GreenJackets Hiring Gameday Staff for 2021 Season  

 

For Immediate Release

GreenJackets Media Contact:

(803) 349-9467

[email protected]

*GreenJackets Hiring Gameday Staff for 2021 Season *

GreenJackets to host Virtual Job Fair for Seasonal Staff

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: SRP Park is having a virtual job fair for seasonal positions starting immediately. All candidates can apply online using our open position page at http://bit.ly/GreenJacketsJobs. We are conducting virtual or in person interviews, following strict Covid Protocol standards, to protect our managers and candidates. You will see links in our jobs, where you can sign up for virtual or socially distant in person interviews at our Park.

Candidates must be 16 years of age to apply, must be able to pass a background check, and must be able to work all home games and additional events as needed.

“The anticipation for the 2021 season is growing and we are looking for applicants to join our team and continue to build upon the FUN experience we offer at SRP Park,” stated Tom Denlinger Vice President. “From the moment fans enter the gates, our game day staff makes an immediate impact offering our fans a safe and memorable experience all year long.”

We are looking to fill the following positions for applicants:

  • Box Office Service and Cashiers
  • Facilities and Grounds Crew
  • Cleaning Crew
  • Security
  • Retail Clerks and Cashiers
  • Game Day Entertainment Staff
  • Guest Services
  • Videoboard Operators
  • Ushers
  • Camera and Sound Crew
  • Ticket Takers
  • Kid’s Playground Attendants
  • Cash Room Attendants
  • Cashiers
  • Parking Lot Attendants
  • Cooks
  • Line Managers
  • Wait Staff
  • Suite Services
  • Bartenders
  • Stand Managers
  • Expeditors

A positive, friendly attitude is essential. No calls please. Previous employees need not apply. Download PDF Flyer Here: http://bit.ly/AGJJobFair

The GreenJackets 2021 Game Schedule is out and available online at www.GreenJacketsBaseball.com. The full promotional schedule; including official game times, post-game fireworks shows, giveaways and theme programs will be released by the GreenJackets in the future. 2021 Augusta GreenJackets season seat memberships are on sale now. To learn more about the benefits and to get in on the 2021 action, visit www.gjmembers.comor call (803) 349-WINS (9467).

The Low-A East schedule is subject to change. It is the Low-A East and Major League Baseball’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of players, club employees, and fans.

About SRP Park/Augusta GreenJackets

SRP Park is the anchor piece of Riverside Village, a live, work, “playball” development which includes apartment living, retail, restaurants, class “A” office space, and a Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. To learn more about SRP Park and hosting events and availability, visit www.thesrppark.com.

To stay up to date all season, sign up for the ‘Jackets Buzz e-newsletter by visiting http://bit.ly/AGJBuzz.

-GreenJackets –

RiverDogs-CCSD continue “Reading Around the Bases” despite COVID-19

Program enters fifth season focusing on continued literacy development and success among CCSD 2nd graders

Charleston County School District (CCSD) and the Charleston RiverDogs are moving forward with “Reading Around the Bases” for the fifth year in a row. The partnership started during the 2016-2017 school year as a way to encourage literacy. The Lowcountry’s professional baseball team (and Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays) is ready to generate excitement about literacy with second graders throughout the district again in 2021.

Starting on Monday, January 25, 2021, second graders from 11 elementary schools throughout Charleston County will begin a 10-week baseball-themed incentive program. Every student will receive a Reading Challenge packet that includes a scorecard, tracking sheet, and their very own personal baseball card.

To move around the bases on the scorecard, 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 a home run.

Special guests from the RiverDogs will visit schools (virtually) in CCSD throughout the 10 weeks to provide encouragement, fun, and serve as volunteer readers.

“We cannot thank the Charleston RiverDogs enough for their commitment to their partnership with our district,” said Karolyn Belcher, CCSD’s Chief Academic Officer. “Even with the obstacles presented the COVID-19 pandemic, the RiverDogs are working hard to have a meaningful presence in our schools and continue to drive home the point that reading, while critical, is fun.”

The unofficial kickoff event for “Reading Around the Bases” in 2021 will be at Angel Oak Elementary School on Johns Island Monday, January 25, 2021, at 9:45 a.m. Media outlets are welcome to attend.

The top-25 second graders from each participating school will be honored at a RiverDogs’ game during the upcoming season.

“The RiverDogs are proud to be a part of what has been a mutually beneficial relationship with the Charleston County School District over the last two decades,” added RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “Literacy and education continue to be a pillar of our team’s commitment to the Charleston community, and we are excited to continue to further the development and impact of the Reading Around the Bases program in its fifth year.”

For more information on “Reading Around the Bases,” please contact Christy James, CCSD’s Library and Media Services Coordinator, at (843) 790-3707, or Chris Singleton with the RiverDogs at (843) 723-7241.

Greenville Drive, Inspired By Community Support, Continued Winning Ways In 2020 Despite Cancelled Season

 

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Despite the cancellation of the 2020 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) season, the Greenville Drive continued to rack up wins, finishing 2020 and entering 2021 strong with multiple honors and accolades, both locally and nationally. These awards come as an acknowledgement of the franchise’s excellence in management, unwavering commitment to community service and advocacy for timely issues. Most importantly, the awards recognize the team’s and the Greenville area’s perseverance in the face of the unprecedented challenges of the past year.

Local Awards & Recognitions

The Drive’s 2020 local awards come across a range of categories, from education and social justice to economic empowerment and positive growth.

  • Urban League of the Upstate’s Corporate Citizen Award: The Drive was honored as the Urban League of the Upstate’s Corporate Citizen Award for its shared vision for and support of economic empowerment, educational opportunities and the guarantee of civil rights for the underserved in our area, issues that took on additional significance this year.
  • Southernside Neighborhood Goodwill Ambassadors of the Year: Greenville’s Southernside neighborhood, which represents a large portion of Greenville’s urban core, recognized Drive owners Craig and Vicki Brown as Goodwill Ambassadors of the Year for their efforts to increase access to commercial centers and recreational space, enhance employment and economic empowerment, and strengthen community character.
  • Greenville County Schools Partner of the Year: Greenville County Schools, a longtime partner of the Drive, named the team its 2020 Partner of the Year in recognition of its ongoing educational programming, student and teacher advocacy and charitable support.
  • Greenville Literacy Association Partner of the Year: Greenville Literacy Association awarded the Drive this prestigious accolade based on the team’s literacy and employment programs and initiatives aimed at individual and community improvement and success.
  • Greenville News Best Local Sports Team: Based entirely on community voting, the Drive was named the Upstate’s favorite sports team, beating out all local professional and even collegiate teams and demonstrating the high regard the community has for its efforts.

Major National Recognition & A Significant Promotion

The Drive’s wins continued with a major national accolade.

  • Freitas Award (Nation’s Top Single A Franchise): Based on the achievements outlined above, Baseball America honored the Drive with the Bob Freitas Award, honoring the nation’s top Single-A franchise. The Drive earned accolades for its relevant & powerful community programming as well as its ongoing operational excellence.
  • Boston Red Sox Advanced-A Status: Despite the most challenging season in MiLB’s 100+ year history, and during a period of significant contraction of MiLB clubs across the country, the Drive maintained & extended its 17+ year affiliation history with the Boston Red Sox and beginning in 2021 will play as the Red Sox Advanced-A level affiliate.

Business Success and Continued Strong Partnerships

The Drive also enjoyed great success in delivering value to its long-term partners and expanding its sponsor base throughout the past year despite the Drive’s cancelled 2020 season. While the season cancellation made it difficult for many sports organizations to continue to offer visibility and brand recognition for its sponsors, the Drive’s strong partner relationships and innovation in modifying signature events and creating new programming to accommodate COVID restrictions allowed them to not only maintain their current partnership base but also to add several new, high-profile community partners to its portfolio.

“2020 has been an extraordinary year for our entire community, and the Drive is no different,” noted Greenville Drive Owner & Team President Craig Brown. “Like the Greenville community, the Drive worked to take these changes in stride, adapting and adjusting to challenges and taking them head-on, and, as these awards demonstrate, ultimately overcoming. These honors not only demonstrate our relentless commitment to giving back to our community but more importantly, our community’s continued support of and belief in our organization. In many ways, 2020 actually became our best and most impactful year ever – a true testament to the unique & special nature of the Upstate community, and how lucky we are to call this place home. We are deeply thankful for our fans, grateful for the opportunities we’ve had to give back and humbled by the meaning of these honors, especially in such difficult times. We are entering 2021 strong with the knowledge that we truly are better together.”

Fireflies to Host Holiday Themed Virtual 5K; Mason’s Jingle Jog

A portion of Race proceeds will benefit the Salvation Army

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Columbia Fireflies are hosting a virtual holiday 5K Wednesday, December 9 through Wednesday, December 16 for fans looking to stay active this winter. The 3.1-mile race can be walked, jogged or run, and fans of all ages and athletic abilities are encouraged to participate. The race is entirely virtual and can be completed anywhere at any time between December 9-16.

Race entry fees for Mason’s Jingle Jog are $40 per person and includes a special holiday Fireflies dry-fit race shirt, entry to the race, a donation to the Salvation Army and a prize for the top male and female finishers in each of the four age brackets. The divisions will be under 18, 19-25, 26-35 and 36+. All shirts will be mailed to runners; shipping is also included in the entry fee.

Runners will track their time by joining the race group on the Strava app. Once you download the app, you can sign into the race and the app will track your time and distance and submit it to the Fireflies upon completion of your 5K. After registering for the race, runners will be sent direct access to the race group as well as instructions on how to download Strava and join the group.

”This is a great virtual event to promote fitness and our community’s great holiday spirit of giving,” said Fireflies team President John Katz. “The Salvation Army does such amazing work in our region, and we’re excited to continue our support.”

To sign-up for the race, visit the race registration page here. Registration orders placed before December 2nd will receive their race shirts the week of December 9th. Registration orders placed after the 2nd will receive their shirt after the race. For more information about this event and other upcoming events at Segra Park and in the Midlands Community, visit ColumbiaFireflies.com.

Pelicans Host Online Charity Bobblehead Challenge

 

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are teaming up with Carolina Cool, WPDE, and Gator 107.9 to feature the Adam Dellinger vs. Ed Piotrowski Charity Bobblehead Challenge. Fans will have the opportunity to pick a bobblehead of their choosing for a $20 charitable donation. Both bobbleheads will be available through the team website and online store beginning Tuesday, October 13 at 10am EST. Complete details as well as a link to the bobbleheads are available at myrtlebeachpelicans.com/bobbleheadchallenge.

Proceeds from the Adam bobblehead will benefit the family of Maddie McKnight and proceeds from the Ed bobblehead will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Salvation Army.

“The charity bobblehead challenge is certainly different than our traditional method of distributing bobbleheads,” stated Pelicans General Manager Ryan Moore. “But we’ve chosen this approach because we do not view this promotion as a giveaway but instead as a fundraiser designed to do the most good. We’re excited to be partnering with Adam and Ed and know that this wouldn’t be possible without their support.”

Maddie Mcknight was a young Seaside Elementary School Student who battled Rett Syndrome. Tragically, Maddie, a second grader at Seaside, lost her battle with the debilitating illness earlier this year. This rare, non-inherited genetic postnatal neurological disorder occurs primarily in girls and more rarely in boys. Rett syndrome leads to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of the child’s life.

“I have the honor to be able to work with, and support several Grand Strand Charities. Many of these charities impact hundreds of folks, stated Adam Dellinger, host of the Gator Morning Show. “Sometimes though, it’s really great to be able to help one person or a single family. Maddie’s story hit close to home for me as the father of a young girl, and I’m thankful to be able to use the Charity Bobblehead Challenge to help her family during this unimaginably difficult time. Maddie’s family is hampered with medical expenses, and hopefully, through this fundraiser, we can work to ease their burden.”

The Salvation Army exists to meet human needs wherever, whenever, and however we can. Through programs that serve the mind, body, and soul, we alleviate the effects of poverty, then work to address root causes.

Every 34 minutes Make-A-Wish® grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a critical illness in the United States and its territories. They believe that a wish experience can be a game-changer. This one belief guides them in everything they do and inspires them to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids they serve.

“During the pandemic, everyone is struggling,” stated Ed Piotrowski. “I chose the Salvation Army as one of the beneficiaries because of the incredible work they do in our community helping people get their basic needs met. The other half of the proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. No child should ever have to deal with a life-threatening medical condition. By fulfilling their wishes, I hope to take their minds off their illness and bring joy to their lives. More importantly, I hope it gives them the strength and courage to battle and beat their illness.”

Drive Set to Host Two Marquee Community Events at Fluor Field

 

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

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

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

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

Greenville Drive host civic-minded 'Day of Action'



After the 2020 Minor League season was officially canceled, the Greenville Drive began marketing themselves as their community’s “ideal social distancing venue.” The team’s home of Fluor Field has since played host to a diverse array of events. Nearly all areas of the ballpark, from the luxury suites to the picnic area to the concourse to the field, have been made available for use.

On Saturday, Sept. 22, the Drive hosted their most civic-minded event of the year. As part of South Carolina’s state-wide “Day of Action,” Fluor Field served as a one-stop location for a smorgasbord of government-provided services. The menu, such as it was, included voter registration, census completion, COVID-19 testing, flu vaccinations, and the opportunity to procure REAL ID drivers licenses and identification cards from the DMV. Additionally the Drive partnered with one of their sponsors, the Blood Connection, to host a ballpark blood drive.

Each of South Carolina’s 25 counties staged a Day of Action. The majority took place at schools, churches and community centers. Fluor Field, representing Greenville County, was the only professional sports venue to serve as a host site.

“It was a one-stop shop for all these different things,” said Drive general manager Eric Jarinko. “We opened our gates to five different organizations, all of whom brought their own employees or volunteers. It was perfect for people to go out and do all that they needed to do in one spot.”

The Drive, the Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, were asked to accommodate the event due to their previous interest in using Fluor Field as a polling site.

“We’re now seeing NBA arenas, a few NFL stadiums and a couple Major League ballparks all being used for that purpose,” said Jarinko. “We were thinking about the importance of voting, now more than ever. And at the same time, with COVID going on, this is a perfect venue. It’s outdoors and we can really space people out. … Unfortunately, even though we were still more than two months out, there just wasn’t enough time to get everything squared away. Just in terms of all the people you have to communicate with, that your polling location isn’t this elementary school or this church. Now it’s the ballpark. We thought it was a great idea, but the immediate impact of people going to a new place just didn’t seem doable.

“But that led to us being asked to be the Greenville County location for the South Carolina Day of Action,” he continued. “The Day of Action was spearheaded by the lieutenant governor [Pamela Evette]. She’s been to the ballpark many times for our Military Appreciation nights, among other things. Anything we can do to be part something like this, we’re for it. We think the ballpark should be part of the fabric of the community. [Fluor Field] is privately owned, but when it comes to things like that, we want to operate as a public service like if it was the city that owned it.”

State lieutenant governor Pamela Evette and Drive mascot Reedy Rip’It took part in Fluor Field’s Day of Action.

Fluor Field’s spaciousness has proven to be a big part of its event hosting appeal. The facility, which has the same dimensions as Fenway Park as well as its own Green Monster-style outfield wall, features a wide concourse that extends roughly from foul pole to foul pole.

“Obviously, with everything going on with COVID, we had to have an entry and exit plan for everyone,” said Jarinko. “We used the Main Street gate as a check-in location, checking people’s temps as they came in. The COVID testing station was just outside the gates. I don’t recall anyone going for COVID testing and then wanting to come in for other things. There was a temperature check at the gate. Everyone was in masks, and everything was spaced out on the concourse. Fans came in through third base and then went to whatever stations that they were there for and then exited other way. So we were able to maintain 6 feet of distance easily. The event went from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., so were able to utilize our sound system and get ‘College GameDay’ on the videoboard.”

The Drive promoted Greenville County’s Day of Action via their social media channels, with local and state government spreading the word as well. Jarinko estimated approximately 500 people attended the event, which was fairly easy to oversee from the perspective of the team’s front-office staff.

“A lot of our staff had been busy with other events, so I said it was more important for them to come in if they needed to get any of that stuff done,” said Jarinko. “Honestly, I hadn’t got my REAL ID yet. I helped the DMV set up and then had them knock out mine before we opened up the gates. It was all pretty turnkey. I was there at 8, setting up tables. The volunteers arrived at 8:30, then we were ready to go at 9.”

From a larger perspective, the Drive’s participation in South Carolina’s Day of Action illustrates how Minor League ballparks can be utilized as spaces that support public health and foster the democratic process.

“Since day one, we’ve wanted people to understand that the Drive and Fluor Field stood for more than Minor League Baseball,” said Jarinko. “We’ve been creative with how we use the ballpark, and moving forward, we want to do more things like this.”

Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes **Ben’s Biz Blog**. Follow Ben on Twitter **@bensbiz**.


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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*What can I expect at Segra Park? *

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

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

SC Counts Day of Action at Fluor Field on Saturday

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

SC Philharmonic Dining Experience Comes to Segra Park

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Night



There may not be any Drive baseball this year at Fluor Field, but that won’t stop us from continuing what has become the most anticipated event each year at the ballpark – Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Day! Join us on Sunday, September 27th, as this year’s event is going VIRTUAL! Discover the exciting world of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering in a completely unique and virtual environment, presented by BMW Manufacturing, Hubbell Lighting, and Greenville Technical College!

EVENT DETAILS

This event is completely FREE to students of all ages, and will be an interactive experience on the Greenville Drive’s Facebook page!

YOUNG INNOVATORS CLUB

Click HERE to register for the event. At the time of registration, you’ll also be able to submit questions for the interactive Q&A portion with each participating organization. If your question is selected, you’ll win a special prize!

VIRTUAL EXHIBITS

The following organizations will have awesome virtual exhibits on Sunday, September 27th:

  • BMW Manufacturing
  • Hubbell Lighting
  • Greenville Technical College
  • Michelin
  • Milliken
  • General Electric
  • Bosch Rexroth

PRIZES

Remember to submit questions to the participating organizations during the registration process. If you question is selected, you will win a special prize! Prizes include:

  • BMW Performance Driving School Experience (must be at least 16 years of age)
  • Drones
  • iDevices Home Package
  • VR Headsets
  • Greenville Drive Experience Packages for the 2021 Season

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fireflies Launch “We Are Fireflies” Jersey Campaign

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drive continue to make impact in South Carolina



Summer nights at Fluor Field in Greenville, South Carolina, have the feel of a large neighborhood gathering with the beautiful 15-year-old facility serving as the “front porch” of the Greater Greenville and Upstate South Carolina area.

And while the coronavirus pandemic has prevented local fans from being able to support the Drive on the field in 2020, the team has not wavered from its commitment to the community, hosting the Underground Kitchen Community First Project, which provided nearly 1,000 free meals to those in need over three days in June.

For their efforts in the community, the Drive are the recipients of the Minor League Baseball Promotion of the Month Award for June.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on our work in the Greenville and Upstate area, but without baseball games this year, we really decided to double down on our efforts in the community and really try to wrap our arms around those who are struggling and help in any way we can,” said Drive General Manager Eric Jarinko. “We had to get creative and find ways where we could utilize our staff and really help as many people as we could.”

While the team had previously volunteered with FoodShare South Carolina, an organization that provides access to fresh produce to those in need, Jarinko said a conversation with volunteer Marylou Stinson got the ball rolling on what became a “no-brainer” of an event.

A suggestion by Stinson led the Drive and FoodShare South Carolina to combine forces with a Richmond, Virginia-based organization called the Underground Kitchen. The goal of the Underground Kitchen is to provide a diverse group of chefs, who are typically from places underrepresented in the culinary world, the opportunity to share their creative talents and tastes to create soups and meals for those in need.

“The Underground Kitchen had been looking to expand the scope of its program and FoodShare South Carolina has been expanding their efforts across the state so teaming up with the Drive was a perfect way to help a large number of people,” said Stinson. “The Drive were on board and had their entire staff leading the way. They were just tremendous.”

The Drive opened the kitchens at Fluor Field and the team’s Executive Chef, Wilbert Sauceda, himself a native of Honduras and a veteran of the restaurant business, helped coordinate efforts to produce nearly 1,000 free meals in just two days. Much of the food was donated by the Mill Village, a non-profit organization in Greenville that features food products from local farmers.

With the food preparation underway, the Drive relied on FoodShare South Carolina to spread the word of the opportunity to families who were known to be in need that meals made from scratch would be available free of charge.

“Wilbert took the lead in the kitchen, and the rest of our staff utilized other parts of the ballpark like our season ticket holder lounge to package the meals and prepare for a drive-thru distribution point in the Fluor Field parking lot,” said Jarinko. “The fact that we were able to host the pickup event on such a somber anniversary day in our state’s history was very uplifting to a lot of people.”

The meals were distributed on the fifth anniversary of the horrific shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston that claimed nine lives. In honor of the Charleston Nine, meal recipients also received a white rose in their bag to signify forgiveness and rosemary to signify remembrance. The bags also came with a tag that included the names of the nine victims to serve as a reminder of the lives lost five years ago.

“I can’t say enough great things about the Greenville Drive and everyone there, including owner Craig Brown, as they have transformed the landscape in South Carolina of what it means to be a community partner and they push other organizations to do more,” said Stinson. “Their impact here has had a ripple effect across Upstate South Carolina, and we hold this team and its ownership group in the highest regard.”

For Jarinko, the event had an immediate impact that left the Drive staff motivated to do more.

“When all of the food had been distributed and the day was done, we all left saying this is an event we need to do every year and hopefully multiple times a year.”

With a record number of Americans struggling to make ends meet, the Drive continue to answer the call of those most in need. That is how you become the front porch of a community.

Jeff Lantz is Minor League Baseball’s Senior Director of Communications.


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Greenville Top Fundraiser in MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

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

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

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

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

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