Fireflies Searching for Military Heroes to Recognize In-Game

Nominate an Active Duty, Reserves or Veteran to be honored July 7

COLUMBIA, SC – The Columbia Fireflies are looking for eight local military heroes to honor in-game as the Heroes of the Inning for Military Appreciation Night July 7 at Segra Park at 7:05 pm. Any current or former member of any branch of the military can qualify to be honored.

Fans can submit their nominations online here. Those selected as “Heroes of the Inning” will be contacted directly by a Fireflies representative. Honorees chosen will be given two reserved tickets to the July 7 game vs the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Submissions are due by Monday, June 27.

The Fireflies are home until June 19 playing the Carolina Mudcats (Class-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The homestand includes a Budweiser Thirsty Thursday and the return of Negro League Weekend. We’ll have appearances from former Negro Leaguer Russell “Crazy Legs” Patterson and Josh Gibson’s Great-Grandson along with a fireworks show and a t-shirt giveaway to help celebrate those who played in the Negro Leagues. Individual game ticket prices range from $5 to $12 and premium seating options are available starting at $14 per person. All tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis and are based upon availability.

Drive Honor Black Spinners

On Friday, June 10th, the Greenville Drive will honor the successful Black Spinners team from the early 1900’s. This night is important not only to the Drive, but to the Greenville Community. With the opening of Unity Park, it’s important to honor The Black Spinners, Sterling High School, and the Negro League All-Stars that all once played at Mayberry Field and meant a lot to this community.

They will take the field sporting “throwback-style” uniforms to showcase the Black Spinners team look to the modern day Greenville community.

During the pre-game ceremonies, the Drive will recognize Frank White, the only remaining living Black Spinners player, as well as family members of former Black Spinners players. John Whiteside, a former shortstop at Sterling High School, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Throughout the game, vignettes will run on the DriveVision video board, telling the story of the Black Spinners, Sterling High School, and the Negro League All-Stars.

We look forward to telling and honoring the stories of historic baseball teams from our very own community!

Segra Park is Certified Sensory Inclusive 

COLUMBIA, SC – KultureCity has partnered with the Columbia Fireflies to make Segra Park and all of the programs and events that the venue hosts to be sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with a sensory issue that visits Segra Park.

The certification process entailed the staff at Segra Park being trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads will also be available to all guests at Segra Park who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions (1 in 6 individuals). One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment in a venue like Segra Park. With its new certification, the Columbia Fireflies are now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending any event at Segra Park.

Prior to attending an event, families can download the free KultureCity App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying an event at Segra Park.

“Our communities are what shape our lives and to know that the Columbia Fireflies are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing. We’re honored to partner with Segra Park to provide a truly inclusive experience for all fans and guests!” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity.

“We are excited to partner with KultureCity and make Segra Park a more accommodating place for guests that have sensory challenges,” said Brad Shank, Fireflies Team President. “A ballpark can be overwhelming with a lot of sensory input, and by providing options to help in situations where some of our fans are feeling over-stimulated our team continues to strive to make Segra Park inclusive for everyone and Fun For ALL.”

KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. Since the program’s inception, KultureCity has created over 900 sensory-inclusive venues in 5 countries: this includes special events such as the NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl, MLB World Series, and MLB All Star Weekend. KultureCity has won many awards for its efforts, including the NASCAR Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award in 2017 and the 2018 Clio Sports Silver for social good in partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Quiet Space Sensory Room at Quicken Loans Arena was a finalist for the 2018 Stadium Business Award, KultureCity was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019 and 2020 by FastCompany and recently won the Industry Partner Award in TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Awards 2019.

Fireflies to Host Free MLB Play Ball Clinic for Kids Age 4-18

COLUMBIA, SC – The Columbia Fireflies today announced that they will host Major League Baseball’s Play Ball Clinic run by Fireflies players and coaches at Segra Park Saturday, June 11 from 9 am to 11 am. The clinic is free for all kids ages 4-18. All kids wishing to participate in the Play Ball Clinic must register online in advance. The Play Ball Clinic is a part of MLB’s Play Ball Weekend initiatives that the Fireflies are taking part in June 10-12.

Once at Segra Park, the children will rotate between five different skills stations, where they will receive instructions from the Fireflies staff about how to improve their game. Fans can register for the Play Ball Clinic here.

The first 200 kids to register will receive a Franklin bat and ball set and a free reserved ticket for the game vs the Augusta GreenJackets at Segra Park that night, June 11, at 6:05 pm. The game will feature a post-game firework show. All members who participated in the clinic will be invited on-field pregame as recognition for their completion of the Play Ball Clinic.

Questions about the event can be sent to Aydan Fields at [email protected].

For tickets or more information about events at Segra Park this summer, please visit ColumbiaFireflies.com.

Fireflies Launch Baseball Legends Creativity Contest

   

COLUMBIA, SC – The Columbia Fireflies announced today that they are launching a Baseball Legends Creativity Contest for children from kindergarten to 12th grade. The Baseball Legends Creativity Contest encourages children to learn more about local baseball legend Larry Doby and the impact he had on the game of baseball. Based on what they learned about Larry Doby, kids will then creatively express how Doby’s story has encouraged them to overcome challenges they may face in their own lives. Three contest winners, one from each age bracket, will be selected and recognized in-game during Negro League Weekend Friday, June 17.

The creative expression can take any form; including but not limited to essays, poems, spoken word, paintings or drawings. Submissions must answer the following prompt: “What challenges did Larry Doby face throughout his life and baseball career, how did he overcome those challenges, and how has he influenced you to overcome the challenges you may face in your life?”

Larry Doby is best-known for breaking the American League color barrier with the Cleveland Indians a few months after Jackie Robinson broke the National League color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Doby was also the second black manager of any Major League club, after Frank Robinson accomplished the task a few years before him.

If that weren’t enough trailblazing, Doby also broke the ABL color barrier. The ABL was a precursor to the NBA. Despite the hardships Doby was placed under, he became one of the most decorated baseball players of all time. He was the first black player to homer in the World Series. He became a seven-time MLB All-Star with five-100 RBI and eight-20 HR seasons, which helped prompt his spot in Cooperstown. The infielder was inducted in the MLB Hall of Fame in 1998, five years before his death.

Children participating will be broken into three groups based on grade level: Kindergarten – 5th grade, 6th grade – 8th grade, and 9th grade – 12th grade. One winner will be selected from each group.

Children looking to participate in the contest must register online. After registration, completed creative expressions must be emailed to Devin Johnson at [email protected] by 5:00pm EST Wednesday, June 8. Larry Doby educational resources can also be found online.

 

Salute to America, Event to Honor Vietnam POWs

Join The Drive on Friday, June 3 at 6 PM in celebrating a special group of people, the Vietnam POWs. Members of the United States Armed Forces were held as prisoners of war (POWs) in significant numbers during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1973. The POWs spent years living in unimaginable circumstances. They had a mission to resist, survive and return with honor, and they did.

Fluor Field will be alive with large groups of POWs in Greenville for a reunion and celebration of their survival. Let’s show up and celebrate with them!

Using this evening to celebrate a perfect night of patriotism, bring your family out to Fluor Field for a complimentary community event. Saluting America together, a chance for us to come out and say thank you!

The evening will include special entertainment as a flag jump takes off in a helicopter and then lands back in the stadium. Continued programing to include Miss Liberty Belle, a patriotic fly over, and our special guest Steve Amerson (America’s Tenor) performing “Amazed by America” accompanied by Broadway singer, Laurie Gayle Stephenson. Ending the night in full celebration, we will conclude with fireworks!

You can register for the complimentary event HERE or by using the QR code above.

Come out to Fluor Field to show your appreciation for the these fearless members of society!

Schedule:

6:00 Doors open and concessions open

6:30 Program starts

6:45 Flag Jump into the stadium

7-7:30 Miss Liberty Belle

7:30 Fly over and Salute to America Musical Performance

8:40-8:45 Fireworks

Complimentary community event with donations to the Vietnam POW Reunion Foundation accepted.

The Greenville Drive Celebrates 10-Year Partnership with The Blood Connection 

The Greenville Drive takes great pride in being the front porch for the community of Greenville, which means they strive to aid their community. For 10 years the Drive has partnered with The Blood Connection to be a positive light in Greenville. The Drive announced a goal to secure 356 pints of usable blood over the course of the season through a series of six blood drives running from mid-April through mid-August at Fluor Field. The number 356 is special to The Drive, as it commemorates Shoeless Joe Jackson’s lifetime batting average and the name of the new District 356 entertainment area adjacent to Fluor Field.

The first two of these events took place on April 11 and April 20, with four additional tenth anniversary blood drives at Fluor Field set for:

  • Friday, May 20 from noon-5 p.m. (gameday)
  • Tuesday, June 7 from noon-5 p.m. (gameday)
  • Thursday, July 21 noon-5 p.m.
  • Friday, August 12 from noon-5 p.m. (gameday)

To encourage and recognize the importance of blood donors in helping friends and neighbors at their time of greatest need, the Ten Years of Saving Lives Campaign will include special rewards and incentives for those who donate at these events. The Blood Connection and the Greenville Drive will recognize the dedicated donors across the season at an end of the year event. Donate at two of the Fluor Field blood drives to be invited; donate at 3 throughout the summer and receive a commemorative Drive baseball jersey.

“In sports, we can sometimes throw the word ‘hero’ around a bit lightly, but those who donate blood are lifesavers and heroes in the truest sense of the word and should be treated accordingly,” said Greenville Drive Vice President of Marketing Jeff Brown. “Our work with The Blood Connection is not only one of our longest-standing relationships, but it is also core to The Drive’s mission to be a force for good in Greenville and beyond. We are proud to celebrate this milestone, and we know that the Greenville community will help us deliver on our very aggressive donation goals, because, just as we work to support them, this community has never let us down. As always, together, we win.”

Appointments are recommended but not required for donation, but those who need more information or wish to register in advance can do so HERE.

Drive For Excellence 2022

In partnership with Greenville County Schools and Furman University, the Drive will be hosting their annual Drive for Excellence celebration on Tuesday, May 17th. This evening is all about recognizing high-achieving student-athletes in Greenville County, as each student-athlete with a 4.0 GPA or higher will receive complimentary admission to the game plus in-game recognition and celebration for their hard work and many accomplishments.

A pregame reception for student-athletes and coaches in the 500 Club will begin at 5:30 PM. As part of the reception, special guest Jackie Carson, the current head coach of the Furman Women’s Basketball Team, will deliver a keynote address congratulating these students for their accomplishments and encouraging future success in all of them.

During the game, on-field recognitions will honor the top performing school in each sport, as well as the school with the highest overall GPA among its student-athletes.

Join us on Tuesday night at Fluor Field to help celebrate these hard-working students for their efforts both in the classroom and on the field!

RiverDogs to Host Conclusion of Youth Baseball Game Interrupted by Gunfire

The Charleston RiverDogs will host the conclusion of a youth baseball game that was interrupted by gunfire on May 3, the team announced on Thursday. The incident occurred at North Charleston’s Pepperhill Park on Monday evening. The North Charleston Recreation Royals and Angels will play the remainder of the game at 5:00 p.m. and enjoy a special night at the ballpark following their game. The 15U softball team that was practicing in the park at the time of the incident will also take part in the evening. Later, the RiverDogs host the Fayetteville Woodpeckers at 7:05 p.m.

“As a huge supporter of youth baseball, we felt that is was our responsibility to do something for these children that might help them move on from this traumatic experience”, said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “We have a tremendous opportunity, with what we do night in and night out, to help in difficult situations like these. Thankfully, with the help of the city of North Charleston and the North Charleston Recreation Department, we were able to put this special night together quickly.”

Major League Baseball is purchasing tickets to the game for all three youth teams, as well as hosting a post-game picnic for everyone involved. In addition, the Tampa Bay Rays are sending t-shirts and hats for the children. The Rays are the RiverDogs MLB affiliate.

“Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball were deeply saddened by the incident that took place Monday night and we are relieved that nobody was injured,” said Peter Woodfork, Major League Baseball’s Senior Vice President of Minor League Operations and Development. “We are pleased that these children and their families will have an opportunity to finish this game at Joseph Riley Park prior to the RiverDogs hosting the Fayetteville Woodpeckers on Tuesday. We hope the experience at The Joe will be a small step towards helping those involved in that frightening incident.”

The gates to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park will open one hour earlier than normal (5:00 p.m.) to accommodate fans who are interested in supporting the teams. A ticket is required for entry to the ballpark and will be good for both the youth baseball game and the RiverDogs contest. The nine and ten-year-olds making up the Royals and Angels will play a game from 5:00-6:00 p.m. During the game, members of the RiverDogs and Woodpeckers will interact with the children in the dugout and on the field.

Following their game, the youth teams, will enjoy the picnic as the RiverDogs take the field for their contest. Each team member has been invited to bring two additional family members to the game and the RiverDogs are donating two tickets to every youth baseball and softball player in the North Charleston Recreation Department system. RiverDogs Director of Community Outreach, Chris Singleton, will speak to the children during the post-game picnic.

“The RiverDogs are a true community partner. Following the events of Monday night affecting three of our youth athletic teams, the RiverDogs were among the first to reach out to offer support to the young players and their families,” said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. “Playing at The Joe will be a much needed positive and joyful experience for our kids.”

Tickets for all RiverDogs games are still available! Visit riverdogs.com to secure your seats now. Season tickets, Dog-E Coin plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are already available at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The Segra Club is also open for events year-round. Visit segraclub.com for more information.

Christ Church and St. Joe's Take Center Stage Thursday at Fluor Field

Two Upstate high school baseball programs will take center stage Thursday night at Fluor Field, as the Christ Church Cavaliers take on the St. Joe’s Knights. This will be the final high school game of the year at Fluor Field. First pitch between the Cavaliers and Knights is set for 6 PM.

All tickets are just $7, and can be purchased by clicking HERE.

The Main Street Gate at Fluor Field will open at 5 PM. Due to the construction of the all-new District 356 entertainment area, Field Street (first base side of the ballpark) will be closed off to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Concession stands will be open at Fluor Field, and outside food and beverage is prohibited. In conjunction with SCHSL rules, alcohol will not be sold during Thursday’s game at Fluor Field.

Please also make sure you are up-to-date with Fluor Field’s Clear Bag Policy, which can be found by clicking HERE.

RiverDogs 5K

Course

5K Run (3.1 Miles). Split times at each mile and water stations at the halfway point. The course starts in front of Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park and finishes at home plate (weather permitting)! Runners finishing after 5:15pm will be rerouted to the front entrance of the stadium.

Race-course online HERE.

Race Packets and Event Shirt

Race packets and bibs may be picked up on Friday, May 27th at Fleet Feet Sports in Mt. Pleasant from 12:00 to 6pm or on race day at the stadium from 1:00- 3:00 pm. Shirts will be issued with your registration and available while supplies last.

Benefits: MUSC Children’s Health.

Registration Includes

  • Entry in the race
  • Finishing the race at home plate
  • RiverDogs vs. Delmarva Shorebirds game e-ticket
  • Event Shirt
  • Awards ceremony (Age group and Overall awards will be awarded)

Rain/Additional Game e-Tickets

This event will be held as scheduled RAIN or SHINE! No refunds. No exceptions. Registrants will receive a free ticket that will be redeemed through a promo code which will be in the confirmation email. To redeem the free ticket, go to this link (https://www.milb.com/charleston/tickets/single-game-tickets) and enter the code into the Coupon box. Additional tickets can be purchased for family and friends while using the promo code.

Volunteers

Interested volunteers should reach out to Emily Lemmon elemmon@riverdogs.com

Blood Drive Hosted at Fluor Field During Wednesday's Game

As blood donations continue to have an urgent need in our Community, the Greenville Drive and The Blood Connection will host another Blood Drive at Fluor Field on Wednesday, April 20th. Blood mobiles will be setup along Field Street.

The Blood Drive will begin at 2 PM, and conclude with the first pitch of Wednesday’s game at 7 PM. Walk-up donations are allowed, but those wishing to donate are encouraged to pre-register for a time slot by clicking HERE.

Donors will receive a commemorative raglan t-shirt, clear bag, and a voucher for two tickets to a future Drive game!

First Reading All-Stars Celebration is Sunday, April 24th!

The first of three Reading All-Stars games this season. Presented by Michelin, this program uses the fun and excitement of Greenville Drive baseball to encourage elementary and middle school students to read. If students achieve Reading All-Star status, they earn a complimentary ticket to the game.

This game will see students from Anderson, Pickens, Laurens, and Spartanburg County schools. Each Reading All-Star will get the chance to walk in a pregame parade or attend a Meet the Team event prior to the game and get a new RAS t-shirt and book to take home with them.

Students and teachers will be recognized throughout the game as we celebrate their accomplishments!

Health Careers Night is Wednesday, April 20th

Wednesday night is Health Careers Night. Throughout the night, the Drive will be promoting careers in the healthcare industry to encourage and educate students interested in following this career path. The day begins at 2pm on Field St. with The Blood Connection blood drive. Donors can register by clicking HERE and will receive a raglan t-shirt, clear bag and a voucher for 2 tickets to a future Drive game.

Take part in a free Root Cause community health services fair on Field St. starting at 5 PM brought to you by Prisma Health and University of SC School of Medicine Greenville. This interactive fair leading up to the first pitch will include information and activities from community partners such as Carolina Wellness, Greenville Technical College Dental programs, American Heart Association, New Horizons and more.

At 5:30 PM, there will be a lively panel discussion in the 500 Club geared towards middle and high school students and their parents. Experts and professionals from Prisma Health and Greenville County Schools will be onsite discussing their own personal pathways to a career in the healthcare industry. Enjoy complimentary ice cream following the discussion!

When gates open to the public at 6 PM, the concourse will be alive with different interactive exhibits from Prisma Health, Greenville Technical College, Furman University and more.

For even more information on this special night, and to get tickets, click HERE.

3rd Annual Teach GCS Night is Tuesday, April 19th

In partnership with Public Education Partners of Greenville County, Greenville Count Schools, and Herff Jones, the Greenville Drive will host their 3rd annual Teach GCS Night at Fluor Field this Tuesday to kick-off the homestand versus the Winston-Salem Dash – affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.

A night to elevate teachers in Greenville County Schools, and celebrate their profession, the evening begins at 5 PM with a special pre-game picnic in the 500 Club for all first-year teachers and their mentors! Those attending this picnic should have received a special invitation from Public Education Partners!

When gates to Fluor Field officially open at 6 PM, all teachers will receive a complimentary “My Drive to Teach” t-shirt courtesy of Herff Jones, and a $5 ballpark voucher compliments of the Drive that can be used at any of the concession stands!

Teachers from across Greenville County Schools will be recognized pre-game and throughout the night! Anne Tromsness, the 2021-22 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year will throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch, while Matt DeHart and Caroline Black, two of Greenville County Schools “Emerging Teachers” will serve as the Honorary Captains. Christian Scott, Sarah Poole and Anna Hasenkamp, the Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year Runners-Up will kick the game off as Honorary Play Ball Announcers!

In-game inning breaks will include live interviews with Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster, as well as GCS Trustee Chuck Saylors.

You’ll want to be part of this special night, when we recognize and thank our Greenville County School teachers. Click HERE to purchase tickets!