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.

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.

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)

RiverDogs, Boeing Introduce ‘Hall of Honor’ to memorialize military families in Lowcountry

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On the eve of Armed Forces Day and the first scheduled RiverDogs Military Appreciation Night at The Joe, the ballclub is announcing the creation of the Hall of Honor, in partnership with Boeing, and asking for the public to nominate outstanding military veterans with Lowcountry ties.

The new recognition, which will feature new inductions at each Boeing Military Appreciation Night – starting June 15 whether or not there will be a live game at The Joe –, is meant to create a way for military veterans in the Lowcountry to be permanently recognized.

The Hall of Honor is the newest of Boeing and the RiverDogs’ joint military appreciation platform, which aims to honor and celebrate military families in the Lowcountry through various recognition programs. The team planned to roll out this program live in person at its Boeing Military Appreciation Night on May 16; however, although the season has begun in a delay due to COVID-19, the team decided not to postpone honoring our area’s military families.

“We at the RiverDogs think we can’t do enough to recognize the sacrifices and achievements of our country’s military heroes,” said RiverDogs president and general manager Dave Echols. “Adding a Hall of Honor allows us to immortalize Lowcountry military heroes to help ensure their stories are not forgotten.”

At each Boeing Military Appreciation Night moving forward, a minimum of two inductees will be enshrined in the Hall of Honor. A community committee will choose one nominee from a pool of high-profile local military heroes. The other inductee will be selected from open-to-the-public nominations, which can be submitted at https://forms.gle/fQJ5kicLxo8jpUbL7.

Inductees will be recognized on the field on a Military Appreciation Night, and will have their story told on the RiverDogs’ brand new Hall of Honor web site: https://www.milb.com/charleston/community/boeing-hall-of-honor​​​​​​​

“Boeing’s commitment to veterans and their families goes beyond the products we make, it includes our investments that highlight the vital role veterans play in our community,” said Boeing’s Lindsay Leonard, Senior Director of National Strategy and Engagement and Government Operations. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Charleston RiverDogs to showcase our military heroes and forever recognize their service and sacrifice through the Hall of Honor.”

The Latest on the RiverDogs

The health and safety of RiverDogs fans and employees is of the utmost importance to the organization and we support Minor League Baseball’s decision to delay the start of the 2020 season in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This is a fluid, rapidly evolving situation and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure that our facilities are following the recommendations set forth by local, state and national officials. At this time, the RiverDogs remain unsure as to what extent this delay will have on our season. RiverDogs season tickets, partial season plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are now available for the 2020 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets. You can view the RiverDogs’ COVID-19 Readiness Plan at RiverDogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

Fireflies T-Shirts Result in Donation for “Peace of Mind”

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Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Fireflies raised over $2,300 to support “Peace of Mind,” a program that provides free hotel rooms to Columbia’s first responders, medical professionals and front-line city staff who work in challenging environments that might allow for overexposure to the Coronavirus. The Fireflies were able to raise the money by selling a limited edition “Wash Your Wings” t-shirt and donated the profits to the Midlands organization.

“We are extremely excited that we were able to raise over $2,300 for Peace of Mind,” said Mallory Turnbull, Merchandise Manager for the Fireflies. “Orders for the Wash Your Wings T-Shirt came in from all over the country and we would like to thank everyone who purchased a shirt for supporting our local community and the front line workers who continue to work hard to keep our community safe.”

The Fireflies initiative started April 16 and ran through April 30.

Peace of Mind is administered by the Columbia Police Foundation, who have set a goal to raise at least $20,000. If you would like to donate separately, you can send donations to:

Columbia Police Foundation

Attn: Chief Skip Holbrook

1 Justice Square

Columbia, SC 29201

Even though shirt sales have ended, the Fireflies are continuing their efforts to help the Midlands during this time. The Fireflies have partnered with Minor League Baseball and Feeding America to help the national CommUNITY First campaign. Fireflies fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Columbia Fireflies as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Midlands community. For every $10 donated, the Fireflies will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

Columbia Fireflies Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

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Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Fireflies today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fireflies fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Columbia Fireflies as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Midlands community. For every $10 donated, the Fireflies will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“Columbia has a long history of coming together as a community to lift each other up during times of crisis and loss,” said Fireflies team president John Katz. “Columbia is our home and will be for decades to come. This is a great opportunity to help raise funds for our community and to reward the brave men and women serving on the front-line of the pandemic response teams across the Midlands, from healthcare workers to first responders and everyone in between.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Fireflies fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Columbia Fireflies at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

Carryout lunches are available to general public Tuesday-Friday and delivered to front-line COVID-19 responders on Mondays 

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The Charleston RiverDogs announced that on Thursday, the ballclub – whose season’s start has been delayed by COVID-19 – will begin drive through lunch service at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Vice President of Food and Beverage Josh Shea, a longtime chef in the Charleston culinary scene, has created a special menu, from which patrons can order for pickup during lunchtime Tuesday through Friday for the foreseeable future. On Mondays, Shea will prepare 100 meals to be donated to various front-line COVID-19 responders in the Charleston area.

The RiverDogs, long-known as one of baseball’s nationwide leaders in food and drink creativity at the ballpark, will roll out a full menu prepared and cooked in the kitchen of the Segra Club at Riley Park. Items for purchase include ballpark favorites (yes, you can get the HomeWrecker) and healthy options, inspired by the RiverDogs’ partnership with MUSC Health.

Online orders can be placed at http://charlestonriverdogs.ehopper.info/. Lunches will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and available for pickup from the VIP lot directly adjacent to Riley Park. Also included on the menu are Kids Meals, which come with RiverDogs baseball cards, and all meal orders include two free RiverDogs ticket vouchers, good for any game in the 2020 season.

The RiverDogs will also take the chance to give back to the community in this time of need. Individuals can nominate groups of community members working to fight the effects of COVID-19, including first responders and medical professionals, for free lunch for up to 100 through an online nomination form. The RiverDogs will choose recipients and deliver hot lunches each Monday, starting on Monday, April 6. The link for nomination is: https://forms.gle/yQx2sFD1j9HD94fx6.

“We’re not, unfortunately, making final preparations for RiverDogs baseball as we normally would be rolling into April,” said president and general manager Dave Echols. “However, we believe using our resources and talent to offer an option for drive through meals and help those who are hard at work on this pandemic is a way to still be a positive force in this community.”

In offering this special menu, the RiverDogs have enacted additional health measures to ensure the safety of both its employees and its patrons. Additional sanitizers will be placed throughout the ballpark and pickup location, and health checks will be conducted on the limited RiverDogs employees involved in food service. The operation is made possible in large part due to its longstanding partnerships with Sysco and Pepsi.

All links are available at RiverDogs.com.

The Latest on the RiverDogs

The health and safety of RiverDogs fans and employees is of the utmost importance to the organization and we support Minor League Baseball’s decision to delay the start of the 2020 season in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This is a fluid, rapidly evolving situation and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure that our facilities are following the recommendations set forth by local, state and national officials. At this time, the RiverDogs remain unsure as to what extent this delay will have on our season. RiverDogs season tickets, partial season plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are now available for the 2020 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets. A full schedule and list of game times for the 2020 season is also available at riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

Pelicans now accepting National Anthem submissions

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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (March 10, 2020) – The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are now accepting online National Anthem auditions for the 2020 season. Fans can submit their video HERE. All ages are welcome to submit, however, a submission does not guarantee a spot to perform during the season.

Vocalists, musicians and groups are welcome to submit. Please note that all vocalists mus sing without a music track. Additionally, all performances must be 90 seconds or less. Submissions will be accepted through March 27 at midnight.

For more information, please contact the Pelicans Front Office at 843-918-6000

The Pelicans’ 2020 season will begin at home on April 9 against the defending Carolina League Champion Wilmington Blue Rocks. The 2020 season marks the 22nd year for the Pelicans on the Grand Strand and the sixth year as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Season Ticket packages are currently available online at MyrtleBeachPelicans.com, by phone at (843) 918-6000, or in person at the Pelicans Front Office. Single-game tickets will be available beginning March 12 during the team’s Thirsty Thursday Ticket Party from 4PM-7PM. Admission is free and the event features live music from Cornbread, $1.00 Bud and Bud Light drafts, $2.00 craft drafts, and 1/2 price Duplin Winery wines until 7:00 p.m., when the event concludes. All tickets will go on-sale March 13 at 10AM.

ABOUT THE PELICANS: The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and play their home games at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Since being acquired by a group led by Chuck Greenberg during the 2006 season, the Pelicans have repeatedly set team attendance records and become known as one of Minor League Baseball’s most innovative and creative franchises. The team and its employees have been dedicated to making a difference in the Myrtle Beach community, specifically giving back over $2.4 million in donations, fundraising proceeds, in-kind services and community service since launching the Pelicans Play It Forward Community Initiative in 2013. TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark has ranked in the top eight in all of Minor League Baseball by Stadium Journey in six of the last seven seasons. The same publication also placed the Pelicans in the Top 100 Stadium Experiences and the best in the Carolina League for six of the past seven seasons. In June 2017, the Pelicans won the 2017 TripAdvisor.com Certificate of Excellence award. On the field, the team has won four Mills Cup Championships, including claims to back-to-back titles in 1999 and 2000, and again in 2015 and 2016. The Pelicans have made 11 postseason appearances behind 13 half-season Southern Division championships, including the first half of the 2015 season, the second half of 2016 and the first half of 2017. For more information on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, please contact the Pelicans at (843) 918-6000 or email [email protected].

 

RiverDogs Seeking to Fill Gameday Positions, Hosting Job Fair This Saturday

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

The Charleston RiverDogs are looking to fill the remainder of their more than 200 gameday positions at The Joe for the upcoming 2020 season. With that goal in mind, the team will be hosting a second job fair this Saturday, March 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Joseph

The Charleston RiverDogs are looking to fill the remainder of their more than 200 gameday positions at The Joe for the upcoming 2020 season. With that goal in mind, the team will be hosting a second job fair this Saturday, March 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

Positions are available in a variety of different roles for applicants with varying levels of experience. The primary requirement for all applicants is a willingness to help the RiverDogs Make Fun! On-site interviews will be conducted for the following positions:

· Food & Beverage cooks at any level of experience (experience cooking with a smoker is a plus!)

· Stadium Operations Assistant

· Security

· Guest Relations

· Cashiers

· Picnic Staff

· Box Seat Servers

· Food Runners

· Alcohol Servers

· Parking Squad

· Kids Zone Attendants

Interested applicants are invited to pre-register for this event by filling out a candidate information form located at tinyurl.com/JobsAtTheJoe. Applicants are encouraged to dress appropriately.

RiverDogs season tickets, partial season plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are now available for the 2020 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The RiverDogs begin their home schedule on April 9 when they host the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers at The Joe. A full schedule and list of game times for the 2020 season is available at riverdogs.com.