Fireflies Seek Candidates for 2nd Annual Military Baseball Card Set

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Columbia Fireflies are looking for active duty military members, reservists and military veterans to honor in their 2nd Annual Military Baseball Card Set, presented by AllSouth Federal Credit Union. On Memorial Day (Monday, May 28) the first 1000 fans through the gates will receive the 2018 Military Baseball Card Set featuring our local uniformed heroes. The Fireflies are thrilled to continue such a unique way of expressing our gratitude and recognizing those who have served or who are currently serving our country.

“We are thrilled to continue this relationship with AllSouth by recognizing these men and women,” said Fireflies team President John Katz. “It was an honor to recognize 26 individuals and their families on Memorial Day last year, and we are excited to once again have this opportunity.”

“In 1960, AllSouth Federal Credit Union began as Fort Jackson Federal Credit Union,” said AllSouth Federal Credit Union Executive Vice President Brian Bowen. “Our foundation was built on serving the military and we are honored to sponsor a set of cards for those who proudly served our country.”

The Military Baseball Card Set was an amazing way to honor our hometown heroes last year and the Fireflies are excited to keep this tradition in which veterans and active / reserve members of the military from the Midlands can be saluted. Nominations may be made now through Monday, April 30 here: http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20180413&content_id=272052978&fext=.jsp&sid=t3705&vkey=.

Tickets for the 2018 season are on sale now. Visit ColumbiaFireflies.com, the Spirit Communications Park ticket office or call (803) 726-4487 for more information.

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About the Columbia Fireflies

The Columbia Fireflies are the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Winners of Ballpark Digest’s Best New Branding and Logo Award in 2016, the Fireflies play games across the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, including against in-state rivals in Charleston and Greenville. The team partnered with the city of Columbia and Hughes Development to construct Spirit Communications Park, a multi-use outdoor sports and entertainment venue at the center of the BullStreet District. The Columbia Fireflies are owned by Hardball Capital, owners of the Fort Wayne TinCaps of the Midwest League and the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern League. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaFireflies.com, or follow the Fireflies on Twitter (@ColaFireflies), Facebook (facebook.com/columbiafireflies) and all popular social media platforms.

About Spirit Communications Park

Spirit Communications Park, the 2016 Ballpark Digest Ballpark of the Year, is a 365-day per year multi-use sports and entertainment venue located in the heart of downtown Columbia, South Carolina. Spirit Communications Park is the home ballpark for the Columbia Fireflies, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Designed for baseball, concerts, football, soccer and a host of other activities, the venue seats approximately 9,000 for sporting events and up to 15,000 for major outdoor concerts. With 16 luxury suites and a 7,000 square-foot Club Level Lounge, Spirit Communications Park also hosts everything from business meetings to wedding receptions, and everything in between. The venue is open 365 days a year and serves as a public park, with a wrap-around concourse representing 1/3 of a mile for walkers and joggers. For more information, visit www.SpiritCommunicationsPark.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Sunday is Safe Kids Upstate Day

Opening Week presented by TD Bank continues on Sunday at 4:05 PM with the annual Safe Kids Upstate Day at Fluor Field, in partnership with Greenville Health System and Bradshaw Automotive. Safety Patrol members will participate in a pregame parade around the Fluor Field warning track at 3:30 PM, and Safe Kids will be handing out bike helmets to the first 400 children who enter the Fluor Field gates.

Throughout the day, the Drive will be recognizing Safe Kids Upstate’s annual award winners, including their Grand Slam Winner, Volunteers of the Year, the Hero Award, and the Brian Donnelly Lifetime Achievement Award. Children of all ages will also be able to learn more about all aspects of safety “At Home, At Play and On the Way” with concourse exhibits and interactive stations, and following the completion of all stations, children will have a chance to win great prizes.

After the game, be sure to stick around for BlueCross BlueShield Kids Run the Bases!

Purchase tickets for Sunday’s game at the Main Street Box Office, by calling (864) 240-4528, or by CLICKING HERE.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

TicketReturn.Com Field hosts March for Babies

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (April 2, 2018) – The Myrtle Beach Pelicans will host the March of Dimes’ March for Babies beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 21 from TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark.

March for Babies is a walking event that brings together individuals, families, friends and corporate teams to raise money to help the March of Dimes lead the fight for the health of all moms and babies.

Registration for the event starts at 8:30 a.m. at Gate 1 (down the right field line) at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. The three-mile walk circumvents both the ballpark and Broadway at the Beach, with other festivities set to take place at TicketReturn.Com Field.

The March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies, working in support of moms at every stage from preconception to post-delivery by funding research, programs and education. Money raised from the organization’s March for Babies will be a lifeline for the nearly four million babies born in the United States each year.

For more information about the March for Babies event, contact Coleen Sweatt, Development Manager, at 843-698-0873 or csweatt@marchofdimes.org.

The 2018 season will be the 20th season for the Pelicans franchise and fourth as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For tickets visit MyrtleBeachPelicans.com/tickets, call (843) 918-6000, or visit the Pelicans Box Office.

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. The park 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 as well. In June 2017, TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark won the 2017 TripAdvisor.com Certificate of Excellence award. The Pelicans have 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, second half of 2016 and first half of 2017. For more information on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, please contact the Pelicans at (843) 918-6000 or emailing Info@MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

Fluor Field Hosts Blood Drive on Thursday, April 5th

The Greenville Drive and The Blood Connection are teaming up again in 2018 to hold blood drives at Fluor Field. The first blood drive of the season is scheduled for Thursday, April 5th. The Blood Connection buses will be set up outside the Main Street gates between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

Fans who stop by Fluor Field and donate blood will receive a ticket voucher to a 2018 Drive game at Fluor Field, subject to availability, and a Blood Connection t-shirt. They will also be provided with a hot dog, chips and a drink after donating.

One lucky fan from The Blood Connection’s blood drives on April 5th at Fluor Field and April 6th at select locations will receive a Red Sox VIP Experience, which includes two pavilion reserved tickets to a Red Sox game, two nights in a Boston hotel, a VIP tour of Fenway Park, and a $500 airfare voucher.

For more information on The Blood Connection and donating blood, CLICK HERE.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Pelicans to host Horry County Special Olympics Spring Games on April 18

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (March 28, 2018) – The Myrtle Beach Pelicans will host the Horry County Special Olympics Spring Games on Wednesday, April 18, at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. Approximately 400 Special Olympic athletes from across Horry County will be joined with 400 “buddies” and volunteers to compete in various events. Athletes may also earn the opportunity to enter South Carolina’s Summer Games, held from May 11-13 in Columbia.

“The Special Olympics Spring Games gives athletes all over Horry with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to compete, receive medals and celebrate the bravery they have to be successful at anything,” said Horry County Special Olympics Area Director Erik Karney. “They show us every day that they are the true “heroes” in life, with their smiles of joy and determination to be the best they can be.”

Gates open to the ballpark at 8:30 a.m., and registration for all athletes and buddies will be at Gate 1, located near right field. Volunteers will register at Gate 2, down the first base line. The Horry County community is encouraged to join the Pelicans’ pep rally to welcome the athletes into the ballpark. The Games are open to the public at no charge, and all community members are welcome to cheer on the athletes and lend their support.

The day begins with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run at Myrtle Beach’s Fire Training Facility at 8:45 a.m. The torch will be lit on the field at 9:45 a.m., marking the third year the Games are being held at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark.

Events begin at 10:00 a.m., with athletes competing in the softball and tennis throws on the outfield grass, the 100m and 50m runs and walks on the outfield warning track and the young athletes’ events in foul territory down the left field line.

Members of the Special Olympics Youth Athletes (ages 2-7) will also take part in the festivities at the ballpark. Entertainment throughout the day, which concludes at 1:30 p.m., includes Olympic Town with a DJ, inflatables and local mascots.

In addition to the Horry County Spring Games, the Pelicans will also hold their annual Special Olympics Night on Saturday, April 21. The Birds will sport commemorative jerseys designed by Angelita Ponce of North Myrtle Beach Middle School. Ponce won the club’s jersey design contest, with students from both North Myrtle Beach Middle School and Ocean Bay Middle School submitting drafts. The jerseys will be auctioned off to fans throughout the 6:05 p.m. game, with the proceeds benefitting the Horry County Special Olympics. Gates open at 5 p.m. on Special Olympics Night.

The 2018 season will be the 20th season for the Pelicans franchise and fourth as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For tickets visit MyrtleBeachPelicans.com/tickets, call (843) 918-6000, or visit the Pelicans Box Office.

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. The park 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 as well. In June 2017, TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark won the 2017 TripAdvisor.com Certificate of Excellence award. The Pelicans have 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, second half of 2016 and first half of 2017. For more information on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, please contact the Pelicans at (843) 918-6000 or emailing Info@MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

Charleston RiverDogs Partner with Palmetto Goodwill & GoodPeople Staffing for Jobs at The Joe Hire Me! Events

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston RiverDogs, in partnership with Palmetto Goodwill’s new line of business, GoodPeople Staffing, will host two Jobs at The Joe Hire Me! events to fill ballpark gameday positions for the 2018 season: a food & beverage only job event on Saturday, February 10 and a general job fair for all positions on Saturday, March 3, both at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

The RiverDogs are seeking qualified candidates for positions ranging from cashiers to ushers, merchandise employees to mascots, and more. Those interested in positions in food and beverage are encouraged to attend one of the two hiring events.

 Applicants for all other positions, and anyone interested in F&B jobs who miss the February event, should attend the March job fair at the ballpark.

All interested applicants MUST pre-register for this event by filling out a candidate information form located HERE and then attend one of the event dates listed below.


F&B Jobs Only

  • Saturday, February 10 – 10am-2pm at Joe Riley Park (360 Fishburne St., Charleston, SC 29403)

All Jobs (including F&B)

  • Saturday, March 3 – 10am-2pm at Joe Riley Park (360 Fishburne St., Charleston, SC 29403)

On-site interviews will be conducted for positions in the following areas:

  • food & beverage (front and back of the house)
  • ushers
  • ticket takers
  • box office attendants
  • kids zone
  • stadium clean-up crew
  • parking attendants
  • And if you have what it takes, you can possibly be Charlie T. RiverDog!

Applicants are encouraged to dress appropriately.

About the RiverDogs

The Charleston RiverDogs, the Class A affiliate of the 27-time World Champion New York Yankees, are Charleston’s leader in affordable sports entertainment. Recently recognized with the Bob Freitas Award as the top Class A operation by Baseball America in 2017, the RiverDogs are coming off their most successful season when they welcomed over 300,000 fans through the turnstiles for the first time in franchise history.

RiverDogs season tickets, group tickets, and flex plans, including options to the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2018 campaign, the club’s 25th season as the RiverDogs and their “175th in dog years.” The RiverDogs begin the season on April 12 when they host the Kannapolis Intimidators at The Joe after a week on the road and an exhibition opener at The Joe on April 3 against Myrtle Beach. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com/tickets.

–RIVERDOGS–

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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RiverDogs Host Charlie Claus Toy Drive to Benefit MUSC Children’s Hospital

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charlie and the RiverDogs are asking fans to help give back this holiday season. The club will be accepting donations of unopened toys at Riley Park all this week as they open their gates for the Charlie Claus Toy Drive to benefit the MUSC Shawn Jenkin’s Children’s Hospital.

“After cancelling our original Charlie Claus event due to weather this past weekend, we wanted to come up with an alternative for our fans to give back this holiday season,” said RiverDogs Community Relations Director Walter Nolan-Cohn. “We would like to thank our fans in advance for their show of support. These donations are a wonderful way to make an impact in the Lowcountry community.”

The four-day long toy drive will run from Monday, December 11 through Thursday, December 14 between the hours of 9am and 4:30pm. Fans are encouraged to donate a new, unopened toy that can be dropped off inside the main gate on Fishburne St. or inside the front office lobby. Every family that donates a toy will also receive a family four-pack (includes four tickets, four hot dogs, four drinks and four bags of chips) for a RiverDogs game in 2018.

 

The week will also culminate with a meet-and-greet featuring Charlie T. RiverDog, Chelsea, and Santa Claus on Thursday, December 14 from 5:30-6:30 in the RiverDogs clubhouse. Families will have the opportunity for photos and to meet the RiverDogs’ signature mascots along with Santa himself.

Charlie will deliver the donated toys from the week’s efforts to the children’s hospital on Wednesday, December 20.

For more information on the Charlie Claus Toy Drive and meet-and-greet, please contact Walter Nolan-Cohn at 843-723-7241 or by email at walter@riverdogs.com.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages, and flex plans, including options to the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2018 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 12 when they host the Kannapolis Intimidators at The Joe, preceded by a weeklong road trip and an exhibition opener at The Joe on April 3 against Myrtle Beach. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com/tickets.

–RIVERDOGS–

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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RiverDogs Get in Holiday Spirit with “Season of Giving” Initiative

CHARLESTON, S.C. – It’s the “season of giving,” and the Charleston RiverDogs are getting in the holiday spirit. The club has pledged to donate a dollar to one of four local Lowcountry charities for each ticket sold as part of a group outing at The Joe for the upcoming 2018 season, through Friday, December 22.

For every group ticket plan of 25 or more, picnics of 50+, suite rental, and Riley Park Club group of 10+ sold by the 22nd, the RiverDogs will donate a dollar per ticket to either the Lowcountry Food Bank, Charleston Animal Society, the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, or the Palmetto Military Support Group at the choice of each customer.

In the same spirit of giving, the RiverDogs will also be offering holiday flex plan deals during the month of December. Packages start at just $50 and included five undated grandstand vouchers, good for almost any game during the 2018 season, along with the choice of a RiverDogs hat, shirt, or the option to donate $10 to one of the four charities. A package that includes ten undated vouchers will run at $85.

Ticket information on season tickets and groups, including the Riley Park Club, can be found on riverdogs.com/tickets and reserved with a sales representative by contacting the club at 843-723-7241.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages, and flex plans are now available for the 2018 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 12 when they host the Kannapolis Intimidators at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, preceded by a weeklong road trip to open the year and an exhibition contest against Myrtle Beach at The Joe on April 3. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com/tickets.

–RIVERDOGS–

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Columbia Fireflies to Donate to The Miracle League of Columbia on Giving Tuesday

COLUMBIA, South Carolina – The Columbia Fireflies announced today that, in partnership with BUSH’S® Beans, they will provide a donation to The Miracle League of Columbia as part of #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration, on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely-recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports generosity and philanthropy.

This past season, Dash Winningham was named the BUSH’S Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2017 South Atlantic League All-Star Game in Columbia, South Carolina, after going 1-for-2 with a double and two RBI in a 3-3, rain-shortened tie. As an extension of this award, BUSH’S and the Fireflies will provide a $1,000 donation to The Miracle League of Columbia.

“The City of Columbia’s Miracle League Field is an amazing project for our community, providing individuals with special needs to participate in baseball in a fully-accessible, safe environment,” said Columbia Fireflies President John Katz. “The field was built as a partnership between the City of Columbia, Richland County and the Ray Tanner Foundation – a non-profit founded by South Carolina Athletic Director, Ray Tanner, and his wife, Karen.

“On behalf of the Columbia Fireflies, South Atlantic League All-Star Game MVP Dash Winningham and the children of The Miracle League of Columbia, we’d like to thank BUSH’s Beans for making this donation to help further the mission and the good work being done in our community for very special people.”

BUSH’S Beans sponsored 11 All-Star Game MVP awards throughout Minor League Baseball this summer. BUSH’S is making a donation to a local charitable organization chosen by each MVP Award winner’s home club.

“One of the things that attracted BUSH’S to Minor League Baseball is how the clubs and their local communities support each other,” said Mike Morris, Senior Brand Manager at Bush Brothers & Company. “We are proud to recognize the contributions of each BUSH’S MVP Award winner by giving back to his team’s local charity.”

Minor League Baseball unveiled a multi-year, strategic partnership with BUSH’S Beans last December, making it the “Official Beans of Minor League Baseball,” and a “Preferred Partner” of a number of MiLB teams, beginning in 2017. Bush Brothers & Company is the recognized brand leader in beans. The partnership was activated across a range of touch-points this year, including in-ballpark celebrations such as National Baked Bean Month in July and the integration of a variety of BUSH’S Beans products in teams’ concessions.

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About the Columbia Fireflies

The Columbia Fireflies are the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Winners of Ballpark Digest’s Best New Branding and Logo Award in 2016, the Fireflies play games across the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, including against in-state rivals in Charleston and Greenville. The team partnered with the city of Columbia and Hughes Development to construct Spirit Communications Park, a multi-use outdoor sports and entertainment venue at the center of the BullStreet development. The Columbia Fireflies are owned by Hardball Capital, owners of the Fort Wayne TinCaps of the Midwest League and the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern League. For more information, visit ColumbiaFireflies.com, or follow the Fireflies on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Minor League Baseball

Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2017, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.8 million fans to its ballparks to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information, visit www.MiLB.com.

Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About BUSH’S® Beans

BUSH’S® is all about friends & family, and a certain Secret Family Recipe. When you enjoy our beans (doesn’t matter if they’re baked beans, chili beans, black beans, pinto beans…well, you get the picture), you can trust that they’re the very best. Because we wouldn’t serve your family anything less. Since we got our start more than 100 years ago in Chestnut Hill, Tenn., BUSH’S® has always maintained that quality is the best policy. We pursue excellence and exceptional taste in our beans, sauces and everything we do. That’s why, from mouthwatering Baked Beans & Chili Beans to satisfying bean recipes, you’re cooking up the best with BUSH’S BEST®. For more information, visit www.bushbeans.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Working for Peanuts, RiverDogs Make Donation to Muscular Dystrophy Association

Tony’s brother, William, fires the ceremonial first pitch before April 12th’s contest against Augusta at The Joe. (Zach Bland)

CHARLESTON, S.C.- As part of their continued efforts to salute a ballpark icon, the Charleston RiverDogs have announced a donation of $5,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) in honor of Anthony Wright, aka “Tony the Peanut Man.”

“Tony brought energy and charisma to The Joe that was sorely missed this past season,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “As a staff, we wanted to create an ongoing message associated with Tony, and combining that message with this year’s peanut sales at the park was a good start.”

“We are thrilled to accept this donation from the Charleston RiverDogs to help provide the funds needed to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related diseases that severely limit strength and mobility,” said MDA Director of Business Development, Megan Relford. “The dedication of this organization to the MDA’s mission, as well as Tony’s memory is unwavering, and this donation will go a long way to help countless families living with muscle disease right here in the Lowcountry.”

On April 12, the RiverDogs tipped their sweetgrass caps to Tony during their opening week of the 21st season of baseball at The Joe, where Wright became a local favorite as a longtime peanut vendor. The RiverDogs celebrated the evening with Tony’s songs, peanuts, and their best impressions of his signature smile as the Charleston community celebrated the life of the beloved figure, who passed away shortly following the 2016 campaign.

As a season-long tribute to Tony, the RiverDogs also tossed out bags of his famous boiled peanuts to the crowd during the seventh inning stretch at each home game. The club also committed to donating a portion of their peanut sale proceeds to the MDA of which Tony was a proud supporter.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages, and flex plans are now available for the 2018 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 12 when they host the Kannapolis Intimidators at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com/tickets.

–RIVERDOGS–

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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Fireflies Reading Program Receives National Recognition

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has awarded the Columbia Fireflies Reading Program – an incentive-based literacy initiative presented by Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital – a certificate of commendation as an outstanding program deserving of recognition at the national level.

The Reading Program was created to encourage and enhance literacy among the youth of the Midlands. The program is completely free to students and educators. During the academic year, the program is run through schools, and, during the summer months, the program continues through local libraries. Students are required to reach goals set by educators while they “Read Around the Bases,” creating a customizable incentive-based program to encourage children to read. Each student’s progress is tracked, and once they make it to “Home Plate” (complete the program), students are rewarded with a complimentary ticket to a Fireflies game, a voucher for a free meal, a special gift from the Fireflies and a free ticket to EdVenture Children’s Museum.

“The Columbia Fireflies are proud to have been honored with this formal commendation for our efforts to enhance literacy through our Reading Program,” said Fireflies team President John Katz. “Our partnership with Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital has been instrumental in our ability to grow so rapidly and to impact the lives of so many children.”

In just the second year of the program, the Fireflies reached over 65,000 students from 153 schools during the spring session, and nearly 25,000 more this summer through 4 county libraries, the YMCA and other child-centric organizations.

Kyle Williamson, the Fireflies Reading Program Manager, works closely with educators and librarians to provide children across the Midlands with incentives to hit their reading goals, develop a love for reading and for the use of information technologies. After summer break, the Reading Program had been implemented across the region in Richland, Lexington, Oconee, Newberry, Fairfield, Lancaster, Kershaw, Florence, Williamsburg, Calhoun, Sumter, Orangeburg, Beaufort, and Barnwell Counties.

“Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital firmly believes in the importance of literacy. Reading is a strong component of children’s ability to grow and understand the world around them. Forming a partnership with the Fireflies reading program is another way of being an advocate for children and their overall well-being that helps our entire community,” said Diane Bagnal-Moody, administrative director of Children’s Hospital.

Delegates of the AASL Affiliate Assembly nominate specific programs across the country, and the South Carolina Association of School Librarians delegate, Cindy Symonds, brought the Fireflies’ efforts to the national stage.

The Fireflies kicked off the program at the local schools and libraries with Mason, the team’s mascot, making an appearance to get the children excited about reading. Fireflies players joined in after the season began and would head out in their uniforms and read with students at various schools.

The mission of AASL is to empower leaders to transform teaching and learning. Audrey Church, president of AASL, explained that this group works to ensure that all members of the school library field collaborate to connect learners with ideas and information to prepare students for life-long learning and informed decision-making.

Enrollment for the 2018 Fireflies Reading Program begins on Friday, October 27th at 9am. Visit ColumbiaFireflies.com for more details.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

RiverDogs, Fox Music Partner for Piano Grand Unveiling at MUSC Health University Hospital

CHARLESTON, S.C.- The Charleston RiverDogs and Fox Music have partnered once again to promote the benefits of music in the Lowcountry. The Charleston club and Fox Music paired up to donate a piano to the MUSC Health University Hospital, jointly unveiling the contribution in the main hospital lobby on Tuesday afternoon.

The donation is a continuation of the RiverDogs and Fox Music’s joint effort to foster the musical disciplines throughout Charleston while benefitting the club’s partner in MUSC Health. Fox provided a piano played by Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg on the RiverDogs’ Opening Night in 2016 before the piece of equipment was donated to the music department of nearby Burke High School.

Fox Music again provided the equipment as the Mayor tickled the ivories to open the baseball season in 2017, and will provide the Yamaha U1 vertical piano, the choice professional piano for concert pianist, professors, and venues around the world.

 

“The ability to combine the RiverDogs Opening Night festivities with Mayor Tecklenburg and the city of Charleston, MUSC Health and one of Charleston’s successful family businesses speaks volumes to the strength of our community,” said President and General Manager Dave Echols.

“We’re thrilled to support this worthy endeavor,” said Joseph Fox of Fox Music. “Our roots with MUSC Health go back to over 40 years ago when doctors from the hospital would stop by our downtown location on break to use our practice rooms as a community space to get away, and this has shaped how we view our stores to this day.”

“MUSC has many community partners that sometimes come together in unsuspecting ways,” said Caroline O’Neal of MUSC. “Today, a few of our partners joined hands to enhance a space on our campus where many patients, families, visitors, and MUSC employees spend time – our hospital lobby. We are grateful for our relationships with the Charleston RiverDogs, Fox Music, and Doug Barnard who donated the artwork surrounding the piano for their commitment to our community and MUSC’s mission.”

The piano was unveiled at the main hospital lobby with Charles and Joseph Fox in attendance from Fox Music along with technician Joe Marlow. Echols and lovable mascot Charlie T. RiverDog represented the Charleston ballclub while Dr. David J. Cole, M.D., FACS, President of MUSC and Dr. Patrick J. Cawley, M.D., CEO of MUSC Health among other leadership from MUSC were present.

About MUSC Health

MUSC Health, the clinical enterprise of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), is dedicated to the pursuit of changing what’s possible in health care. Nationally recognized for its innovation, patient- and family-centered care, and quality outcomes, this integrated health care system is accessible at the downtown Charleston campus and through more than 100 outreach locations, clinical affiliations with numerous health care partners, and a robust telehealth network. MUSC Health sees more than one million patient encounters annually, and its specialized care teams consistently rank among the best in the country. MUSC Health delivers transformational care shaped by world-class clinicians, health scientists, and educators who provide leading-edge care, while developing the next generation of innovative health care leaders.

About Fox Music

In Charleston for nearly 100 years, Fox Music continues to provide a youthful spirit with the enthusiasm, stamina, and desire to serve their customers at the highest level possible. Fox Music is dedicated to building trust and determine customer needs to provide recommendations for the most suitable music products and services. They are now serving in the fourth generations of families, and are looking forward to serving many more generations in the future.

About the RiverDogs

The Charleston RiverDogs, the Class A affiliate of the 27-time World Champion New York Yankees, are Charleston’s leader in affordable sports entertainment. With a “Fun is Good” mentality, Charleston has impressed off the field with zany promotions and consistently are one of the top drawing teams in the South Atlantic League. The RiverDogs develop the next major league stars for the Yankees at one of the finest ballparks in Minor League Baseball, Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park and just celebrated their 21st season in the storied venue. The RiverDogs had a record-setting year in 2017, filling the stands and having even more fun along the way, drawing more than 305,000 fans to 68 home games.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages, and mini plans are now available for the 2018 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 12 when they host the Kannapolis Intimidators at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com/tickets.

–RIVERDOGS–

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

RiverDogs Host Fourth Annual Trick-or-Treat Movie Night Down at The Joe

CHARLESTON, S.C.- With Halloween just around the corner, the Charleston RiverDogs are getting in the spirit of the season with the fourth annual Trick-or-Treat Movie Night featuring Disney’s “Moana” from 6-9pm on Friday, October 27 at Joe Riley Park.

The night begins with trick-or-treating around the Riley Park concourse starting at 6pm, followed by the showing of Disney’s 2016 animated hit starting at 7 on the video board. Admission for the event is $5 a person or a donation of five or more canned food items for donation to the Lowcountry Food Bank. Members of the MUSC Health Kid’s Club also get in free.

Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to dress up as a “Moana” character and young fans will have the opportunity for a meet & greet with Moana and enjoy a fire juggling show as part of the evening’s festivities.

For more information about getting involved in the event, please contact Walter Nolan-Cohn at the RiverDogs front office at (843) 723-7241.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages, and flex plans are now available for the 2018 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 12 when they host the Kannapolis Intimidators at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com/tickets.

–RIVERDOGS–

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

SC Veterans Upstate Salute at Fluor Field on November 12th

The Drive, along with fellow Upstate Veterans Alliance partners GE, Greenville Health System and Michelin are excited to team up for the second annual SC Veterans Upstate Salute! You’re invited to join us in this free celebration on Sunday, November 12th at Fluor Field, as we will honor our local veterans with a night full of entertainment.

The event will begin at 5:00 PM, with the Field Street gates at Fluor Field opening at 4:00. Highlights of the evening include a concert from country music star Craig Morgan, a 21-gun salute, parachuters, an aerial flyover and opportunities to meet community agencies supporting veterans and their families. The night will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show. The concession stands at Fluor Field will be open throughout the evening.

Admission is free for the Upstate Salute, but registration is required, and you can register by CLICKING HERE. For more information, including to learn more about the schedule of events for the Upstate Salute, please visit www.upstatesalute.com. We hope to see you at Fluor Field on November 12th to help honor our nation’s veterans!

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

RiverDogs Lend Helping Hand to Oklahoma

CHARLESTON, SC — General Manager Dave Echols has announced that 15 percent of all profits of Charleston RiverDogs merchandise purchased through MiLB.com will be donated to the Oklahoma City Red Cross, as part of Minor League Baseball’s “15 for 15” initiative to raise funds to assist those affected by the recent storms in Oklahoma. The donations will run until June 17.

A total of 51 minor league teams — including the RiverDogs — are participating in the endeavor to assist those in the Sooner State that were affected by recent tornados.

“The Charleston RiverDogs are pleased to participate in this endeavor,” said Echols. “It’s very important for us to help during this devastating and unfortunate time in Oklahoma.”
The RiverDogs join in the partnership with Minor League Baseball Charities, MiLB and Professional Baseball Umpire Corp., and the clubs participating in the program include the Bakersfield Blaze; Batavia Muckdogs; Bluefield Blue Jays; Boise Hawks; Bradenton Marauders; Buffalo Bisons; Cedar Rapids Kernels; Charlotte Knights; Charlotte Stone Crabs; Chattanooga Lookouts; Clinton LumberKings; Connecticut Tigers; Corpus Christi Hooks; Dayton Dragons; Delmarva Shorebirds; Durham Bulls; Frisco RoughRiders; Great Lakes Loons; Greenville Astros; Greensboro Grasshoppers; Hickory Crawdads; Idaho Falls Chukars; Indianapolis Indians; Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino; Jacksonville Suns; Lakewood BlueClaws; Las Vegas 51s; Lexington Legends; Lynchburg Hillcats; Mahoning Valley Scrappers ; Memphis Redbirds; Modesto Nuts; Myrtle Beach Pelicans; Nashville Sounds; Oklahoma City RedHawks; Orem Owlz; Rochester Red Wings; San Antonio Missions; Savannah Sand Gnats; Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders; St. Lucie Mets; State College Spikes; Stockton Ports; Syracuse Chiefs; Toledo Mud Hens; Trenton Thunder; Tri-City ValleyCats; Tulsa Drillers; West Michigan Whitecaps; and Wilmington Blue Rocks.