Squirrels Team Up With Hops For Heroes

Homefront IPA to be Served at The Diamond on May 23rd to Benefit Operation Homefront

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RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Flying Squirrels will partner with Hops for Heroes to serve Homefront IPA at The Diamond during their game against the Trenton Thunder on Thursday, May 23rd. Homefront IPA will be available at the Squirrels’ Virginia Beer Taste the Local stand with all proceeds benefitting Operation Homefront. Operation Homefront is a non-profit organization that assists the families of military personnel when they fall on hard times.

Additionally, the team will hold a special media tasting of Homefront IPA at The Diamond on Wednesday, May 22nd, at 2 p.m. All media members are invited to attend/cover the tasting.

The goal of Hops for Heroes is to raise money and awareness for Operation Homefront through the sale of Homefront IPA and its relationship with the craft brewing and professional baseball industries.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Hops for Heroes to aid Operation Homefront,” said Flying Squirrels Vice President & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “We are constantly striving to honor and assist our military personnel, and to be able to do in such a creative and baseball-oriented way is extremely exciting for us.”

Hops for Heroes is a charitable effort started in 2011 in Seattle, Washington with Fremont Brewing Company and Chris and Phil Ray of Center of the Universe Brewing Company (COTU). Homefront IPA is a beer that was created by both breweries and brewed at Fremont in order to raise money for Operation Homefront. The beer was aged on unfinished Louisville Slugger maples bats and sold in both bottles and kegs throughout the Seattle area. 100% of the proceeds were given to the Washington Chapter of Operation Homefront. Once the bats were dried out, they were auctioned off with 100% of the proceeds going to Operation Homefront. For more information about Hops for Hereos, please visit http://www.hopsforheroes.com

“From its beginning in 2011, Homefront IPA has been all about beer, baseball, and most importantly, America’s Troops,” said Chris Ray of Center of the Universe Brewery Company. ” It debuted at Safeco Field in 2011, so it was only appropriate to continue that tradition with the Flying Squirrels in 2013. We believe the Flying Squirrels share the same belief in charity and community as we do, making it a perfect partnership.”

Operation Homefront is a non-profit organization that assists the families of military personnel when they fall on hard times. From car payments to medical bills, Operation Homefront provides financial assistance for all types of family emergencies. For more information, please visit www.operationhomefront.com.

In 2012, Hops for Heroes expanded to include six total breweries from all over the country. Each brewery has been paired with their local Operation Homefront chapter. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the beer will go directly to the local chapters. In addition to the breweries, sponsors have volunteered to donate some of the hops and grains to lower the cost of producing the beer and thus increasing the donation to Operation Homefront. Hops for Heroes has professional baseball player ambassadors for each of the breweries associated with the project. This allows for an increase in awareness of the effort and the charity. Louisville Slugger has also donated six laser-inscribed bats for each brewery.

The media tasting on the 22nd will also include media availability from Flying Squirrels’ personnel, Chris Ray and members of the United States Military based at Fort Lee, located in Petersburg, VA.

Tickets are currently available for the Squirrels game on May 23rd, as well as to all remaining 2013 home games. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit SquirrelsBaseball.com, call (804) 359-FUNN (3866) or stop by the Flying Squirrels Ticket Office at The Diamond.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Click here to view the original story.

Augusta Green Jackets and Fifth Third Bank Team Up to ‘Strikeout Hunger’

Free Ticket With Non-Perishable Food Donation

AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Augusta GreenJackets are teaming up with Fifth Third Bank to help “Strikeout Hunger” in the month of May. Starting on May 1, all three Augusta Fifth Third Bank locations will have donation cans to collect nonperishable food items for Golden Harvest Food Bank.

Every person who donates a food item from May 1 to May 18 at a local Fifth Third Bank will receive a free general admission ticket to watch the GreenJackets face the Savannah Sand Gnats on Sunday, May 19.

There will also be food donation cans at Lake Olmstead Stadium during select home games. The first collection dates at Lake Olmstead Stadium will be Friday, May 3 and Saturday May 4 followed by another round of collections on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18.

Prior to the start of the game on May 19, Fifth Third Bank and the GreenJackets will make an official on-field donation to Golden Harvest Food Bank with all food items collected throughout the drive.

Those interested in pitching in to help “Strikeout Hunger” can donate food items at Fifth Third Banks located at 3007 Pine Needle Rd., 404 S. Belair Rd., or 2756 Peach Orchard Rd.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Augusta GreenJackets. Click here to view the original story.

Second Annual Golf Tournament set for June 5

Golf with Grizzlies players and coaches, help support the Grizzlies Community Fund

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FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Grizzlies will host their second annual golf outing on Wednesday, June 5th at Copper River Country Club. The event, presented by Jani-King International Inc., will benefit the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund (GCF). This is a chance for golfers to play alongside select Grizzlies players and coaches and benefit a worthwhile cause. The field is limited to 144 golfers and there are a limited number of Fresno Grizzlies players and coaches participating, so it is recommended interested golfers register early.

The second annual Fresno Grizzlies Golf Tournament will have a 12:30 pm shotgun start, with lunch provided before the tournament begins. Registration includes a bucket of range balls, team photo, sponsored giveaway items, free beverages provided at five different holes, and a post-tournament mixer with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Golf attire is required. Check-in is at 10:30 am on the day of the tournament.

Registration options include:

  • Individual Player Registration – $150
    • Single player green fees & cart
  • Foursome Pack – $600
    • One team of four golfers
    • Two Grizzlies ticket vouchers per player
  • Grizzlies Team Pack – $800
    • One team of four golfers
    • Hole Sponsor
    • Four Grizzlies ticket vouchers per player
  • Grizzlies Gold Pack – $2,500
    • Two teams of four golfers
    • Hole Sponsor
    • Four The CRU Club game tickets per player
  • Grizzlies Platinum Pack – $3,000
    • Three teams of four golfers
    • Hole Sponsor
    • $250 in Pro Shop Credit
    • One Luxury Suite night for a 2013 home game (1 per group)
  • Grizzlies Diamond Pack – $3,500
    • One team of three golfers teamed with a Fresno Grizzlies player or coach
    • Hole Sponsor
    • $350 in Pro Shop Credit
    • One Owner’s Suite night for a 2013 home game (1 per group)

Golfers can enjoy a round with friends, co-workers, and business associates while supporting the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund manages several community programs, including Wild About Reading, Farm Grown, and Junior Grizzlies. The Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund impacts many lives throughout the Central San Joaquin Valley through its own programs or by partnering with other local organizations. For example, Wild About Reading enrolled 101,000 Central Valley students in 2013, challenging each student to read 10 books over five books with two free tickets to a Grizzlies game as an incentive.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available, such as tee box sponsor, green sponsor, longest drive, closet to the pin, and more. To register or seek more information, please contact Jerry James or Whitney Campbell of the Fresno Grizzlies front office at (559) 320-HITS.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fresno Grizzlies. Click here to view the original story.

GCF raises money for CAF’s Boston Marathon Fund

Funds to help procure adaptive equipment for victims

FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund (GCF) raised $784 for the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s Boston Marathon Fund during the Grizzlies’ game at Chukchansi Park on Saturday, April 20th. The GCF raffled off an autographed bat, which was signed by the entire Fresno Grizzlies team, during the game.

“The tragedy during the Boston Marathon affected the entire nation, and we felt it was necessary for our community of Grizzlies fans to do our part,” said Team President Chris Cummings. “As a native of New England, I am proud of the Grizzlies and the Grizzlies fans for their donation to a worthy cause with the Challenged Athletes Foundation.”

Challenged Athletes Foundation started the Boston Marathon Fund in response to last week’s bombings at the Boston Marathon on April 15th.

Challenged Athletes Foundation supports athletes with physical challenges by providing the appropriate adaptive equipment, hosting clinics, and connecting mentors and mentees. In addition to helping victims procure adaptive equipment, they are hosting a running clinic in Boston in October. They are also inviting the Boston Marathon bombing victims to CAF’s San Diego Triathlon Challenge, which features more than 250 physically challenged athletes in October.

Challenged Athletes Foundation is still accepting donations for its Boston Marathon Fund. For those that are interested, they can donate to the grant fund here.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fresno Grizzlies. Click here to view the original story.

E-Z-GO, GreenJackets Recognize Local Military Members

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Even in their 25th year of baseball, the Augusta GreenJackets are continuing some of their greatest traditions. The GreenJackets are teaming up with E-Z-GO once again to bring back their Salute Our Soldiers program for the 2013 season.

“E-Z-GO is excited to partner again with the Augusta GreenJackets to honor our local military families for the sacrifices they make to preserve our freedom,” E-Z-GO President Kevin Holleran said.  “We hope that this program, in some small way, helps ease the burden that our service members, veterans and their families bear in our nation’s time of need.”

Salute Our Soldiers is a program designed to recognize local military members and their families, while thanking them for all the sacrifices they make for our nation. At all 70 home games, E-Z-GO and the GreenJackets will select a local military family to honor. That family will receive free box seats, food vouchers and a gift certificate to use in the gift shop.

In the middle of the fifth inning, the selected military member and family will be recognized by the crowd for their dedication to protecting and serving our nation.

“In 2012, E-Z-GO really helped Salute Our Soldiers be a great way to show our appreciation for local military members and their families,” Augusta GreenJackets general manager Bob Flannery said. “We’re all excited to provide local military members with a fun night at Lake Olmstead Stadium.”

E-Z-GO and the GreenJackets will work with local military officials and service organizations to identify participating families. For more information on Salute Our Soliders or to nominate a military member or family, contact Katie Agostin at (706) 736-7889 or email her at kagostin@greenjacketsbaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Augusta GreenJackets. Click here to view the original story.

Wild About Reading reaches goal of 100,000 students

Program finishes its 10th year by reaching new heights

Fresno-GrizzliesWild About Reading wrapped up its 10th year with over 100,000 students enrolled in the program, the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund announced. The 100,000+ students enrolled is the highest number of students registered in a single year for the program. Wild About Reading, presented by Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU), and PG&E, challenges students to read 10 books over five weeks with the incentive of two free tickets to a 2013 Grizzlies game at Chukchansi Park for those that reach the 10-book goal.

“Thank you to all the students and schools that helped us reach our goal,” said Grizzlies Community Fund Manager Whitney Campbell. “We are happy to have been able to reach 100,000 students with the Wild About Reading program in 2013. The educational experience of reading and reward of attending a Fresno Grizzlies baseball game will have an impact on numerous Central Valley students for years to come.”

Fresno-Grizzlies-Community-Fund-logoWild About Reading utilizes baseball to promote reading in and outside the classroom. There are 10 Grizzlies games this season in which Wild About Reading students that reached their goal are assigned to attend. The GCF will also be giving away Kindle Fires to lucky readers at Grizzlies games as well as two laptops to the school with the highest game attendance percentage.

EECU-logoThis year’s program featured a new Farm Grown magazine that was given to each student enrolled in the program. The Farm Grown magazine, published by the Grizzlies Community Fund and Farm Progress, included the program’s main story “Parker Goes To The Farm,” which teaches readers the importance of the farming industry to the Central Valley region and how food goes from farm to plate. The Farm Grown magazine also has games and puzzles with farming themes for grades K-8.

From December of 2012 to March 2013, Parker, Eddie the Owl from EECU, and the Grizzlies front office staff visited over 150 schools in the Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, and Merced counties to perform over 250 Wild About Reading kickoff assemblies.

Information about the Wild About Reading program for 2014 will be available after the Grizzlies’ 2013 season.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fresno Grizzlies.  Click here to view the original story.

San Jose Giants to Host Salute to the Military Day

Operation: Care and Comfort and BAE Systems partner with San Jose Giants to Honor the Troops

SAN JOSE, CA- On Sunday, April 14, the San Jose Giants will bring patriotism to Municipal Stadium for the second annual Salute to the Military Day, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort along with BAE Systems. All fans showing a military ID at the Municipal Stadium Box Office will receive FREE admission to that day’s 1:00 PM game against the Visalia Rawhide.

“We are very excited to again be hosting Salute to the Military Day with Operation: Care and Comfort and BAE Systems,” said Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer.  “The military holds a special place in the heart of our community and we are honored to dedicate this game to the men and women that serve our country.”

The entire afternoon will honor the brave men and women defending our country as the team will wear special military themed jerseys. These jerseys will be part of an in-game silent auction directly benefitting Operation: Care and Comfort. Each of the highest bidders will be able to go on the field following the game and receive their new autographed jersey right off the respective San Jose Giant’s back.  The pregame festivities will include a first pitch ceremony, color guard presentation and other presentations.

“Operation: Care and Comfort is so proud to renew our partnership with the San Jose Giants and BAE Systems to honor our troops, veterans and their families,” said Julie DeMaria, Operation: Care and Comfort President and Co-Founder.  “We received a tremendous response during last year’s inaugural event and hope to have troops, veterans and their families from across Northern California excited about coming out to this game.”

Prior to Sunday’s game, fans will have the opportunity to get directly involved in helping the military. Since 2003, Operation: Care and Comfort has been sending monthly care packages containing items such as toiletries, food, batteries, and DVD’s to adopted military units until they return home. At the 7:00 PM game on Friday, April 12 and 5:00 PM contest on Saturday, April 13, all fans who bring an item to include in a care package will receive two free future game tickets.  Volunteers interested in assembling the packages should come to Municipal Stadium on Sunday, April 14 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

“We are thrilled to join with Operation: Care and Comfort and the San Jose Giants for the second annual Salute to the Military Day,” said Gary Layton, BAE Systems Site Executive. “BAE Systems’ employees in San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas and surrounding areas work hard supporting the warfighter by providing our best products to be used in the field protecting our troops. Supporting an event like this gives us an opportunity to show our gratitude for the sacrifices our troops and their families have made.”

Tickets are still available for Salute to the Military Day. For tickets, visit the Municipal Stadium Box Office, call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

View our entire Promotional Schedule online at sjgiants.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

Augusta GreenJackets getting involved in community through reading program

Augusta-GreenJacketsThe Augusta GreenJackets are bringing baseball to the classroom with the GreenJackets Reading Program. The program is designed to give students fun incentives, while accomplishing reading goals at their school.

Students are given a reading goal, which is set by the teacher during the four week program. At the end of each week, all the students who achieved their goal will be rewarded with prizes. The final prize for completing all four weeks of the reading program is a free ticket to a GreenJackets baseball game. At the game, students will be recognized in a pregame ceremony.

“This is the fifth year that we’ve implemented the GreenJackets Reading Program and every year it continues to improve and grow,” Augusta GreenJackets General Manager Bob Flannery said. “We already have a record-high number of students participating in this year’s reading program, and we are looking forward to getting more schools and students involved.”

The reading program has been a huge success so far this year. The GreenJackets have seen a significant increase in students involved from last year. Currently there are 58 schools participating.

Although the GreenJackets Reading Program has already started, schools are still welcome to sign up. However, the entire school does not have to participate. The program can be done by just a grade level at the school or even an individual classroom. The GreenJackets will continue their involvement in the classroom when they unveil their Anti-Bully Program and Most Improved Student Program this spring.

For more information on the GreenJackets Reading Program, call (706) 736-7889 or email Bill Levy at blevy@greenjacketsbaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Augusta GreenJackets.  Click here to view the original story.

SJ Giants Assist With Hurricane Sandy Relief Effort

Fans can donate to the Red Cross or New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation

SAN JOSE, CA- Devastating Hurricane Sandy that hit the east coast last week has left thousands of people in need of basic services and supplies. As we process the images of the destruction from this event, we are reminded of the thousands of people that need our help. People who are willing and capable of donating to the relief efforts can do so via the “Hurricane Sandy” donation page.

Two Minor League Baseball organizations, the Brooklyn Cyclones and Staten Island Yankees also suffered significant damage during the storm as well. The New York-Penn League is asking for help to support the Brooklyn and Staten Island clubs, their staff and their communities. Members of the community can contribute to the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation (a 501©(3) organization), which will help provide funds for items such as food, cleaning supplies and, one of the area’s greatest needs, gasoline. Please send donations to:

New York-Penn League
Attn: Hurricane Sandy Relief
6161 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Street North
Suite 205, St. Petersburg, FL 33703
Make checks payable to the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation.

The San Jose Giants have made a donation to the relief efforts and are asking those who are in a position to help to do the same. Please join the team in sending hope and strength to these clubs and the entire region.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

Wild About Reading Concludes For 2012

A record 97,000 students are striving to read 970,000 books

FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Grizzlies have announced that its extensive, award-winning Wild About Reading program enrolled over 97,000 students across the Central Valley in 2012, setting a new record for total enrolled students. The seven-year-old program experienced an increase of over 26,000 students from last year’s previous record of 71,000 students.

“It is amazing to see the amount of interested schools and students for Wild About Reading this year,” said Grizzlies’ Community Relations Manager Ryan Moran. “To watch the program grow to extraordinary levels over the last couple of years, we are proud of the Central Valley students that are striving to reach their reading goal and cannot wait to see them at a Grizzlies game.”

The reading program encourages students to read 10 books in five weeks. If a student reaches the goal, he or she receives two free tickets to a 2012 Grizzlies home game. Students can redeem their tickets for the specific game date designated to their school. This year’s Wild About Reading game dates are April 15, April 20, April 29, May 11, June 3 and June 10.

In addition to the goal of reading 10 books, Wild About Reading features an interactive assembly held at schools from as far north as Merced to a southern-most reach of Lemoore. In 2012, Grizzlies mascot Parker, Eddie the Owl from EECU and the Grizzlies front office staff performed the assembly at 165 schools. The program runs for three months from January to March.

Wild About Reading is presented by PG&E, National Parks Conservation Association, Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU), Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, and Ruiz Foods.

The Fresno Grizzlies kick off their 15th season in Fresno on Friday, April 13th when they take on the Tacoma Rainiers, Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Fans are encouraged to Orange Out Opening Day for the 7:05 pm game. Tickets are available through the Chukchansi Park Box Office, online at www.FresnoGrizzlies.com or by calling 559.320.TIXS.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fresno Grizzlies. Click here to view the original story.

Grizzlies To Host Inaugural Golf Tournament

Proceeds from the event to benefit Fresno Community Food Bank

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FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Grizzlies will host their inaugural golf outing on Wednesday, June 6th and is scheduled to be played at Copper River Country Club. The event, presented by Crown Jewels Produce and the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund (GCF), will benefit the Fresno Community Food Bank and the GCF. Grizzlies fans will enjoy a round of golf with friends, co-workers, and business associates while supporting two local non-profit organizations. The field is limited to 144 golfers or 36 teams of four members.

Participants in the outing will also have the opportunity to golf alongside Fresno Grizzlies players and coaches at the event. There are a limited number of players and coaches participating, however, so it is recommended golfers register for the event early, as groups will be formed on a first come, first serve basis.

In addition to the 18 holes of golf, registration also includes lunch before the tournament, a bucket of range balls, free beverages provided at holes 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15, a post-tournament mixer with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, team photo, and sponsored giveaway items.

Several sponsorship packages are available for the golf outing:

    • Individual Player Registration ($250)

Includes: Single Player Green Fees & Cart, Two mid-week ticket vouchers to a Grizzlies game

    • Grizzlies Team Pack ($800)

Includes: One team of four golfers, Four ticket vouchers to a Grizzlies game per player

    • Grizzlies Gold Pack ($2,500)

Includes: Two teams of four golfers, Hole Sponsor, Two ticket voucher packs (10 tickets per pack) per player

    • Grizzlies Platinum Pack ($3,000)

Includes: Three teams of four golfers, Hole Sponsor, $250 in Pro Shop Credit, One Luxury Suite Night for a mid-week Grizzlies game

    • Grizzlies Diamond Pack ($3,500)

Includes: One team of three golfers, teamed with a Grizzlies player or coach, Hole Sponsor, $350 in Pro Shop Credit, One Owner’s Suite Night for a mid-week Grizzlies game

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available, such as tee box sponsor, green sponsor, longest drive, closest to the pin, and much more. To register or seek more information, please contact Director of Corporate Sales Jerry James or Account Executive Chris Curry of the Fresno Grizzlies front office or by calling 559.320.HITS.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fresno Grizzlies. Click here to view the original story.

Squirrels Double Efforts for Toys for Tots

Team Collects Nearly 17 Bins of Toys at 2nd Annual Holiday Party

Parney the Elf, Santa Claus, the United States Marine Corps and the Richmond Flying Squirrels collected nearly 17 bins full of new, unwrapped toys during the 2nd Annual Holiday Party at The Diamond on Saturday. Many gracious fans braved the elements as the team collected more than double the amount of toys (eight bins) that the Inaugural Holiday Party netted in 2009.

“We have a phenomenal base of fans and community supporters,” said Parney the Elf. “We are continually amazed at their generosity and are grateful that we are able to stage events like this that allow them to participate and get involved in a fun way.”

During the event, party-goers visited Santa Claus and had their pictures taken by Real Life Studios, enjoyed Christmas crafts, warmed up with hot chocolate and Christmas cookies and enjoyed a baseball-themed raffle.

Flying Squirrels fans filled nearly 17 bins to aid Toys for Tots. (Photo courtesy of the Richmond Flying Squirrels)

Students Score Big with ‘Score an A’ Program

The Richmond Flying Squirrels‘ Score an “A” Free Ticket Program presented by Union First Market Bank was a huge success in its inaugural year, and the program will be available once again during the Flying Squirrels’ 2011 season.

The value of tickets redeemed during the 2010 season was over $18,000.

“The Flying Squirrels are always striving to make an impact in the Richmond community in a positive manner, with the school systems being one of our main focuses,” said Flying Squirrels Vice President & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “The ticket program is a way for us to reward those students who push themselves to excel in academics.”

Every “A” on a student’s current K-12 report card during the third and fourth marking periods earned them a FREE General Admission ticket to a Richmond Flying Squirrels home game. Each “A” was good for one ticket per game–for example, if a student earned 8 A’s they would receive 8 General Admission tickets to 8 different games.

“The ‘Score an ‘A’ Free Ticket Program’ is a fun way to reward hard work and achievement or to provide that little extra incentive to push for a higher grade,” said Harry A. Turton, Jr., Richmond President of Union First Market Bank. “Union First Market Bank is headquartered in Richmond and is the largest community bank serving the Richmond-area. We are a proud sponsor of the program and hope the students will enjoy watching the Flying Squirrels as much as our teammates enjoy watching them play.”

Students cashed in on nearly $18,000 worth of tickets in 2010.

Squirrels Salute the Troops!

On Saturday, June 19, the Flying Squirrels partnered with Budweiser to honor the troops for Military Appreciation Night. Hundreds of soldiers and military personnel enjoyed a game at The Diamond.

Support US Armed forces collected donations by offering acorn cut outs to fans to show their support of the troops and raised over $1200 dollars that was used to make care packages for the troops overseas!

The Squirrels also held a “Camo Jersey off the Back” Auction raising over $1,390 with all proceeds benefiting the Robert E. Lee Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) that supports soldiers at Fort Lee and throughout central VA.

Fans were entertained by WWE Hall of Fame Wrestler Sergeant Slaughter and were given a camouflage baseball cap as they entered the gates, courtesy of Budweiser.

SGT. Slaughter leading the crowd in Take me out to the Ballgame!

Students “Go Nuts for Reading!”

In the Flying Squirrels Inaugural Season, we also launched our inaugural reading program, “Go Nuts for Reading!”. Elementary school students throughout the Greater Richmond Area participated by reading eight books over two months to earn a ticket to a Flying Squirrels game this past spring. While at the game, students were recognized by participating in a pre-game parade around the warning track led by Nutzy!

To encourage the children to read, Nutzy and his friends went out to the schools and put on assemblies talking to the students about the benefits of reading, our reading program and Nutzy even acted out “Casey at the Bat”! The classroom that read the most books total from each school district was rewarded with a pizza party and visited by a Flying Squirrels player and Nutzy!

In our first year, over 32,100 students participated within nine school districts!

Nutzy and kids after on-field parade to celebrate reading program
Nutzy at a reading assembly acting out “Casey at the Bat.”