew.

All interested parties can arrive beginning at 9:00 AM when the Main Street gates will open. They will be directed to the Champions Club on the suite level, where Drive representatives will be on hand to provide candidates with an application for their preferred department. Once the application has been completed, each candidate will be directed to a suite for an interview in their department.

Following the interview, the Drive will reach out to each candidate with more information if they are selected to be a member of the 2019 Game Day Staff.

Each department is seeking staff members in the following positions.

Box Office: Box Office Representative

Entertainment: Camera Operator, Daktronics Stat Operator, Mascot, Music Operator, Replay Operator, Technical Director

Food and Beverage: Bartender, Beer Cart Attendant, Concession Stand Manager, Concession Stand Worker, Cook, Dishwasher, In Seat Service Attendant, Picnic Server, Suite Attendant

Game Operations: Crowd Manager

Grounds Crew: Grounds Crew Member

For more information on the Greenville Drive’s Game Day Staff Job Fair, please call our front office at (864) 240-4500.

~Greenville Drive~

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

Drive Honored with SCSBA Champions of Public Education Award

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Greenville, SC – The Greenville Drive have been selected by the South Carolina School Boards Association as a recipient of the Champions of Public Education Award in recognition of their commitment to public education in the Upstate.

The South Carolina School Boards Association has been issuing the Champions of Public Education Award since 2009, and each quarter, individuals, organizations and local businesses are recognized for their contributions to public education. These contributions include support of local education programs, actively working for the betterment of public schools, and doing their part to inspire support for public schools. Previous recipients of the award in support of Greenville County Schools include The Cliffs Communities, Hubbell Lighting, and Public Education Partners.

The Drive’s consistent efforts in outreach towards public schools is manifested in many ways. The Michelin Reading All-Stars Program works with public schools and library systems to promote reading enjoyment and academic success, and the program has reached almost 700,000 children over 11 years.

The Drive also hosted the inaugural Teach864 Night at Fluor Field this season, which recognized teachers in Greenville County Schools for their dedication and service to their students, their schools, and the local community.

In addition, the Drive have hosted Health Careers Night and Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Night the past few seasons, both of which are designed to educate, inform, and spark interest in those fields for students of all ages.

“Being committed to education is a major component of our community platform, and it is a tremendous honor to be recognized for that commitment with the Champions of Public Education award,” said Drive Owner and Team President Craig Brown. “Our schools in the Upstate are doing a commendable job preparing students to be the leaders of tomorrow, and we consider it a privilege to help out in the development of these young students through our education programs and specialty career nights.”

“The Greenville Drive franchise has been an exemplary community partner for Greenville County Schools for many years,” said Dr. Burke Royster, Superintendent of Greenville County Schools. “Craig Brown always responds affirmatively when we call on him. The Drive has assisted us in honoring all GCS employees through our employee appreciation night, raised the profile of teachers through the Teach864 Campaign, helped educate our families about careers in health and manufacturing, supported academic success in GCS student-athletes, and participated in our AdvancED accreditation review.

“Together, we have co-presented to groups such as TransformSC on the value of public-private partnerships. In short, the Drive has thrown its name recognition and brand value behind our public schools and we are incredibly grateful for their commitment to our cause.”

About the Greenville Drive

The Greenville Drive, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, just completed its 13th season at award-winning Fluor Field in downtown Greenville. Since 2006, more than 400,000 fans a year have been welcomed to Fluor Field for both Drive games and additional community events. In 2017, the Drive was honored with the prestigious John H. Johnson President’s Award, presented by Minor League Baseball and given to “the total baseball franchise,” based on contributions to baseball in the community, promotion of the baseball industry, financial stability and contributions to league stability. 80 Drive alumni have gone on to play at the major-league level, 13 of which were members of the Red Sox 2013 World Series Championship Team.

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