BooClaws Spooktacular Comes to FirstEnergy Park on October 30th

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JERSEY SHORE, NJ – Get ready for a spooky night out with the family and celebrate Halloween with the BlueClaws on Friday, October 30th. The first BooClaws Spooktacular, presented by RWJBarnabas Health, NJR Home Services and the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore comes to FirstEnergy Park with gates opening at 6:00 pm.

The team will screen Hocus Pocus on the 1,857 square-foot video board beginning at 7:00 pm.

Additionally, the night includes a costume parade for kids, and fun, safe, and low-contact trick-or-treating with food provided by Bimbo Bakeries featuring Takis and Entenmann’s, plus additional candy from Hershey’s.

TICKET INFORMATION – Tickets are just $10 and includes popcorn plus soda or water. CLICK HERE to order online.

Due to current state regulations regarding outdoor gatherings, only 450 tickets will be sold.

“This is certainly a unique Halloween around the Shore, but the BlueClaws are excited to help do what we can to provide a fun and safe option for families,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “We look forward to a spooky, fun, and safe Halloween!”

Everyone is encouraged to come dressed up. Fans are permitted to bring lawn chairs or blankets to watch the movie from the field.

All kids will automatically be signed up for Home Run Membership in the BlueClaws Kids Club, and five random kids will win a 5-Game BlueClaws Mini Plan for the 2021 season.

Masks are required when moving about the ballpark, while in line for entrance or food, while in the restrooms, or in the team store. Groups must be seated in a socially-distant manner, at least 6-feet from other groups. Fans are permitted to sit either in the stands or on the field. Click here for a rundown of BlueClaws safety and sanitation procedures.

This event has a rain date of Sunday, November 1st.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment.

-BlueClaws-

Drive Set to Host Two Marquee Community Events at Fluor Field

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

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

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

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

Live Baseball & Movie Screening in Honor of 100th Anniversary Celebration of Negro Leagues

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Fireflies are hosting a Negro League Celebration to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues at Segra Park on October 10.

At 3:00 pm, the Community All-Star Baseball League (CASBL) will host game one of their championship series. Following the game, the movie “42”, starring the late Chadwick Boseman, will be shown on the videoboard, beginning at 7:15 pm. Gates will open at 2:15 pm.

“The CASBL is a Men’s Adult Baseball League that operates in the midlands area of South Carolina,” said CASBL President Derrick Mobley. “We have been in existence in excess of 70+ years with a deep and rich history of African-American involvement. Although, we are a more diverse league now, our foundation began during the segregation era and mirrored the Negro Leagues and Textile Leagues of yesteryear. Fortunately, we have been able to continuously operate from the 50’s until the present. As such, our league is extremely proud of the African American participation that we have retained throughout the years despite the continued decline of African American percentages within Major League Baseball. We pride ourselves on being one of the oldest operating, if not the oldest, men’s adult baseball leagues within the state. In fact, several articles and television specials have been written about our documented history.”

A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated back to the CASBL to help further their goals and mission.

Fans can purchase a seating bowl ticket for $17.25 – inclusive of all taxes and fees. The ticket includes access to both the baseball game and the screening of the movie, as well as a Nathan’s Famous hot dog, chips and a fountain soda.

To get up close and personal to the 2018 South Atlantic League Field of the Year, fans can purchase Field Seating to watch the movie from the outfield grass at Segra Park. For a 10’ x 10’ square for up to four people, fans pay $69.00; larger 10’ x 20’ squares are available for up to six guests ($103.50) or for up to eight guests ($138.00). There are 10’ aisleways between each square. All Field Seating also includes Nathan’s Famous hot dog, chips and a fountain soda. Field Seating guests are encouraged to bring towels or blankets; no chairs will be allowed into the ballpark. Field Seating guests will be able to watch the game from the Bojangles’ Berm, the Palmetto Pavilion or the Bullpen Boxes, and will then be permitted to move to the field for the movie at the conclusion of the game.

“The Fireflies are honored to have the CASBL start their Championship Series at Segra Park,” said Fireflies team President John Katz. “As baseball fans, we have all heard the stories legends of Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson. The CASBL tells the stories of C.J. Edwards (“The String Bean Slinger”), Dewayne Wise, Skeet Thomas, Hernando “Pep” Harris, G.G. Harris and many more former professional players. Their stories are important, and the legacy of all these ballplayers shall live on.”

Capacity is limited to 1,000 fans to allow for social distancing. Fans can buy tickets online here.

*What can I expect at Segra Park? *

Expect the following measures to be in place for the comfort and safety of all attendees:

  • Masks will be required for admission and for movement on the concourse and restrooms.
  • Waivers will be required for all attendees.
  • All staff will be wearing masks.
  • All employees handling food and beverages will be wearing masks and gloves.
  • Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the concourse.
  • Enhanced restroom sanitization before, during and after the event.
  • Social distancing of six feet between groups shall be required in all queues.
  • Bring a credit or debit card; no cash will be accepted.

SC Counts Day of Action at Fluor Field on Saturday

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

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

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

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

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

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

SC Philharmonic Dining Experience Comes to Segra Park

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Columbia Fireflies and the South Carolina Philharmonic are partnering to bring the arts and a unique dining experience to Segra Park on Thursday, October 1. Fans will be able to order dinner and drinks (menu here) while listening to a five-piece band under the covered concourse overlooking the diamond.

The musicians to be featured at the special dining experience are trumpeters Charlie Polk and Dick Goodwin, Eric Gulfus on horn, Trombonist Michael Wilkinson and Tuba-player Ronald Davis.

“The South Carolina Philharmonic is thrilled for this opportunity to perform at beautiful Segra Park,” said South Carolina Philharmonic Executive Director Rhonda Hunsinger. “We look forward to continuing this partnership well into the future as COVID restrictions lift and larger ensembles are possible.”

Tickets for the event are $12.50 and all proceeds from the ticket sales benefit the South Carolina Philharmonic. There will be two seatings for the event, one from 5:30-7pm and the second from 7:30-9pm. The half-hour break between the two sessions are for sanitizing surfaces and helping to maintain adequate social distancing measures.

A second Dining Experience with the SC Philharmonic is also on the calendar for Friday, November 6.

”Segra Park was designed as a multi-use sports and entertainment venue,” said Fireflies team president John Katz. “While we lost the 2020 baseball season, we are excited to bring the arts to the ballpark on October 1. We are here to bring our community together, and music is an art that unites us all.”

You can buy tickets for the event here. For more information on events at Segra Park, visit ColumbiaFireflies.com.

Shorebirds to host Salisbury Drive-Thru Flu Clinic Friday, October 9 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium

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TidalHealth’s Salisbury Drive-Thru Flu Clinic is returning for its 26th season on Friday, October 9, 2020 at Arthur W. Perdue (Shorebirds) Stadium at the intersection of Route 50 and Hobbs Road from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Seasonal quadrivalent flu vaccinations will be administered to individuals 13 years of age or older (13-17 please bring a parent or legal guardian to sign consent). A physician’s order is not necessary. Flu shots at the TidalHealth Salisbury Drive-Thru Clinic will be FREE.

TidalHealth will not be providing any COVID-19 testing at this event. In accordance with COVID-19 safety precautions, all clinical and non-clinical staff working the Drive-Thru Flu Clinic will be in appropriate personal protective equipment. Direct contact with participants will be limited. TidalHealth is also asking participants to please wear protective masking in their vehicles when in contact with any staff members at the flu clinic.

Flu vaccinations are encouraged for anyone over the age of 6 months, but especially for people over the age of 65, people with heart or lung disorders, immunosuppressant diseases or diabetes. Participants are encouraged to wear a short-sleeved shirt that will provide easy access to the upper arm. The vaccine being administered is effective for everyone meeting the age restrictions.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend TidalHealth’s Salisbury Drive-Thru Flu Clinic on Friday, October 9 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

CANNON BALLERS HONOR HEROES THROUGH FIELD OF HONOR®

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(KANNAPOLIS, NC) – In a tribute of those whose actions made them heroes in our lives, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers bring their inaugural Field of Honor® display to Atrium Health Ballpark.

It is appropriate to honor our heroes with a display of the flag that they honored through their service and sacrifice. The Field of Honor® display of United States flags bring volunteers, residents, and visitors together as hundreds of flags are posted. This inspiring and memorable panorama of red, white, and blue is hard to describe, but once experienced it is not to be forgotten.

Each 3-foot by 5-foot flag comes with its own story and displays a tag identifying both the flag honoree and the person who sponsored the flag. Flags may be purchased to honor the memory of a veteran or current service member from any branch of service. The purchaser will be permitted to take home the flag following the conclusion of the event. This living display of heroism flies as a patriotic tribute to the strength and unity of Americans, and honors all those who are serving, have served, and have made the supreme sacrifice for our nation’s security and freedom.

The Field of Honor® will fly starting November 2nd thru November 11th. The Cannon Ballers will host an Opening Ceremony for the placing of the first flag on November 2nd at 12:00pm at Gate #1 (West Ave). The field will then be open to the public 24 hours a day for viewing and observation. Each evening, “Taps” will be played at sunset. A Closing Ceremony will be held on November 11th at 11:00AM inside of Atrium Health Ballpark with guest speakers, musical tributes, and the reading of the names of the veterans honored on the field. All ceremonies pending social distancing standards and the mandates from the Office of the Governor.

Flags are available for purchase for $40 at the Cannon Baller team store or online at www.kcballers.com. Cash, check, or credit/debit card are available.

For more information on the Field of Honor®, visit www.kcballers.com or call 704-932-3267. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to contact Ryan Pegarsch at 704-935-1529 or [email protected].

About Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
The Kannapolis Cannon Ballers are a Minor League Baseball team of the South Atlantic League and the Class A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Currently located in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the team was established in 1995 as the Piedmont Phillies until 1996 when they changed their name to the Piedmont Boll Weevils.

What is Field of Honor®?
The Field of Honor® program is part of a national movement that started out as a way to commemorate the lives lost on September 11, 2001 and was founded by the Colonial Flag Foundation.

In just a short amount of time, the concept has grown and communities like ours across America are turning to Field of Honor® tributes to raise money and awareness for a growing array of causes. The Field of Honor® is a community project of remembrance, and an expression of humanity and patriotism.

OceanFirst Foundation Honors Non-Profits as Part of Home Runs for Heroes

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JERSEY SHORE, NJ – OceanFirst Foundation made donations to 16 organizations that support military personnel on Friday as part of an adjusted version of the Home Runs for Heroes program. The ceremony took place during the Party in the Park fireworks event at FirstEnergy Park.

Since 2009, OceanFirst Foundation has donated to non-profit organizations for each BlueClaws home run hit at FirstEnergy Park. Despite the 2020 season being canceled, the organization still to 16 organizations.

The following organizations received a donation from OceanFirst Foundation.

  • American Red Cross
  • Army Emergency Relief (Fort Dix)
  • Cape May Coast Guard Community Foundation
  • Catholic Charities (Diocese of Trenton)
  • Deborah Hospital Foundation
  • GI Go Fund
  • Homes for All/Hands For All
  • Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey
  • Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Foundation
  • Ma Deuce Deuce
  • National Guard State Family Readiness Council
  • Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
  • Operation First Response
  • Recalibrate
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars – Brick Post 8867
  • Vetgroup

“The BlueClaws are proud to partner with OceanFirst Foundation on the Home Runs for Heroes Program and we thank them for their support of these amazing organizations even in this unique year,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “Even without a BlueClaws season, we are thrilled to see OceanFirst Foundation donate to these many worthy causes all over the Shore.”

“We thank the Lakewood BlueClaws organization and Townsquare Media for providing the opportunity to work together to bring much needed relief to local military families and Veterans during these difficult times. We’re pleased to have provided $408,000 in grants over the years of our partnership.” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment.

-BlueClaws-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shorebirds Baseball Camp Set for August 25 – 27

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The Delmarva Shorebirds are excited to announce that we will be hosting a 3-day Shorebirds Baseball Camp from August 25 – 27 with each day running from 9 AM to 12 PM. The camp is limited to the first 50 people ages 5 – 12 and will be led under the instruction of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore baseball staff including Hawks Head Coach Brian Hollamon.

“We have a tremendous relationship with Coach Hollamon and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and are excited to partner together for the Shorebirds Baseball Camp,” said Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “Throughout these unprecedented times, we all have been forced to adapt, but we are thankful that we are still going to be able to host our annual baseball camp and continue to teach the game of baseball to our youth with first-class instruction from Coach Hollamon and his staff.”

The camp will run from 9 AM to 12 PM each day from August 25 through August 27 and costs $120 per camper for the entire event. Each camper will receive lunch after each day and one Camp T-Shirt that is all included with your child’s registration for the Shorebirds Baseball Camp. To register for this event, please click here or go to our website at www.theshorebirds.com.

Coach Hollamon has been the skipper of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore since August of 2017 as 2020 marked his 3rd season with the Hawks. Hollamon is a fixture in the Delmarva baseball community, after coaching Parkside High School to 14 straight winning seasons, two-state finalist appearances, and earning the accolades of Bayside South Coach of the Year three times and District 8 Coach of the Year twice before taking the helm for the NCAA Division 1, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks.

All campers are required to bring their own equipment and campers will not be permitted to share equipment due to local and state health guidelines. Baseballs will be provided and we ask that all campers please arrive in proper baseball attire by 8:45 AM each day.

Parents are allowed to watch the camp inside Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, but will be required to wear a mask until reaching their seat. Campers should wear a mask when arriving to the stadium, but will not be required to wear masks when participating in athletic activities and the Shorebirds will be sanitizing all frequently touched areas throughout the event.

To register, please visit theshorebirds.com by clicking here. If you have any questions at all in regard to the event, please email [email protected] or call 410-219-3112.

Fireflies Launch “We Are Fireflies” Jersey Campaign

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Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Fireflies today announced the launch of the “We Are Fireflies” jersey campaign. Fans, season ticket and suite members, partners and Fireflies supporters across the Midlands and the country can have their names on a jersey that the Fireflies will wear on the first Saturday home game of the 2021 season.

”This is a great way for the community to join forces with the Fireflies as we launch this innovative initiative,” said Fireflies team president John Katz. “It represents an opportunity to support the team, support a fantastic non-profit in Homeless No More, and to represent you, your family or loved ones by adding a name or several names to the jersey. It’s a great win-win proposition.”

The jerseys are white with a block text “Fireflies” logo on the front and jersey numbers on the back with no name plate. The sleeves are colored blue with a yellow stripe and include the Fireflies bug logo on the right shoulder. The entire body of the jersey will be filled with the names of those who purchase the opportunity through the campaign.

Fans can purchase packages to add their name to the jersey starting at just $30. The $30 package gets one name on the jersey, a Palmetto Citizens FCU All-Star seat ticket for the game and a $5 donation to Homeless No More. There is a total of eight different packages, ranging from $30-$2,500, with varying tickets and hospitality, exclusive experiences and increased donations based on package selection.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Columbia Fireflies and are thankful for all they do in the community,” said Elizabeth Blake Dudek, Director of Development for Homeless No More. “We are honored to have them on our team as we end family homelessness!”

The jerseys worn during the game will be auctioned off during the game, with proceeds benefitting Homeless No More. The auction will be held both online and in-park. Players will autograph the jersey after the game and present it to the winning bidder on the field at Segra Park immediately after the game and prior to the fireworks; online winners will have their jersey shipped to them.

More information on the “We Are Fireflies” jersey campaign, and the various package options, can be found by clicking here. Packages can be purchased online here.

Greenville Top Fundraiser in MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

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

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

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

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

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

Throwback Columbia Shirsey Pre-Sale to Benefit Columbia Urban League

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Columbia, S.C. – To commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Negro Leagues, the Columbia Fireflies today announced the pre-sale of a throwback-style “shirsey.” The shirts say “Columbia” and are designed in the style of the Newark Eagles uniforms the Fireflies would have worn on-field during their Negro League Celebration weekend June 13-14. The Newark Eagles were a Negro League Baseball team in the 1930’s-40’s that won the 1946 Negro League World Series and boasted seven future Hall of Famers, including Camden-native Larry Doby.

The number on the shirt is 14 — the number worn by Larry Doby during his player career. The Fireflies retired Doby’s number in 2019, along with fellow trailblazers Jackie Robinson and Frank Robinson, to honor his legacy on the game and his heritage in the Midlands area. Doby broke the American League color barrier July 5, 1947 when he made his debut with the Cleveland Indians, who later retired his number in 1994.

“Although there isn’t baseball this weekend at Segra Park, the Fireflies will continue to honor the legacy of the Negro Leagues and the heroes that broke barriers in our sport and in our nation,” said Fireflies team President John Katz. “From Rube Foster – the founder and president of the Negro National League in 1920 – to Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947 – we will continue to honor their memories, celebrate their legacies and ensure that they will always be remembered in our community.”

100% of the profits from the shirsey sales will benefit the Columbia Urban League. The Columbia Urban League was established in 1967 and is an affiliate of the 110-year-old National Urban League. Their mission is to assist African Americans and other undeserved and disadvantaged populations in becoming productive and contributing members of society. They achieve this mission through service delivery, advocacy and bridge building.

“In celebrating the Negro National League’s Centennial Anniversary, we recognize the leadership of Rube Foster, the ‘father of black baseball,’ who was a famous baseball pitcher, manager and owner,” said President and CEO of the Columbia Urban League James T. “J.T.” McLawhorn Jr.. “During this Centennial Anniversary, we salute Mr. Foster and other players who demonstrated the importance of perseverance in achieving your mission even in a climate of overt racism and hostility.”

The pre-sale begins today and runs until midnight on Sunday, July 12. Shirt sizes small through large cost $22. 2XL-3XL cost $24 and 4XL shirts cost $25.

For more information, and to pre-order the Throwback Columbia Shirsey, visit the Mason Jar Team Store online.

Drive Named Greenville County Schools Partner of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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