Fluor in the Community Night on April 11th

The Drive will host Fluor Community Night on Tuesday, April 11th with a 7:05 PM first pitch against the Lexington Legends.

Since 2008, Fluor Field has been a staple of the downtown Greenville community with Fluor Corporation and the Drive partnering together to drive positive change throughout the region. This special evening will showcase Fluor’s commitment to the Upstate and shine a light on the great work Fluor employees are doing to make our region a better place to live.

Tickets can be purchased for Fluor Community night 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.

Safe Kids Upstate Day is Sunday at Fluor Field

On Sunday, April 9th, the Drive will host Safe Kids Upstate Day at Fluor Field. First pitch against the Delmarva Shorebirds is set for 4:05 PM, and kids will be invited to participate in a pregame parade around Fluor Field starting at 3:30.

During the first two innings of the game, Safe Kids will be giving away bike helmets to kids, and along the concourse, stations will be set up for kids to learn more about Fire Safety, Water Safety and Car Heat Safety. Following the game, kids are invited to stick around for BlueCross BlueShield Kids Run the Bases.

To purchase tickets for Sunday’s game, stop by the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or CLICK HERE.

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

Drive and Blood Connection Team Up on Thursday

The Greenville Drive and The Blood Connection are teaming up to host a blood drive at Fluor Field on Thursday, March 30th between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM. The Blood Connection buses will be set up at the Main Street gate.

Those who donate will receive complimentary rewards, including a Drive/Blood Connection t-shirt, a pair of vouchers good for any Sunday-Thursday Drive home game in 2017, and a hot dog plate with chips and a drink.

Every time you donate blood, you could save up to three lives, so come on out to Fluor Field on March 30th to support The Blood Connection.

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

PMSG, RiverDogs Team Up for Red Shirt Fridays to Raise Funds for Local Military Community

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston RiverDogs have partnered with the Palmetto Military Support Group (PMSG) on Red Shirt Fridays at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, donating a portion of each of the nights’ proceeds to the local military support group focused on aiding Charleston area military members and their families.

“We have always admired the RiverDogs’ commitment to our military community,” said Peter Wertimer, president of the PMSG. “Our mission is to help make Charleston become the single most supportive community of its military in the country. All that the ball club provides will go right back to our war fighters and their families in the form of worthy investments in their various activities.”

For all 11 Fridays at The Joe this year, the RiverDogs will once again wear specialty red uniforms in honor of the military. Fans are encouraged to wear red as well, and save a dollar off their ticket purchase at the gate with the option to donate that dollar to the PMSG.

“The Palmetto Military Support Group is doing great things for military families in the Lowcountry, and we are excited to further team up with this worthy organization,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols, the current VP on the board of the PMSG. “The RiverDogs have been a proud partner of the PMSG since their inception, and they are a natural fit to be a part of our military appreciation efforts each Friday this year.”

The recipient of Minor League Baseball’s inaugural Patriot Award last season, the RiverDogs continued to strengthen their ties to the Lowcountry’s strong military family. The club hosted three Military Appreciation nights during the season where all active and retired service members enjoyed complementary tickets, and honored a military family of the game at each home contest. Service men and women were also frequent performers of the National Anthem at The Joe, and the club hired five homeless military vets to their ballpark cleanup crew.

The Palmetto Military Support Group is a membership organization comprised of Lowcountry citizens and companies that support the goal of the Charleston region becoming known as the most supportive of our military community in the country. The PMSG organizes command visits and social get-togethers with military personnel for its membership and conducts a number of fundraisers (with an emphasis on FUN) throughout the year.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages, mini plans, and group tickets are now available for the 2017 campaign, including options for the all-new Riley Park Club. The RiverDogs, the Class-A affiliate of the 27-time world champion New York Yankees, begin their season on April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends at The Joe. Single-game tickets are now available online and will be solid in person at the box office and by phone starting on March 15 at 9am. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

RiverDogs Support Recognized as Charleston is Among ADC’s “Great American Defense Communities”

CHARLESTON, SC – In part thanks to the Charleston RiverDogs’ support of the local military, the Charleston Region was among the honorees recognized as “Great American Defense Communities” by the Association of Defense Communities (ADC).

The RiverDogs were cited among the many reasons for Charleston’s recognition of the honor with the support provided by the club to military families and their loved ones helping Charleston to be tabbed as one of the eight communities included in the 2017 class. Joining Charleston were the following seven communities:

·         The Alamo – San Antonio Region, TX

·         Christian County, KY

·         The Fort Hood – Central Texas Region

·         Hampton Roads, VA

·         Maricopa County, AZ

·         Sierra Vista, AZ

·         The Governments of Southeastern Connecticut

“All eight in the 2017 class of honorees truly embody the ideals this initiative was designed to celebrate – making host communities for our nation’s military installations ‘Great Places to Call Home,'” said ADC President Mike Cooper.

“We are honored to be recognized for our efforts as the Charleston community receives this important distinction,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “The Charleston community has always done an excellent job of supporting local military and their loved ones and the RiverDogs are proud to be a part of this tradition.”

Over the next six months, each community will host a local event recognizing its selection and celebrating the hard work and creativity of the individuals and organizations making their communities great places for service members and their families to live. These events will culminate in a special reception and a congressional breakfast during the Defense Communities

National Summit in Washington, DC, June 19-21, 2017.

In 2016, the RiverDogs continued to go beyond paying their respects to the Lowcountry’s strong military family and were recognized with Minor League Baseball’s inaugural Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award for their outstanding support of military members.

In addition to hosting several Military Appreciation Nights, the RiverDogs honored a Military Family of the Game with the featured veteran at each home game receiving complimentary tickets, food, and merchandise along with an in-game recognition of their service.

Additionally in 2016, the RiverDogs strengthened their ties with the local military community through the hiring of Alfonso Rogers, a recent sport management graduate of The Citadel and current member of the Air Force Reserves. The club also hired five retired military veterans to their gameday cleanup crew.

The Great American Defense Communities program, developed in conjunction with the House

and Senate Defense Communities Caucuses was designed to highlight the unique contributions of cities, counties and regions that host installations make to improve quality of life for service members, veterans and their families. This 2017 class of communities was selected by a panel of defense community advocates and experts from dozens of nominees based on the broad range of efforts each area carries out on behalf of military personnel and their families, considering factors such as education, job opportunities, housing, family support during deployments and community appreciation. This year’s program is made possible through generous support from USAA and the National Math + Science Initiative.

ADC is a national nonprofit organization that is the connection point for leaders from communities, states, the military and industry on community-military issues and installation management to enhance knowledge, information sharing and best practices. With nearly 300 communities, states, regions and affiliated industry organizations, ADC represents every major defense community/state in the nation.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages and mini plans are now available for the 2017 campaign. The RiverDogs, the Class-A affiliate of the 27-time world champion New York Yankees, begin the season on April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends at Joseph P Riley, Jr. Park. Single-game tickets and the full promotional schedule will become available in March. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

CHARLESTON, SC – The Charleston RiverDogs, in partnership with Palmetto Goodwill, will host three Jobs at The Joe Hire Me! events to fill ballpark gameday positions for the upcoming season.

The RiverDogs will host two hiring events at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park in addition to one session hosted at Palmetto Goodwill, in order to give candidates flexibility in applying for jobs.

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 January hiring events.

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

All interested applicants MUST pre-register for this event by filling out a candidate information form located at http://bit.ly/2k7gzg5 and then attend one of the event dates listed below.

F&B Jobs Only

·         Friday, January 20 – 9am-1pm at Goodwill (6554 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406)

·         Saturday, January 21 – 11am-3pm at Ballpark (360 Fishburne St., Charleston, SC 29403)

All Jobs (including F&B)

·         Saturday, February 25 – 10am-2pm at Ballpark (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.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages and mini plans are now available for the 2017 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends 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 for the RiverDogs 13th Annual Hot Stove Banquet featuring Hall-of-Famer Tom Glavine on January 27 are still available on rileyparkevents.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

RiverDogs to Partner with CCSD for “Reading Around the Bases”

CHARLESTON, SC – In an effort to encourage and improve literacy in the local community, the Charleston RiverDogs and Charleston County School District (CCSD) will partner in “Reading Around the Bases,” a baseball themed reading program for local students.

Starting on Thursday, January 19, 2017, schools from all over CCSD will start “Reading Around the Bases”, a 12-week baseball-theme incentive program. Each student will receive a Reading Challenge packet that includes a score card, tracking sheet, and their very own personal baseball card.

“Literacy has long been a community initiative of the Charleston RiverDogs,” said Dave Echols, RiverDogs President and General Manager. “We are excited to partner with CCSD in bringing our ‘Fun Is Good’ approach to reading to Lowcountry 2nd graders.”

To move around the bases on the score card, a student must read a certain number of pages: 100 pages for a single, 200 pages for a double, 300 pages for a triple, and 500 pages for home run! Students also earn points for their class depending on how far they advance on the score card.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our district’s second graders. Hopefully, the competition between classes in each school will motivate students to read more than they have in the past,” said Terri Nichols, CCSD Associate Superintendent of Schools. “More importantly, we believe this program can enhance literacy, and lead to a lifetime of reading for fun and expanding each student’s world.”

During the program, special guests from the RiverDogs will visit schools in the district to provide encouragement, fun, and serve as volunteer readers with second grade classes each month.

The winning second grade class from each participating school will receive special seating at the Education Day game at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park on May 31, 2017, and participate in special events before and during the contest.

For more information on “Reading Around the Bases,” please contact Jessica Richards with CCSD at (843) 937-6300, or Zana Bowens with the RiverDogs at (843) 723-7241.

About the Charleston County School District

Charleston County School District (CCSD) is the second largest school system in South Carolina representing a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools that span 1,000 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves more than 50,000 students in 86 schools and several specialized programs. With approximately 6,100 employees district-wide, CCSD is the fourth largest employer in the region.

CCSD offers a diverse, expanding portfolio of options and specialized programs, delivered through neighborhood, charter, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), and Montessori schools, and is divided into three Learning Communities led by associate superintendents. Options include specialized programs in science, engineering and mathematics; liberal arts; music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; and military and other public service enterprises.

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 20th season in the storied venue. The RiverDogs had a record-setting year in 2016, filling the stands and having even more fun along the way, drawing more than 293,000 fans to 68 home games.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages and mini plans are now available for the 2017 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends 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 for the RiverDogs 13th Annual Hot Stove Banquet featuring Hall-of-Famer Tom Glavine on January 27 are still available on rileyparkevents.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

RiverDogs, MiLB Make Contribution to SC Based Warrior Surf Foundation

CHARLESTON, SC -Military families and baseball go hand-in-hand. For their continued efforts to support the local military community, the Charleston RiverDogs will have a contribution to the Warrior Surf Foundation donated on their behalf from Minor League Baseball after receiving the inaugural Chuck Murphy Patriot Award at the Baseball Winter Meetings.

“On behalf of Minor League Baseball Charities, it is an honor to present this donation on behalf of the Charleston RiverDogs to the Warrior Surf Foundation,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “The Warrior Surf Foundation was created by veterans for veterans and provides some of America’s true heroes the opportunity to reintegrate themselves back into life after serving our country. They are a worthy organization and I commend them on their efforts to better the lives of Armed Forces veterans.”

As part of their recognition for the newly minted award, MiLB will contribute $2,500 in the RiverDogs’ name to the South Carolina-based nonprofit that serves veterans dealing with post-combat mental health issues.

“On behalf of the Warrior Surf Foundation we would like to thank the Charleston RiverDogs and Minor League Baseball for their donation.   Our program can only succeed with the help of our community. We are honored to have been chosen and feel great joy that RiverDogs entrusted us with the donation and truly support our cause,” said Andy Manzi, President and Co-Founder of the Warrior Surf Foundation “We are a small organization and every dollar counts. Warrior Surf will invest the received donation on our surf program which includes surf boards, wet suits, rash guards, and safety equipment. All of which is costly but necessary for our veterans and their families to succeed in the water.”

Founded in Folly Beach in May 2015, the Warrior Surf Foundation is committed to bringing warriors and their families together to promote mental and physical well-being by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing. In just their first year, the WSF provided services to more than 90 veterans and active duty service members through their weekend surf camps.

“We’re thrilled to have a contribution made in our name to this worthy cause,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “The fact that this donation comes as part of our recognition of the Patriot Award is a testament to Minor League Baseball’s commitment to serving veterans.”

As the South Atlantic League’s nominee for the Patriot Award, the RiverDogs continued to go beyond paying their respects to the Lowcountry’s strong military family in 2016. The club hosted three Military Appreciation nights during the season, continued their support of the Wounded Warrior Corps on “Red Shirt Fridays” where fans wore red in their support of the military, and honored a military family of the game each night at The Joe. Also in 2016, the RiverDogs hired five homeless military veterans for their stadium clean-up crew in the wake of the dissolution of Charleston’s Tent City, and hired a current Air Force reservist as a member of the sales staff. The RiverDogs employ more than 30 military veterans on their gameday operation.

The Patriot Award is named in honor of the longtime Florida State League president and U.S. Army veteran who passed away Feb. 21, 2015, at the age of 83. Murphy retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 21 years in the U.S. Army, broke into professional baseball in 1975 and led the Florida State League from 1990 until his passing. He received the Warren Giles Award for outstanding service as a league president in both 2011 and 1991, and the Friends of Baseball Chapel Award in 1994.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages and mini plans are now available for the 2017 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends 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.

–RIVERDOGS–

 

RiverDogs Honored with Inaugural Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award from MiLB

CHARLESTON, SC – With a vibrant military community right in their backyard, the Charleston RiverDogs have consistently expressed their gratitude to the service men and women in the Lowcountry. Through their continued efforts, the RiverDogs have been awarded the inaugural Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award recognizing an individual or club for its outstanding support of the military branches and engagement with veterans as announced by the Minor League Baseball office.

As the South Atlantic League’s nominee for the newly minted award, the RiverDogs continued to go beyond paying their respects to the Lowcountry’s strong military family in 2016. The club hosted three Military Appreciation nights during the season where all active and retired service members enjoyed complementary tickets. The club also continued their support of the Wounded Warrior Corps on “Red Shirt Fridays” where fans wore red in their support of the military along with a portion of the ticket proceeds benefitting the nonprofit.

“With the strong military community that we have in Charleston, recognizing both veterans and active service members has always been a focal point for us as an organization,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “This award is as much recognition of our efforts as it is to the fantastic support we have had from the Charleston community to show solidarity with our men and women in uniform.”

In addition to hosting several Military Appreciation Nights, the RiverDogs also honored a Military Family of the Game with the featured veteran at each home game receiving complimentary tickets, food, and merchandise along with an in-game recognition of their service.

The RiverDogs were also an instrumental part in the founding of the Palmetto Military Support Group, a civilian organization focused on the backing of the extended military family in the Lowcountry. Echols currently serves as the Vice President on the PMSG board.

“It is exciting to see the RiverDogs nationally recognized for their outstanding support to our military. It comes as no surprise to those of us who serve at Joint Base Charleston who have been the focus of their support. I’m glad to see it recognized by others,” said Colonel Robert Lyman, Commanding Officer of Joint Base Charleston and the 628th Air Base Wing. “The RiverDogs have continuously supported our Joint Base Charleston active duty, reservists, retirees and their families. We are grateful, and excited to see them recognized.”

Service men and were also frequent performers of the National Anthem at The Joe and the club had honorary commander participation to the annual “Citadel Night” where the famed Summerall Guards perform and the Cadet Chorale sings “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Additionally in 2016, the RiverDogs strengthened their ties with the local military community through the hiring of Alfonso Rogers, a recent sport management graduate of The Citadel who previously earned an associate’s degree in Aviation / Airway Management and Operations from the Community College of the Air Force in 2014, as a sales executive. Rogers also served as president of the Student Veterans of America while at the Military College of South Carolina.

The Patriot Award is named in honor of the longtime Florida State League president and U.S. Army veteran who passed away Feb. 21, 2015, at the age of 83. Murphy retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 21 years in the U.S. Army, broke into professional baseball in 1975 and led the Florida State League from 1990 until his passing. He received the Warren Giles Award for outstanding service as a league president in both 2011 and 1991, and the Friends of Baseball Chapel Award in 1994.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages and mini plans are now available for the 2017 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends 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

–RIVERDOGS–

RiverDogs Partner with Stingrays and Battery to Provide Relief from Hurricane Matthew

CHARLESTON, SC – In the face of disaster, Charleston has continually shown its strength to come together as a community in support of those in need. In the spirit of unity in the Holy City, the Charleston RiverDogs, South Carolina Stingrays and Charleston Battery will partner to raise money for those affected by October’s Hurricane Matthew. The clubs will host an online auction with the proceeds benefitting the One SC Relief Fund.

The online auction, which will open on Wednesday, November 2 at 12 noon, will culminate at the Stingrays’ home game on Sunday, November 6 at the North Charleston Coliseum with the puck set to drop at 3pm. Fans can access the online auction starting on Wednesday through Bidr, an online auction site that allows one to bid on items remotely using a phone, tablet or desktop. Bidding will close at the conclusion of the second period in Sunday’s contest against Elmira. The online auction can be found at https://my.bidr.co/events/lowcountryhurricanerelief/

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those still recovering from the after effects of Hurricane Matthew,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “This collaboration is a great way for the RiverDogs along with the Stingrays and Battery to use our collective platforms to do something good for our community.”

The RiverDogs will auction VIP experience packages for their upcoming Legends in the South Alumni Baseball game, the second annual event that features Braves and Yankees alumni squaring off at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Auction winners will have the opportunity to meet the baseball legends in person along with packages that include watching the game from the dugout, appearing in the game as a player and dining with some of the all-time greats leading up to the event.

Other RiverDogs packages include two tickets to the Ballpark Festival of Beers, RiverDogs merchandise, a behind-the-scenes tour of The Joe, and a Fireworks package that includes two tickets to every Friday home game in 2017.

“The Stingrays are excited to partner with the Riverdogs and the Battery to help those affected by Hurricane Matthew,” said Stingrays President Rob Concannon. “The Charleston community is very important to all of us.”

The Stingrays’ auction items include a signed team jersey, four Premium Level six game Ticket Plans for the 2016-17 season, a chance to ride on the “Fan Zam”, an exclusive pre-game bench experience, and Stingrays merchandise.

“The coordination of the Battery, RiverDogs and Stingrays in this effort to help the victims of Hurricane Matthew demonstrates the unified spirit in Charleston and across South Carolina. We’re proud to participate in this relief effort and wish all those still recovering well,” said Battery President Andrew Bell.

Charleston Battery contributions to the auction include two Carolina Challenge Cup series tickets, four Family Four Packs, a 2016 jersey, Films on the Field ticket package, and merchandise.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages and mini plans are now available for the 2017 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends 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.

–RIVERDOGS–

Fluor Field Hosts SC Veterans Upstate Salute on Friday

The Drive have teamed up with GE, Greenville Health System and Michelin to create a new non-profit organization called the Upstate Veterans Alliance, and in conjunction with our partners, we are proud to announce the first annual SC Veterans Upstate Salute! You’re invited to join us in this free celebration on November 11th 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 Tracy Lawrence, 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.

Registration is required to enter the event, and you can register at the link above or by CLICKING HERE.

For more information, including to learn more about the schedule of events for the Upstate Salute, please visit www.upstatesalute.com or call 864-240-4500. We hope to see you at Fluor Field on November 11th 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.

Trick-Or-Treat with Mason this Halloween!

COLUMBIA, SC – The costume is picked out. The candy bag will soon be over-flowing. Now, don’t miss your chance to enjoy the trick-or-treating with Mason! Fireflies Kids Club members (Not a Kids Club member? Sign up now) who submit an essay of 100 words or less titled, “Why I Want to Trick-or-Treat with Mason,” will have the chance to go door-to-door on Halloween with Columbia’s most adored Firefly.

Mason will join the winning youngster and his or her family and friends for a fun-filled hour of trick-or-treating on October 31. Essays can be dropped off at Spirit Communications Park, mailed or emailed to Mason:

Mason@ColumbiaFireflies.com

Attn: Mason

Spirit Communications Park

1640 Freed Street

Columbia, SC 29201

All submissions must be received by October 19 at 5:00 p.m. and Kids Club members are urged to include their names and contact information in their essays. Winners will be notified on October 24th.

Happy Halloween from Mason and the Fireflies!

Not a Kids Club member? Sign up now. It’s free to join and open to all kids 12 and younger.

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About the Columbia Fireflies

The Columbia Fireflies are the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. The Fireflies play games across the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, including against in-state rivals 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 Commons at 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 www.ColumbiaFireflies.com, or follow the Fireflies on Twitter (@ColaFireflies), Facebook (facebook.com/columbiafireflies) and all popular social media platforms.

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

Yoga in the Outfield on Saturday

Fluor Field will host a special “Yoga in the Outfield” event on Saturday, September 10th. Gates open at 9:00 AM, and a special yoga class will begin at 10:00 AM.

Tickets for the yoga class are available now for just $15 by CLICKING HERE, and they will be $20 at the field on September 10th. Portions of the ticket proceeds will go to Meals on Wheels and the Set Free Alliance.

Kids are also invited to take part in a complimentary mini-yoga session on the berm by the Main Street Gate.

Even if you don’t take part in the yoga classes, anyone can enter with complimentary admission to the Mindful Market located on the concourse with healthy snacks, drinks and cocktails from some of Greenville’s most mindful vendors.

For more information, go to yogaintheoutfield.com or CLICK HERE.

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

Fireflies Launch Food Drive Fridays to Aid Harvest Hope Food Bank

COLUMBIA, SC – In conjunction with the Harvest Hope Food Bank, the Columbia Fireflies have launched Food Drive Fridays for the remainder of the season. For the final three home Friday games at Spirit Communications Park, fans will be offered buy one get one free tickets in the Bojangles’ Berm, Reserved or Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union All-Star seating sections for every two canned food items they bring to the park. All cans will be donated to the Harvest Hope Food Bank.

The buy one get one free tickets are only eligible for that Friday evening’s game. Here are the Fireflies’ remaining Friday home games:

August 12, 7:05 p.m. vs. Greensboro Grasshoppers (Miami Marlins)

August 19, 7:05 p.m. vs. Augusta GreenJackets (San Francisco Giants)

September 2, 7:05 p.m. vs. Charleston RiverDogs (New York Yankees)

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for all three games and fans are asked to present their canned food items at the Fireflies Box Office to receive their buy one get one free tickets. Cans will be collected at the front entrance.

Fans with season ticket packages or who have already purchased single game tickets for an upcoming Friday game are still encouraged to bring canned food items.

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

RiverDogs Announce “Shoes for Joe Night” on May 16

Club will give free tickets for those who donate a new pair of sneakers to USC Coach Dawn Staley’s “INNERSOLE”

charlestonriverdogs_2015-05-08

 

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Donate a new or used pair of sneakers and we’ll give you a free ticket to see the Charleston RiverDogs battle rival Greenville Drive on Saturday, May 16, in what will be one of the most unique starts in baseball history.

At this game, the Charleston RiverDogs will salute Greenville native “Shoeless “Joe Jackson with several promotions.

First, fans who bring a pair of new or used sneakers to donate to University of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley’s INNERSOLE non-profit organization, will gain free admission to the game, which begins at 6:05 pm.

And then prior to the game, both the RiverDogs and Drive will take the field for the National Anthem lined up on the first and third base lines – of course – shoeless. The teams will also take a shoeless photo in front of Shoeless Joe’s Hill in right field.

“This night is a great opportunity to remember Shoeless Joe Jackson,” said RiverDogs sales representative Will Senn, who is responsible for coordinating the promotion and cultivating the relationship with INNERSOLE. “We’re thrilled that we’ve partnered with Coach Staley and INNERSOLE on this special night, in order to raise awareness and support for those in need.”

INNERSOLE is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide new sneakers to children who are homeless and children who are in need. This is a national and international initiative that will make a difference in the lives of our children by starting the school year off with a new pair of sneakers. Coach Staley serves as co-founder and president of INNERSOLE.

“The partnership with the Charleston RiverDogs is a perfect example of how the community can partner with INNERSOLE and help us bring awareness to the challenges that homeless and underprivileged children face on a constant basis,” said Coach Staley. “One of our goals for INNERSOLE is to have a presence in every area of our State. The opportunity to partner with the Charleston RiverDogs and share our SOLE mission is just another step in that direction.”

“Shoeless Joe” Jackson played Major League baseball in the early part of the 20th century. He is remembered for his performance on the field and for his alleged association with the Black Sox Scandal, in which members of the 1919 Chicago White Sox participated in a conspiracy to fix the World Series. As a result of Jackson’s association with the scandal, Kenesaw Mountain Landis, Major League Baseball’s first commissioner, banned Jackson from playing after the 1920 season. Since then, Jackson’s guilt has been disputed, and his expulsion from baseball during the prime of his career made him one of the game’s legendary figures.

Jackson played for three Major League teams during his 12-year career. He spent 1908-09 as a member of the Philadelphia Athletics and 1910 with the minor league New Orleans Pelicans before joining the Cleveland Naps at the end of the 1910 season. He remained in Cleveland through the first part of the 1915 and played the remainder of the 1915 season through 1920 with the White Sox.

Jackson, primarily a left fielder, currently has the third-highest career batting average in major league history. In 1911, Jackson hit for a .408 average, and it remains as the sixth-highest single-season total since 1901, which marked the beginning of the modern era. Babe Ruth reportedly said that he modeled his hitting technique after Jackson’s.

The right field area in the RiverDogs’ facility – Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park – is named “Shoeless Joe’s Hill,” in honor of the Greenville native.

For additional information and to secure your tickets, please refer to www.riverdogs.com or contact the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647). If you can’t make the games, remember that RiverDogs baseball can be heard throughout the season on the flagship radio home, WTMA 1250AM.

–RIVERDOGS–

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