Flying Squirrels win MiLB CommUNITY Champion Award

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hall of Famer Andre Dawson headlining Flying Squirrels’ Hot Stove

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free parking is available in the lots at The Diamond.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Squirrels offering free tickets for Veterans, military this weekend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Nine: Top-5

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In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Sacramento River Cats.

Tyson Ross

Former Sacramento River Cats right-hander Tyson Ross has California in his blood. The Berkeley, California native was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the second round of the 2008 MLB Draft out of the University of California, Berkeley before becoming an All Star with the San Diego Padres in 2014.

Prior to his move south, Ross spent five years in the Oakland organization, three split between the A’s and Sacramento. In 30 games with the River Cats, Ross was 11-5 with a 4.30 ERA, 128 strikeouts, and a 1.48 WHIP.

He was traded to the Padres in 2012 in exchange for infielder Andy Parrino and left-hander Andrew Werner. Ross excelled with the Padres, posting a sub-3.30 ERA in each of his first three seasons in San Diego.

In 10 MLB seasons, Ross is 44-70 with a 4.04 ERA, 816 strikeouts, and a 1.36 WHIP in 904.2 innings, last pitching in the Majors in 2019 with Detroit.

Ross’ strongest impact now is off the field, inspiring young baseball players in the Bay Area. He is the founder of the Loyal To My Soil program, where he and his big leaguer peers gather to “educate, inspire, and coach the kids of our community to be great on and off the field.”

You can hear Ross talk about his MLB journey, his time in Sacramento, and Loyal To My Soil on episode eight of the River Cats Nine Lives Podcast.

Chris Carter (2012)
River Cats Media

Chris Carter

Former Sacramento first baseman/left fielder Chris Carter is one of the most powerful sluggers in the Oakland A’s era of River Cats history, with his 65 home runs still standing atop the team’s leader board.

He played 285 games for the River Cats from 2009-2012, finishing inside the franchise’s top-10 with 233 RBIs (third), 156 walks (tied for sixth), 68 doubles (seventh), and 202 runs (sixth).

After four years in the minors, Carter broke into the majors in 2010, bashing 158 home runs for four teams across eight MLB seasons. His best season was 2016 with Milwaukee, where he tied for the National League lead with 41 home runs, and also won the Brewers Good Guy Award.

The 2005 15th-round pick by the Chicago White Sox outperformed his draft slot with a prolific minor league career. The three-time top-100 prospect on Baseball America (2009-2011) earned seven Player of the Week awards, 14 All-Star nods (one with Sacramento in 2010), and played in the 2009 Futures Game.

Carter was originally acquired from Chicago by Arizona in 2007 for All-Star outfielder Carlos Quentin. He was quickly traded to Oakland alongside fellow former River Cats Carlos González, Brett Anderson, Aaron Cunningham, Greg Smith, and Dana Eveland for All-Star right-hander Dan Haren. He left the Oakland organization in Feb. of 2013 as part of the package for infielder Jed Lowrie.

Former River Cats infielder Jemile Weeks while with Sacramento.
River Cats Media

Jemile Weeks

Former Sacramento River Cats second baseman Jemile Weeks is one of the fastest players in River Cats history.

The speedy switch-hitter had a standout career at the University of Miami before going 12th overall to the Oakland A’s in the 2008 MLB Draft.

The professional game did not slow Weeks down.

After making the Futures Game in his first full professional season, Weeks impressed in the Arizona Fall League, being named a Player of the Week and Rising Star while earning a spot on the All-Prospect Team.

He arrived in Sacramento in 2011, posting a .417 on-base percentage through his first 45 Triple-A games.

Weeks turned that hot start into an MLB debut, where he had an impressive June, winning American League Rookie of the Month.

He played parts of six MLB seasons with Oakland, Baltimore, Boston, and San Diego, hitting .254 with 121 runs, 45 doubles, 18 triples, 62 RBIs, and 41 stolen bases in 260 games.

In 185 games for Sacramento from 2011-2013, Weeks hit .287 with 131 runs, 29 doubles, seven home runs, 72 RBIs, 28 stolen bases, and is tied for third all time in team history with 14 triples.

Weeks continues to make an impact off the field as the executive director for the nonprofit organization WeFam United, Inc., located in Orlando, Florida. WeFam United aims to “change the narrative of our underserved youth.”

Listen to Weeks talk about WeFam United, his time in Sacramento, his MLB draft experience, and more on episode 13 of the River Cats Nine Lives Podcast.

Former Sacramento and Stanford outfielder Michael Taylor while with the River Cats.
River Cats Media

Michael Taylor

Former Sacramento River Cats outfielder Michael Taylor is one of the most successful hitters to don the RC logo.

Drafted out of Stanford University in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2007 MLB Draft, Taylor had a well-decorated MiLB career. His impressive production in the Philadelphia system led to his inclusion in the Phillies’ 2009 trade for Hall-of-Fame right-hander Roy Halladay.

Taylor was a five-time Player of the Week (one with Sacramento in 2012), two-time Mid-Season All-Star, a Post-Season All-Star, a Topps Double-A All-Star, and two-time Organization All-Star while with the River Cats in 2012 and 2013.

The 6’5 outfielder did everything for the River Cats during his five seasons in Sacramento.

He was the River Cats’ Most Improved Player in 2010, Defensive Player of the Year in 2011, and Most Exciting Player in 2013.

He still holds the title of River Cats’ all-time RBIs leader with 325 and also ranks second in games played (511), at-bats (1,900), runs (299), hits (521), doubles (112), walks (266), and steals (60).

Taylor played 37 games in the Majors for the Oakland A’s and Chicago White Sox, hitting his first MLB home run off left-hander Derek Holland on Sept. 20, 2011. He hit his 100th professional home run on April 10, 2014 at Las Vegas.

Former River Cats infielder/outfielder Eric Patterson
River Cats Media

Eric Patterson

Former Sacramento River Cats infielder/outfielder Eric Patterson is one of the best table-setters in franchise history.

The eighth round pick out of Georgia Institute of Technology by the Chicago Cubs in 2004 wracked up plenty of Minor League awards. The highlights include three Player of the Weeks, six Mid-Season All-Star nods, three Post-Season All-Star honors, a 2006 Futures Game selection, and a spot on the Arizona Fall League Rising Stars team.

Patterson broke out in 2009 with Sacramento, winning the River Cats’ MVP and Most Exciting Player awards, and leading the team with a .307 batting average. He currently ranks fourth all-time in River Cats history with 51 steals and is tied for fifth with 13 triples.

The speedster played parts of five seasons in the Majors, making his debut with the Cubs on Aug. 6, 2007. In 226 MLB games, Patterson hit .217, with 65 runs, 20 doubles, seven triples, 10 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 35 stolen bases.

He was acquired by Oakland on July 8, 2008 alongside then-catcher Josh Donaldson, right-hander Sean Gallagher, and outfielder Matt Murton for right-handers Chad Gaudin and Rich Harden. Patterson was the left fielder in former River Cats left-hander Dallas Braden’s 2010 Perfect Game for the Athletics.

The Nine: Eric Patterson

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

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is the final installment of five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Sacramento River Cats.

Former Sacramento River Cats infielder/outfielder Eric Patterson is one of the best table-setters in franchise history.

The eighth round pick out of Georgia Institute of Technology by the Chicago Cubs in 2004 wracked up plenty of Minor League awards. The highlights include three Player of the Weeks, six Mid-Season All-Star nods, three Post-Season All-Star honors, a 2006 Futures Game selection, and a spot on the Arizona Fall League Rising Stars team.

Patterson broke out in 2009 with Sacramento, winning the River Cats’ MVP and Most Exciting Player awards, and leading the team with a .307 batting average. He currently ranks fourth all-time in River Cats history with 51 steals and is tied for fifth with 13 triples.

The speedster played parts of five seasons in the Majors, making his debut with the Cubs on Aug. 6, 2007. In 226 MLB games, Patterson hit .217, with 65 runs, 20 doubles, seven triples, 10 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 35 stolen bases.

He was acquired by Oakland on July 8, 2008 alongside then-catcher Josh Donaldson, right-hander Sean Gallagher, and outfielder Matt Murton for right-handers Chad Gaudin and Rich Harden. Patterson was the left fielder in former River Cats left-hander Dallas Braden’s 2010 Perfect Game for the Athletics.

Flying Squirrels hosting four job fairs ahead of 2022 season

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

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

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

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

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

Available positions include:

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Concession Stand Managers

Cashiers

Food Runners

Bartenders

Line Cooks

Prep Cooks

Banquet Servers

Dishwashers

Fry Cooks

Vendors

Warehouse Runners

TICKETING

Ticket Sellers

OPERATIONS

Grounds Crew

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

The Nine: Michael Taylor

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

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is the fourth installment of five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Sacramento River Cats.

Former Sacramento River Cats outfielder Michael Taylor is one of the most successful hitters to don the RC logo.

Drafted out of Stanford University in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2007 MLB Draft, Taylor had a well-decorated MiLB career. His impressive production in the Philadelphia system led to his inclusion in the Phillies’ 2009 trade for Hall-of-Fame right-hander Roy Halladay.

Taylor was a five-time Player of the Week (one with Sacramento in 2012), two-time Mid-Season All-Star, a Post-Season All-Star, a Topps Double-A All-Star, and two-time Organization All-Star while with the River Cats in 2012 and 2013.

The 6’5 outfielder did everything for the River Cats during his five seasons in Sacramento.

He was the River Cats’ Most Improved Player in 2010, Defensive Player of the Year in 2011, and Most Exciting Player in 2013.

He still holds the title of River Cats’ all-time RBIs leader with 325 and also ranks second in games played (511), at-bats (1,900), runs (299), hits (521), doubles (112), walks (266), and steals (60).

Taylor played 37 games in the Majors for the Oakland A’s and Chicago White Sox, hitting his first MLB home run off left-hander Derek Holland on Sept. 20, 2011. He hit his 100th professional home run on May 1, 2014 against Tacoma.

The Nine: Jemile Weeks

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

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is the third installment of five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Sacramento River Cats.

Former Sacramento River Cats second baseman Jemile Weeks is one of the fastest players in River Cats history.

The speedy switch-hitter had a standout career at the University of Miami before going 12th overall to the Oakland A’s in the 2008 MLB Draft.

The professional game did not slow Weeks down.

After making the Futures Game in his first full professional season, Weeks impressed in the Arizona Fall League, being named a Player of the Week and Rising Star while earning a spot on the All-Prospect Team.

He arrived in Sacramento in 2011, posting a .417 on-base percentage through his first 45 Triple-A games.

Weeks turned that hot start into an MLB debut, where he had an impressive June, winning American League Rookie of the Month.

He played parts of six MLB seasons with Oakland, Baltimore, Boston, and San Diego, hitting .254 with 121 runs, 45 doubles, 18 triples, 62 RBIs, and 41 stolen bases in 260 games.

In 185 games for Sacramento from 2011-2013, Weeks hit .287 with 131 runs, 29 doubles, seven home runs, 72 RBIs, 28 stolen bases, and is tied for third all time in team history with 14 triples.

Weeks continues to make an impact off the field as the executive director for the nonprofit organization WeFam United, Inc., located in Orlando, Florida. WeFam United aims to “change the narrative of our underserved youth.”

Listen to Weeks talk about WeFam United, his time in Sacramento, his MLB draft experience, and more on episode 13 of the River Cats Nine Lives Podcast.

River Cats add second job fair on Feb. 12

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

 

West Sacramento, Calif. — The Sacramento River Cats, Triple-A affiliate of the 2021 National League West champion San Francisco Giants, have added a second job fair for Saturday, Feb. 12, at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. The event will take place from 10 a.m. through 1 p.m. (PT) rain or shine.

After completing an online application at rivercats.com/employment, those interested in working for the River Cats and at Sutter Health Park for the upcoming 2022 season may attend this free event where hiring managers will conduct interviews.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age (with a valid work permit) and at least 21 years old if the position serves alcohol. A condition of employment requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Available jobs are part-time seasonal positions in concessions, culinary, catering, promotions (Cat Crew), and game day staff (security, EMTs, and parking attendants).

Employees of the River Cats and Sutter Health Park receive job training, food discounts while at work, competitive wages, and tickets to River Cats games.

For questions and inquiries, please call (916) 376-4722. A representative from the River Cats’ front office will be available for comment at the event. For the best visuals, it is suggested arriving by 11 a.m. (PT).

Season ticket memberships and packages are available now by calling the River Cats ticket hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487), emailing [email protected], or visiting rivercats.com.

River Cats holding national anthem auditions for 2022 season

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West Sacramento, Calif. — Celebrate America’s pastime with your own rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner. The Sacramento River Cats, Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, are excited to open national anthem auditions at Sutter Health Park for the 2022 season.

The national anthem is open to all soloists, groups, and instrumentalists. Those interested in performing the national anthem at a 2022 River Cats game must submit an audition demo by Feb. 11. Demos received past this date will not be considered.

Audition Demo Guidelines:

  • A cappella version
  • The Star-Spangled Banner in full
  • Clear, consistent, and correct lyrical performance
  • Full performance must be under 90 seconds

Audition demos must be emailed as an mp3 file or YouTube link to [email protected] with the following information:

  • Subject: 2022 National Anthem Demo
  • Include: Name, Phone, and Email

Submissions that do not meet the above guidelines will not be considered for a call back.

The River Cats will invite the top-50 submissions to a live audition at Sutter Health Park. Due to the number of demos received, performers will only be contacted if selected. Selected parties will be contacted with further instructions by Monday, Feb. 14.

The Nine: Tyson Ross

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

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is the first installment of five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Sacramento River Cats.

Former Sacramento River Cats right-hander Tyson Ross has California in his blood. The Berkeley, California native was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the second round of the 2008 MLB Draft out of the University of California, Berkeley before becoming an All Star with the San Diego Padres in 2014.

Prior to his move south, Ross spent five years in the Oakland organization, three split between Oakland and Sacramento. In 30 games with the River Cats, Ross was 11-5 with a 4.30 ERA, 128 strikeouts, and a 1.48 WHIP.

He was traded to the Padres in 2012 in exchange for infielder Andy Parrino and left-hander Andrew Werner. Ross excelled with the Padres, posting a sub-3.30 ERA in each of his first three seasons in San Diego.

In 10 MLB seasons, Ross is 44-70 with a 4.04 ERA, 816 strikeouts, and a 1.36 WHIP in 904.2 innings, last pitching in the Majors in 2019 with Detroit.

Ross’ strongest impact now is off the field, inspiring young baseball players in the Bay Area. He is the founder of the Loyal To My Soil program, where he and his big leaguer peers gather to “educate, inspire, and coach the kids of our community to be great on and off the field.”

You can hear Ross talk about his MLB journey, his time in Sacramento, and Loyal To My Soil on episode eight of the River Cats Nine Lives Podcast.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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