Black History Month – San Jose Giants History

 

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.” In no particular order, here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players to suit up for the San Jose Giants since our affiliation with the San Francisco Giants began in 1988:

ROYCE CLAYTON

Royce Clayton was drafted out of St. Bernard High School in Playa del Rey in the first round (15th pick overall) by the San Francisco Giants in 1988. He made his San Jose Giants debut in 1989 after being called up from the Clinton Giants. In his time in San Jose, Clayton batted .243 with 17 doubles, 10 triples and 75 RBI in 151 games.

He made his San Francisco Giants debut in 1991 and would go on to play for 10 other teams in his 16-year major league career. In 1997, as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, he was selected to his first and only MLB All-Star game.

In 2011, Clayton portrayed Miguel Tejada in the film _Moneyball_, making him the first former big-league player to appear in an Oscar nominated Best Picture film. Clayton was the childhood favorite player of San Francisco Giant shortstop Brandon Crawford, and is currently the head varsity baseball coach at Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, CA.

THOMAS NEAL

Neal was drafted by San Francisco in the 36th round of the 2005 amateur draft, and signed with the Giants organization in 2006 out of Riverside Community College. After a slow start to his professional career, Neal found large success at the plate in his third year, and first full season in Augusta in 2008.

In 2009, Neal had one of the best seasons in San Jose Giants history, as he batted .337/.431/.579 with 22 home runs and 90 runs batted in. Neal was among the Cal League leaders in runs, hits, doubles, home runs, RBIs, and average. Baseball America ranked him as the best prospect in the Cal League, and as high as #9 in all of the minor leagues. He was also named to the Cal League All-Star team and helped lead San Jose to a league title.

Neal was ultimately traded to the now Cleveland Guardians in 2011, where he made his big-league debut in September of 2012. Neal retired from his playing career in 2015 and has since served as a minor-league hitting coach in the Giants organization.

FRED LEWIS

Fred Lewis was drafted out of Southern University and A&M College in the second round (66th overall) by the San Francisco Giants in 2002. Lewis made his San Jose Giants debut in 2004, and batted .301 with 20 doubles, 11 triples and 57 RBI in 115 games before being called up to AAA Fresno.

He later debuted for the San Francisco Giants on September 1st, 2006. In only his 16th appearance in the major leagues, Lewis hit for the cycle in Colorado on May 13, 2007. He was also the first player in San Francisco Giants history to hit two grand slams in a rookie season. Lewis eventually retired from Major League Baseball in 2012.

JEROME WILLIAMS

Jerome Williams was selected in the first round (39th overall) of the 1999 draft by the San Francisco Giants out of Waipahu (Hawaii) High School.

After spending the 1999 season in rookie ball, Williams came to San Jose in 2000 where he appeared in 23 games, posted a 7-6 record with a 2.94 ERA, and struck out 115 batters. His success in the minor leagues came with a Futures Game Invite during the 2001 season.

Williams made Giants’ history when he made his Major League Debut on April 26, 2003, becoming the first Hawaiian-born player in organizational history (including New York) to appear in a Giants’ uniform. He would eventually receive the same honor when he took the field as a Washington National in 2007. Williams retired from Major League Baseball in 2016, and his accomplishments were later celebrated in San Jose with his own bobblehead.

DARREN FORD

Ford, drafted in the 18th round of the 2004 draft, began his Giants career in 2008 when he was traded by the Milwaukee Brewers. He would spend the remainder of this season in San Jose, finishing the year with 62 total stolen bases. The 48 bases he stole prior to his arrival in San Jose was good for second in the entire Florida State league, despite only playing 91 games in that league.

Ford returned to San Jose in 2009 where his success on the base baths continued while enjoying one of his best career years at the plate. Ford batted .300 with 50 RBIs and added 35 stolen bases, fourth overall in the Cal League. Alongside an impressive San Jose team featuring the likes of Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford, Madison Bumgarner and Thomas Neal, Ford and his teammates brought home the 2009 California League Championship.

Ford was eventually called up to make his big-league debut with San Francisco Giants, appearing in seven games in 2010 and 26 games in 2011, before jumping between the Mariners, Pirates, and back to the Giants from 2012-2016.

River Cats to host annual job fair Jan. 29

 

West Sacramento, Calif. — The Sacramento River Cats, Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, will be hosting their annual job fair on Saturday, Jan. 29 at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, looking to hire over 300 employees. The event will take place from 10 a.m. through 1 p.m. (PT) rain or shine.

Those wanting to work for the River Cats and at Sutter Health Park for the 2022 season should attend this free event where hiring managers will conduct interviews. Interested persons must submit an online application by visiting rivercats.com/employment prior to attending the job fair. Job offers for select positions may be extended on the spot.

All 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.

Jobs available are part-time seasonal positions in concessions, culinary, warehouse, security, EMT, parking, suite attendants, bartenders, catering servers, and game day entertainment (Cat Crew).

River Cats and Sutter Health Park employees will receive competitive wages, job training, food discounts while at work, and River Cats tickets.

For questions and inquiries, please call (916) 376-4722.

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 participate in Homers That Help campaign

 

West Sacramento, Calif. — The Sacramento River Cats are proud to have partnered with Minor League Baseball to participate in the Triple-A Final Stretch “Homers That Help” campaign, in which the California Fire Foundation was selected as the local charity to benefit.

“We’re honored to be chosen as part of the Triple-A Final Stretch Homers That Help campaign,” said Rick Martinez, Executive Director of the California Fire Foundation. “We’ve all seen how destructive this year’s fire season has been, which has left many needing a helping hand. There are many organizations working hard to make a difference, and we are honored by the support and recognition.”

For each home run hit by the River Cats during the 10 Triple-A Final Stretch games, Minor League Baseball donated $50 to the California Fire Foundation. Additionally, the team hitting the most home runs over the 10-game span generated an extra $5,000 donation.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

On Monday, it was announced the Homers That Help campaign raised $20,700 for 501(c)3 charities across the 30 Triple-A communities. By leading the Final Stretch with 24 home runs, the Omaha Storm Chasers also claimed the overall Homers That Help prize, a $5,000 donation for their charity, the B&B Sports Academy in Omaha.

With 13 home runs hit during the final 10 games, the River Cats created a $650 donation to the California Fire Foundation.

“We are very pleased that the stretch drive of the Triple-A season not only generated excitement for fans but also donations to deserving organizations in our communities across the country,” Woodfork said. “We thank our players and clubs for their efforts throughout our return to the field this year and look forward to an even more exciting 2022.”

PRIDE Night Returns To PK Park On June 25

 

PRIDE Night returns to PK Park on June 25 as the Emeralds celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community on a night that will include a PRIDE flag giveaway for fans and a game-worn Emeralds PRIDE jersey auction benefitting the Matthew Shepard Foundation. The special evening is proudly sponsored by our friends at Kendall Auto Group and KLCC NPR.

PRIDE Night is nothing new to PK Park. In 2019, the Emeralds became the first-ever affiliated Minor League Baseball organization to don PRIDE jerseys in-game**,** a landmark moment that hadn’t even occurred to Emeralds General Manager Allan Benavides at the time.

“We weren’t aware that we would be the first [affiliated] team,” he told MiLB.com. “It wasn’t a factor. We thought it was important that as an organization, we were committed to doing a PRIDE night. We had some people in the community give us some ideas on what we could do and how we should do it properly.”

The evening was also highlighted by a pregame Q&A panel with activist Candace Gingrich, a raffle of the game-worn jerseys that benefitted the HIV Alliance, and every Emeralds gameday employee decked out in PRIDE merchandise.

Asked to reflect back on that night in an interview with the Washington Post earlier this month, Benavides recalled, “there were a lot of people in the stadium who felt comfortable holding hands, hugging each other. A lot of people wearing PRIDE colors. Just very comfortable, and that continued. It wasn’t just that one game.”

On June 5, the San Francisco Giants, the Major League affiliate of the Eugene Emeralds, became the first-ever Major League franchise to sport PRIDE jerseys in-game.

This year’s PRIDE Night will be highlighted by an Emeralds PRIDE flag giveaway thanks to Kendall Auto Group. On June 25, the first 1,000 fans that enter the home plate gate at PK Park will receive a free Emeralds PRIDE flag.

 

Additionally, the Emeralds will once again don specially designed Emeralds PRIDE jerseys on June 25. The game-worn Emeralds PRIDE jerseys will be available for sale via online auction. Information regarding the online jersey auction will be available later in the week at www.EmeraldsBaseball.com.

Proceeds from the Emeralds PRIDE jersey auction will benefit the Matthew Shepard Foundation, a nonprofit founded by the parents of the foundation’s namesake, Dennis and Judy Shepard.

The foundation was established following the death of Matthew Shepard who, as a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming, was brutally attacked and tied to a fence in a field where he was left to die. Matthew tragically succumbed to his wounds, but his memory lives on through the foundation his parents created using education, outreach, and advocacy programs to inspire individuals, organizations, and communities to embrace the dignity and equality of all people.

Tickets to Eugene Emeralds home games are available for purchase at www.EmeraldsBaseball.com or by calling (541) 342-5367.

Stay up to date with the Emeralds by following the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Cross Timbers Roofing partners with Flying Squirrels to present Field of Dreams

 

RICHMOND, Va. – Cross Timbers Roofing has partnered with the Richmond Flying Squirrels and Flying Squirrels Charities to present the Field of Dreams program, the team announced on Friday.

The Field of Dreams program presented by Cross Timbers Roofing enables area youth leagues to join Flying Squirrels players on the field for the national anthem in 2021. In conjunction with Flying Squirrels Charities, Cross Timbers Roofing will be making a donation to each league that has a team participating in the program throughout the 2021 season.

VIDEO STATEMENT

“We are thrilled to partner with Cross Timers Roofing and celebrate with Chuck and Wendy for their 30th year of serving the roofing needs of the Richmond region,” Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “Youth leagues will reap the benefits of that celebration and Cross Timbers Roofing will continue to support and serve the youth baseball and softball leagues across the Richmond region.”

Anyone interested in participating in the Field of Dreams program can click here for more information.

“Cross Timbers Roofing is excited to partner with the Flying Squirrels for the 2021 baseball season,” Cross Timbers Roofing president Chuck Glady said. “It has been an honor to be a part of the Richmond community for 30 years, and we are excited to celebrate with this partnership. When we thought about how to celebrate our 30-year anniversary, we immediately thought of baseball. The Flying Squirrels are iconic in Richmond, and we knew they would have a great program that we could partner with to contribute to our community. We talked through a few options and landed on youth baseball.

“One of our missions at Cross Timbers Roofing is giving back to the community, and we feel like giving back to the kids is a wonderful way to build the future of this community.

The Richmond Flying Squirrels return home from June 29-July 4. Tickets are available online at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-3866 or in person at the Flying Squirrels offices.

Community Spotlight: Lyllye Reynolds-Parker

 

Lyllye Reynolds-Parker was born at Sacred Heart hospital, in 1946. She is an elder in our community, and a child of Eugene.

In the 1940s, exclusionary laws prevented Black people from buying or renting within city limits. Because of this, her family lived in the “Ferry Street Village” community, near present-day Alton Baker Park. When she was three years old, the Lane County Commissioners ordered that the neighborhood where she and her family lived be bulldozed so that the Ferry Street Bridge could be placed there. Her family was displaced and lived many years out West 11th.

Redlining was alive and well in Oregon into the late 1970s. This racist practice created an inability for black people to access loans to buy a house, in order to purchase homes in an area where their home would increase in value and send their children to high quality school. Most importantly, this practice did not allow for Black families to build generational wealth that could be passed along through generations.

Ms. Lyllye worked for 17 years at the University of Oregon. She came into contact with countless students of color, and she helped them find comfort in a community and a system that wasn’t made for them. The Eugene Emeralds are thrilled to have Ms. Lyllye, and her family, join us at the ballpark on June 19th. Before the game, Ms. Lyllye will throw out a first pitch and receive a custom Emeralds jersey to thank her for her service to the community.

Ms. Lyllye has a dream of purchasing a home for her and her older sister to live in, and the community is determined to help her see that dream come true. To help raise funds for this dream, the Eugene Emeralds will be selling special Black empowerment shirts featuring Ms. Lyllye on the back with her message of unity. “I chose Unity because we are such a fractured society right now. I just want us to realize we are in this together, be it COVID, White Supremacists, gun violence, civil unrest around the world, whatever it may be, it affects us all. We must come together in unity. We may not agree on everything, and compromise can be painful, but we can do it.”

Fans can also donate at any Oregon Community Credit Union (OCCU) branch. If you wish to donate with a check, they can be written out to new house for Lyllye Parker and write “1316973” in the memo line. You can also donate using a PayPal Pool: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8xMymFhKhg.

Chris Singleton To Speak At PK Park On June 19

 

EUGENE, OR – The Eugene Emeralds are thrilled to welcome back to former player, motivational speaker, and child book author Chris Singleton who will be on-hand at PK Park on June 19 to speak with fans and share his message of love, inspiration, and unity.

For the past six years, Singleton has been living proof that love is stronger than hate. In 2015, Singleton lost his mother, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, in the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church shooting in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina, an unthinkable tragedy that saw the lives of nine African Americans taken far, far too soon.

And yet, despite that tragedy, Singleton has refused to allow that dark moment define him or fill him with hatred and anger, instead choosing to forgive the shooter while inspiring thousands since with his message of resilience, forgiveness, and unity.

Prior to the Eugene Emeralds game on June 19, Singleton will be speaking with fans at PK Park to share that beautiful message with Emeralds fans, a message that ‘love is stronger than hate.’

Gates open at 6:00pm PST and fans are encouraged to arrive early to hear Singleton speak. Tickets are available at www.EmeraldsBaseball.com.

Also prior to the game, the Eugene Emeralds and Kendall Auto Group will be distributing copies of his book Different: A Story About Loving Your Neighbor to the first 500 children that enter PK Park. Different aims to teach children that differences – whether through race, nationality, gender or more – are something to accept and celebrate. Most of all, Different is a tribute to Singleton’s late mother, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton.

Different, the first of two books he has written, was a best-seller in its category and has been featured in numerous outlets, including by The Obama Foundation.

Fans can learn more about Chris, his two books – Different and Your Life Matters – and his inspirational message by visiting www.ChrisSingleton.com.

The Eugene Emeralds sincerely hope to see you at PK Park on June 19 for what will undoubtedly be a special night at the ballpark.

Information regarding tickets to Eugene Emeralds home games is available at www.EmeraldsBaseball.com or by calling (541) 342-5367.

Stay up to date with the Emeralds by following the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Flying Squirrels, Richmond Raceway & Dominion Energy Charity Classic to host 7th Annual Turn Left Golf Classic presented by Cranemasters at the Country Club of Virginia on Oct. 25

 

Richmond Raceway, Richmond Flying Squirrels, and the Dominion Energy Charity Classic announce the return of the 7th Annual Turn Left Golf Classic presented by Cranemasters on Monday, Oct. 25. The Country Club of Virginia James River Course will be the site of the event following the completion of the Dominion Energy Charity Classic on Oct. 21-24. Participants will play the PGA TOUR Champions tournament course in the same condition and with the same pin placements as the pros did on Sunday, Oct. 24 during the Charity Classic.

“The annual Turn Left Golf Classic is always a memorable day in RVA that brings three Richmond sports organizations together to support our community,” said Richmond President Dennis Bickmeier. “We are grateful to our partners and friends who support this event and have a positive impact on our community.”

In 2014, the Turn Left Golf Classic was created to benefit Flying Squirrels Charities and Richmond Raceway Cares, two 501 (c) 3 non-profit organizations. This will be the second year the event is held at The Country Club of Virginia James River Course on the day following the Dominion Energy Charity Classic. The 2020 Turn Left Golf Classic was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with our friends at Richmond Raceway and the Dominion Energy Charity Classic to benefit the greater Richmond region,” said Flying Squirrels CEO, Todd “Parney” Parnell. “The Country Club of Virginia James River Course is an elite golf course and a fabulous setting for this year’s charity event. We look forward to making new memories for a good cause that will have a positive impact in our community at the Turn Left Golf Classic.”

The Turn Left Golf Classic is a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Prizes will be allotted to the top three foursomes and a post-event dinner on the back lawn is included with the registration price. Early bird pricing is available when registering a foursome team, hole sponsor, or a foursome team and hole sponsor package. Special early bird pricing ends on Sept. 1. To register for the Turn Left Golf Classic, visit www.richmondraceway.com/events/tlgc.

“Helping to generate charitable contributions in the RVA community is at the heart of the Dominion Energy Charity Classic,” said Charity Classic Executive Director Steve Schoenfeld. “To help the Flying Squirrels and the Raceway in their efforts to host their golf tournament is a natural fit for us, so we are excited to team up with them again this year.”

The Dominion Energy Charity Classic at The Country Club of Virginia James River Course will be held on Oct. 21-24, where the top 72 PGA Tour Champions players will compete in the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs. To learn more about the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, visit deccgolf.com.

For more information on the 7th Annual Turn Left Golf Classic, visit richmondraceway.com/turnleft.

Flying Squirrels offer first responders complimentary tickets to game on June 13

 

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels will host First Responders Day, presented by the Brad Clark Memorial Fund, at The Diamond on Sunday, June 13.

Active-duty police, firefighters and EMS from the cities and counties throughout Central Virginia are eligible to receive two (2) complimentary General Admission tickets to the game against the Harrisburg Senators, based on availability. Eligible first responders simply need to show their ID or badge to receive the tickets. Advanced redemption is strongly encouraged.

Tickets can be picked up in advance at the Flying Squirrels offices or at the ticket booth on the day of the game

The last 15 months have been very traumatic, yet first responders have stood up to every challenge,” Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “Now it is our turn to honor them on June 13 and collectively, as a community, say ‘thank you.’”

The Brad Clark Memorial Fund was established in memory of Hanover County Fire Lt. Brad Clark, who was killed in the line of duty in 2018.

First pitch for the game is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. The ballpark gates open at noon. Kids 14 and younger can run the bases following the game presented by Richmond Family Magazine.

The Diamond has returned to full capacity and tickets are available for upcoming Flying Squirrels games at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-3866 or at the Flying Squirrels offices.

HELP WANTED: Flying Squirrels hosting job fair on Thursday

 

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels are hosting a job fair on Thursday at The Diamond to fill positions in food & beverage, retail and other areas for their home games at The Diamond throughout the spring and summer.

The job fair will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday at The Diamond (3001 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23230). Interested candidates can enter the stadium through the main gates next to Arthur Ashe Boulevard.

“We are off to a fantastic start to the 2021 season, but in order to serve the increased anticipated crowds as the summer goes on, we are in need of more part-time employees to help us make positive memories with our fan base,” Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “The Squirrels are a family and The Diamond is a unique, fun place to work. We hope that many folks will visit our job fair on Thursday and join the Squirrels family as we continue to help the community heal from the pandemic.”

Available positions include:

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Concession Stand Cashiers

Line Cooks

Cold Prep Cooks

Fry Cooks

Food Runners

Dishwashers

Stock Crew

HOSPITALITY

Banquet Servers/Suite Attendants

RETAIL

Daytime Retail Associates

TICKETING

Ticket Sellers

FIELD OPERATIONS

Grounds Crew

Anyone interested in working with the Flying Squirrels can fill out the Candidate Information Form and return it to [email protected]. The Flying Squirrels’ 2021 game schedule can be found here.

The Flying Squirrels return to The Diamond for their second homestand of the 2021 season from Tuesday, May 18 through Sunday, May 23. Tickets are available online at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-3866 or in person at the Flying Squirrels offices.

River Cats now accepting national anthem video submissions

 

West Sacramento, Calif. – The Sacramento River Cats are now accepting national anthem video submissions for the 2021 season. If selected, artists will have their rendition aired on the Sutter Health Park video board during pregame ceremonies of a River Cats home game.

All artists – whether soloists, groups, or instrumentalists – must submit their anthem performances no later than Sunday, May 2 in order to be considered for the 2021 season.

Please visit rivercats.com/anthem to submit your audition, as well as to view performance and submission guidelines.

The River Cats will kick off the 2021 season on May 6 with road series in Las Vegas and Oklahoma City before returning home to host the Reno Aces on May 20. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. (PT).

Due to local safety guidelines, Sutter Health Park’s capacity has been reduced to encourage proper social distancing. Additionally, face coverings must be worn and all tickets must be purchased online as the Tri Counties Bank Ticket Office will not be open. Fans can guarantee seats for the 2021 regular season by purchasing a membership plan at rivercats.com, by calling the River Cats ticket hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487), or emailing [email protected].

Flying Squirrels announce initiatives to honor Richmond 34

 

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels announced multiple new initiatives on Wednesday that the team will be implementing beginning in 2021 to celebrate the legacy of the Richmond 34.

The initiatives include:

  • Retirement of the No. 34 by the Flying Squirrels organization
  • Richmond 34 Legacy mural at The Diamond
  • Richmond 34 Legacy Weekend
  • Richmond 34 Legacy campaign
  • Career advancement & mentorship program for Virginia State University and Virginia Union University students

On February 22, 1960, 34 Virginia Union University students were arrested following a peaceful sit-in protest at the whites-only lunch counter of Thalhimers Department Store in downtown Richmond. The Richmond 34 sit-in ultimately led to the integration of Thalhimers and influenced legislation in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Flying Squirrels will be permanently retiring the No. 34 from on-field use to honor the Richmond 34’s legacy. It is the second number retired by the team, joining Jackie Robinson’s No. 42, which was retired by Major League Baseball in 1997.

“The Richmond 34 are heroes in the push for civil rights,” Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “We are more than thrilled to celebrate their legacy and tell their story to new generations, working hard together to positively affect our community twelve months a year.”

The Richmond 34 Legacy Mural, painted by Andre Shank, was dedicated at The Diamond. Shank is a Richmond-based painter and sculptor who originally painted the mural that wraps around the façade of The Diamond during the RVA Street Art Festival in 2017. The Richmond 34 Legacy mural is positioned on The Diamond’s upper façade directly behind home plate and stretches 100 feet wide and 20 feet tall. It will be visible to all fans who enter The Diamond gates as well as motorists passing by on Arthur Ashe Boulevard and south-bound travelers on Interstate 95.

The Flying Squirrels will host a two-day “Richmond 34 Legacy Weekend” event beginning in 2021 to celebrate the contributions of the Richmond 34 to the Civil Rights Movement as well as other local leaders both past and present who have made contributions in the push for social justice and racial equality. The event will include a T-shirt giveaway featuring an “End Racism” design, a collaborative work from Noah Scalin X The Cheats Movement.

“The Richmond Flying Squirrels are making a strong, clear stand that they are a great community partner committed to positive change,” Scalin said. “It’s so important that we recognize Richmond’s civil rights history as we build towards a better future and I’m proud that I can be a part of this initiative.”

“Noah Scalin and I are honored to be a part of such a historic weekend,” Marc Cheatham of The Cheats Movement said. “The fight for social justice and equality is ever ongoing. We believe community partners must be proactive in advocating for an inclusive and welcoming future. The Flying Squirrels are committed to diversity and inclusion. They are standing in solidarity with the community against racism and injustice, and their actions prove a commitment far greater than one weekend. It is an honor to partner with them and play a role in this tremendous effort.”

During the Richmond 34 Legacy Weekend, the Flying Squirrels will wear special Richmond 34 Legacy jerseys featuring the “End Racism” mark. The jerseys will be auctioned with proceeds going towards scholarships to support students attending either Virginia State University or Virginia Union University. Dates for the Richmond 34 Legacy Weekend will be announced at a later date.

Elizabeth Johnson Rice, who was a member of the Richmond 34, will serve as a community ambassador for the Flying Squirrels. Rice and the team will collaborate on educational and community outreach programs to tell the story of the Richmond 34 as part of the “Richmond 34 Legacy Campaign.”

The official mission of the Richmond 34 Legacy Campaign is “to promote justice, peace, racial equality and diversity by creating innovative and exciting educational opportunities that utilize relevant information from the past to help students understand the present with the purpose of empowering them to advocate for a better future for all people.”

“As ambassador, I am proud to represent these two organizations which stand for justice, peace, diversity and racial equality,” Johnson Rice said. “Our mission is to learn from lessons of the past, embrace with passion the present and to be proactive with technology and creativity for the future. I have a dream for all parents and students that will create greatness and excitement here in Richmond. It is an honor to represent this organization as their ambassador.”

In partnership with Virginia State University and Virginia Union University, the Flying Squirrels will offer students at both institutions opportunities to gain professional experience working with the organization in various capacities. The programs will be designed to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce with the goal of elevating more minorities into leadership positions throughout the professional baseball industry. Details of the program with both schools will be announced at a later date.

“Since its founding, Virginia Union University has been at the forefront of calls for racial, economic and social equality,” Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President and CEO of Virginia Union University said. “The Richmond 34 represents an iconic moment in VUU’s history, as well as a pivotal moment in the national civil rights movement. We are proud that their legacy is being celebrated by the Richmond Flying Squirrels. I want to thank the Flying Squirrels for partnering with us to create equal opportunities for underrepresented students of color allowing them to gain valuable workforce training and entry to leadership roles within the professional baseball industry.”

Information about the Flying Squirrels’ Richmond 34 initiatives can be found here. A replay of Wednesday’s announcement event can be found here.

San Jose Giants and Sirious Baseball Team Up for Official Youth Baseball Partnership

 

SAN JOSE, CA– The San Jose Giants have announced today a new strategic, official partnership with local Baseball Company, Sirious Baseball. The two will team up for over 50 dates of Youth/Elite High School Baseball at Excite Ballpark in 2021.

“This partnership represents a truly exciting next step for baseball camps and clinics at Excite Ballpark,” said Ben Taylor, San Jose Giants Chief Operating Officer. “The past year has shown that regardless of games being played, the San Jose Giants will remain steadfast in our commitment to use the ballpark and baseball as a means to positively impact San Jose. There is no doubt that with Sirious Baseball on board, led by Anthony Siri and Robin Navarro Strong, we will enhance the opportunities for local youth to be exposed to baseball and top-level skill development.”

During the upcoming year, dates for showcases, team tryouts and week-long camps will be released for both Youth and High School level baseball players. In addition, Sirious Baseball and their established group of coaches, including former San Jose Giant and World Series Champion Dan Runzler, will be leading the typical Summer Camps at Excite Ballpark as the Official Summer Camp Provider of the San Jose Giants.

“We are very excited to be the Official Partner of the San Jose Giants for amateur baseball,” said Anthony Siri, Founder of Sirious Baseball. “Both organizations share the vision to remain committed not only to the Youth players in our community, but also providing Elite High School Baseball Training. Our combined resources will allow all baseball and softball players to enjoy their journey in the game, all while having meaningful platforms to do so.”

For more information on the San Jose Giants and Sirious Baseball and how to get involved next season, call 408.297.1435, visit sjgiants.com or siriousbaseball.com.

2020 Giants in the Community Report

Annual report highlights organization’s impact in the San Jose community

SAN JOSE, CA– The San Jose Giants released today their 2020 Community Report. In unprecedented circumstances, this year’s report highlights the organization’s creative success and community involvement throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in 166 events despite the absence of baseball.

“As we look towards brighter days and the return of baseball sounds echoing through Excite Ballpark, I hope this report brings a communal sense of pride in what we can accomplish together when the odds are against us,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “We look forward to seeing you out in the community and cannot wait to welcome you all back to the ballpark when baseball returns.”

The 2020 Community Report demonstrates the club’s activity in the community and overall pledge to giving back both inside and outside the stadium’s gates. Highlights of the report include the organization’s involvement with Bay Area SHiP Kits, information on successful fundraising efforts to support both Frontline Workers battling the pandemic and the Northern California Fires, as well as never-before-seen events and opportunities at the ballpark without Giants games being played. For the complete 2020 San Jose Giants Community Report, click on the link below.

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved next season, call 408.297.1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

View 2020 Community Report

Volcanoes Stadium to Host Community Market

 

The inaugural Volcanoes Stadium Community Markets in August and September were fabulous. Vendor space was Sold Out. Due to the Market’s success, and as a result of many requests, the Stadium Market will return. A fall market is set for Friday and Saturday November 6th and 7th. A Christmas market will be held Friday and Saturday December 4th and 5th_. *_Friday November 6th and Saturday, December 4th will feature an evening format running from 4pm to 8:30pm. Saturday, November 7th and Saturday, December 5th markets will run from 11am to 3pm. Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance at noon on Saturday, December 5th. The markets will be open-air in the Volcanoes Stadium parking lot and will feature free admission and free parking.

Location: Volcanoes Stadium ~ Keizer, Oregon

At a Glance – what to expect: An open-air market expected to bring a variety of Vendors, Food Trucks, Artists, Locally Grown Produce, Fruit, Flowers, Clothing, Jewelry, Crafts, Gifts and various Artisan works.

The market will follow COVID-19 protocols. Admission/Parking will be Free.

The Friday markets will open in the afternoon at 4pm and run into the evening until 8:30pm. Saturday’s hours will be 11am to 3pm. Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance at noon on Saturday, December 5th. A festival type atmosphere is expected with music and entertainment.

“We’re excited to provide an opportunity like this to the community,” said Volcanoes’ co-owner Lisa Walker. “Folks are looking for things to do and this is a perfect fit and something the entire family will enjoy.”

Vendors and entertainers can apply to participate by contacting Lisa Walker at [email protected] or text 503-851-3111 as vendor space is limited.

Vendor benefits:

Easy load-in, load-out (drive right to your booth)

High profile location adjacent to Interstate 5 and Keizer Station Shopping Center

Large 16’ x 20’ paved sites that are socially distanced

Expansive 12-acre site

Promoted through the power of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes’ social media platforms (ranked #2 in the nation).

13,000+ facebook followers, 6,000+ twitter, posted on 100+ facebook groups.

Advertised on Volcanoes Stadium Interstate 5 marquee with over 250,000 impression each day.

Posted and promoted on EventBrite and expected local media exposure.

Association with highly respected community organization and well-known venue

Free Admission ~ Plenty of on-site Free Parking

Professionally managed with over 30 years of event management experience

RV dry camp available for vendors

For details contact Lisa Walker [email protected] or text 503-851-3111.