The Nutshell - Edition 3 of 13 (May 7-13, 2018)

OFFICIAL GAME DAY PUBLICATION OF THE RICHMOND FLYING SQUIRRELS

‘MIRACLE ON THE Boulevard’ The Diamond’s origin told through stories and photos in a new book with proceeds benefiting youth baseball fields in Richmond

HOMETOWN HERO Willie Harris celebrates his roots in Cairo, Ga., birthplace of Jackie Robinson

SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM EDITION EDITION NO.NO. 1 OF 3 OF 13 13 | APRIL | MAY 13-19, 7-13,2018 2018

Printed by Worth Higgins & Associates, RVA • www.worthhiggins.com

IN THIS ISSUE

BIG SHOT: Former VCU men’s basketball standout Eric Maynor signs an autograph for a fan during VCU Night on Saturday, April 28.

Richmond Flying Squirrels photo

2 8 10 14 20 21 24

28 30 34 37 38 40 46

Homestand Lineup Schedule & Promotions Welcome to Funnville Coaching Staff Bios Eastern League Teams Rosters Worth Knowing Feature

Seating & Dining Guides The Diamond A to Z Flying Squirrels Charities Giants Organization Prospect Rankings Boulevard to the Bay On the Air

ON THE COVER: The Diamond was home to the Richmond Braves from 1985-2008 before the Flying Squirrels began play there in 2010.

Eddie Pearce | epsphotos.com

AND MORE!

(804) 730-5000 WWW.ASKWOODFIN.COM 1

SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

the homestand lineup

5/7

5/8

AKR

AKR

6:35

6:35

BARK IN THE PARK

Squirrels silver dog bowl giveaway first 500 dog owners presented by Pet Pleasers, ABC 8 & Fox Sports 910 | Dogs admitted free (Sections 101103, 203-204 and General Admission first-base side) | Live pregame entertainment by The Hit List

TIP OF THE CAP TUESDAY

Fedora giveaway first 1,000 fans 15 & older | Salute to Sinatra | Pregame warning track stroll with Star 100.9 | Silver Squirrels game | Live pregame entertainment by Reflections Big Band

AS SEEN ON TV!

5/9

AKR 12:05

WINE UP WEDNESDAY

RVA Day | Wine Up Wednesday wine specials featuring $5 glasses of wine and $6 wine slushies from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Live pregame entertainment

by DJ JFK | Media partners Mix 98.1 & WRVA

MAC BRISKET BALL

Featured on the Travel Channel’s “Food Paradise” in November, the mac brisket ball is a mix of creamy macaroni and cheese and smoked beef brisket, doused in a moonshine barbecue sauce, tossed in seasoned bread crumbs and deep fried.

03.05 Proof 1

FIND US AT SAVINGS It’sFOR LikeMORE Printing Money!

Savings from Hundreds of Richmond Businesses Including Over 50 Restaurants Available 24/7.

Download the FREE Valpak App Today!

2

SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

the homestand lineup

5/10

TRN 6:35

PEANUT-FREE GAME

Peanut-free* game presented by Auvi-Q | Fireworks from up close and inside the fences | Medical Professionals Night | Reading Night No. 3 | Live pregame entertainment by Max Power | Media partner Classic Rock 96.5 * While reasonable efforts will be made to restrict peanut products including performing additional cleaning in advance, we cannot guarantee the absence of peanut particles and residue. Fans with peanut allergies should take all precautions that they customarily take in public places with potential exposure.

5/12

TRN 6:05

SUPER BLAST FIREWORKS

Big and bright fireworks | Faith Night presented by Puritan Cleaners and The Journey | Live pregame entertainment by The Heights Baptist Church

5/11

TRN 7:05

FREE SHIRT FRIDAY

Boulevard to the Bay T-shirt giveaway first 1,500 fans 15 & older presented by MasonMcDuffie Mortgage Company, CBS 6 and K95 | RVA’s Best Friday Happy Hour 6-8 p.m. | Boy Scout Night | Live pregame entertainment by School of Rock | Postgame kids run the bases presented by Richmond Family Magazine

5/13

TRN 1:05

MOTHER’S DAY

Nutasha bobblehead giveaway first 1,000 fans 14 & younger presented by NBC 12 | Gender Reveal Day | Pink digicamo jersey auction | Live pregame entertainment by DJ Ron Manila | Pregame catch on the field | Postgame kids run the bases presented by Richmond Family Magazine

Tyson Foods and our Team Members from the Glen Allen Facility proudly support the Richmond Flying Squirrels!

3

SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

If someone looks like this, it could be a stroke.

If someone’s face droops, it could be a sign of a stroke. Don’t hesitate. Call 911 so an ambulance can get them to a hospital immediately.

Know all of stroke’s warning signs and be ready to act F.A.S.T. F – Face drooping A – Arm weakness S – Speech difficulty T – Time to call 9-1-1

vcuhealth.org/stroke

4

SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

welcome to the diamond Dear Flying Squirrels Family, Welcome back. It’s hard to believe that 2018 is the ninth season of Flying Squirrels Baseball. Time flies when you’re having FUNN here on the Boulevard. Over the course of the first eight seasons, our ownership group, staff and management have been devoted to making your Squirrels experience both unique and memorable. I am proud of these award-winning efforts, and even prouder that we have become not only the hometown team, but an important fabric of the community 365 days a year. Nutzy, Nutasha, and our staff have worked tirelessly to deliver a 12-montha-year impactful existence in the RVA. The connection we have all forged together is special and simply amazing. Thank you!

We continue to be committed more than ever to being your team for generations to come.

We are dedicated to the greater Richmond community and to being a major part of its future. We love being one of the many great things the Richmond region has to offer to residents and visitors alike. We are also very appreciative of our long-term relationship with our major league affiliate, the San Francisco Giants, who we mutually extended our partnership with through the 2020 season. The Giants requesting our first four-year agreement speaks to their faith in the Flying Squirrels organization and their confidence that we will resolve the ballpark situation with our hometown.

We hope you enjoy the new amenities at The Diamond such as the new sound system, new protective netting and padded walls in the outfield for added safety measures, our new relationship with Pepsi and fifth anniversary celebration of Chin Music beer, and creative promotions highlighted by the new FUNNVILLE concept, Sunday uniforms and hats. Our packed promotional schedule will include a salute to the movie “The Sandlot”, an appearance by Flavor Flav and we will kick off the season with former Atlanta Braves star Fred McGriff.

HAVE FUNN, GO NUTS! Enjoy your time here in FUNNVILLE! All the Best,

Lou DiBella President & Managing General Partner Richmond Flying Squirrels Professional Baseball Club

5

SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

welcome to the diamond

Welcome to Funnville RVA baseball fans!

Our own Richmond Flying Squirrels are starting their 9th season here at The Diamond and we’re all rooting for the home team, their new skipper Willie Harris and the pursuit of the 2018 Eastern League championship.

We all know Minor League Baseball is family-friendly, affordable and fun, but a Squirrels game is something truly special. RVA fans enjoy the best contests, the best theme nights and the most awesome mascot duo in the league, Nutzy and Nutasha.

Once again, fans 14 and younger can join the Squirrel Tails Kids Club for free and get on the field before and after every Sunday game to play catch and run the bases just like the pros.

Numerous Squirrels players have gone from the Boulevard to the Bay with the San Francisco Giants as The Diamond continues to be a place to see baseball’s top prospects and MLB stars of tomorrow.

I thank the Squirrels organization for all their many contributions to our Capital City, from the tens of thousands of dollars in charitable contributions each year to the many community programs offered both during the season and in the offseason.

Here’s to a great, winning season for the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Let’s GO NUTS! Sincerely,

Levar M. Stoney 6

SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

welcome to the diamond

April 13, 2018 Dear Richmond Flying Squirrels fans, Welcome back to The Diamond, home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, for another exciting season of Eastern League Baseball. Each trip to the ballpark this season promises to create future memories for fans of all ages as they get to see the next wave of Major League stars provide the exciting Double-A baseball action you’ve come to expect from the Eastern League. A chance to see these Major League stars of tomorrow and a fresh new lineup of entertainment and premium giveaways make The Diamond the place to be in 2018.

We truly appreciate the great support our fans continue to show to the Eastern League and Minor League Baseball on an annual basis. More than 41 million fans came out to Minor League Baseball ballparks during the 2017 season, which includes more than 3.7-million fans that passed through the Eastern League turnstiles. Our clubs are committed to continue providing the affordable family fun they’ve come to expect during a trip out to the ballgame. Every day brings a new experience at the ballpark so don’t miss out. Remember…It’s Fun to be a Fan! The goals of the Eastern League and its member clubs extend well beyond winning and losing games on the field and developing the next generation of Major League stars. Our teams are also strongly committed to making their communities a better place both today and for future generations. With this goal in mind, we pledge to reach out and make an impact in all walks of life in 2018 and vow to continue to help those in need while also offering a place for our fans to get away from the challenges of the day. Baseball is a team sport so please join with us and help to make our hometown a better place today and for the future. We are only a visit away and together we can hit a home run.

Spring is here so Let’s Play Ball! Hope to see you at the ballpark soon.

Joe McEacharn EL President

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SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

Welcome to 2018 schedule SUN

MON SUN TUE MON WED TUE THU WED FRI THU SATFRI 2

1

1

3

4

2

3

5

6

4

7

6

7:007:00 1:007:00

16 15

17 16

18 17

19 18

20 19

7 6:05

23 22

24 23

25 24

26 25

6:351:00 6:356:3511:05 AM 6:35

30 29

27 26

28 27

6:057:05

11:05 AM7:05

30

6:351:05

6:306:00 6:306:30 6:356:30 6:356:351 7:056:352 6:057:05

6:00

BOW BOW REA BOW REA AKR AKR SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

FRI M 11POR N 6TRN 7:00 7:05 R 10AKR 18 5G NHM 7:05 G HBG 5 137:05 7:05 N5 17TRN 25 0 7:00 W HFD G AKR 5 207:05 AM AKR 6:35 R 24 5 7:05 W ALT W 5 276:00 5 A REA 31 U FRI 5A HBG 7:05

3 SUN

june

146:05

5

207:05

216:05

W 25ALT 26ALT 4:00 AM 6:00 G AKR AKR

AM 276:35

286:35

U

4

5

3 7:05

6:05 4

U

5 5

5

3 7:05

POR TRN AKR 6:05 NHM HBG 14 6:05 6:05 TRN 18 26 7:00 HFD AKR 21 6:05 6:35 AKR 25 7:05 ALT 12 SAT

7 6:00 6:05 11 19

aug/sept

5

286:00

REA SAT 6:05

4

M POR POR

5

7:00

6:00

11

10

G NHM NHM

5

7:05

6:05

18

17

8 SUN 9 MON 10TUE 9 8 1

11WED 12THU 11 10 2 3

271:05

287:05

297:05

307:05

317:05

1 7:00

2 6:00

6:35

1:05

6:35

6:35

6:35

7:05

6:35

4 MON

5 TUE

6 WED

REA REA TRN 1TRN 7:00 2:05 39:35 AM 7:00 NHM 2 13 11 12 10 12:05 HBG HBG POR OFF POR HBG 8 5 6:05 6 1:05 7 6:35 6:35 1:05 BNG POR OFF BNG 20 18 19 17 6:35 1:00 6:35 HBG 13OFF 14ALT 15ALT 12 6:35 6:35 BOW 1:30 OFF BOW NHM 27 25 26 24 7:05 7:05 1:05 HFD HFD HFD BOW 22 20 21 19 7:05 7:05 BOW 7:05 BOW 1:05 BOW HFD

SUN 1:05 26

MON 6:35

27

TUE 6:35

28

WED 7:05

29

5

7:05

24

8

6:05

7 THU

8 FRI

1 9 SAT

3

4 6:05

TRN 7:00 NHM 14 7:05 POR 9 6:35 BNG 21 6:35 ALT 16 6:35 BOW 28 7:05 HFD 23 7:05 BOW

HBG 7:05 POR 15 7:00 HBG 10 7:00 NHM 22 7:05 BOW 17 7:05 HFD 29 7:05 HBG 24 7:00 ALT

30

31

2

THU 7:05

FRI 6:00

HBG HBG 6:05 POR 16 6:00 HBG 11 6:00 NHM 23 6:05 BOW 18 6:05 HFD 30 6:05 HBG 25 6:00 ALT SAT 6:00

1

ALT REA REA REA REA HBG HBG 6:35

1:00

6:35

6:35

3

2

HBG HBG 6:05

1:05

W HFD HFD 25 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

W ALT ALT

146:05 2:05

1:05 4:00

20 28

SUN

MO

7 9:356AM 9:35 2:05 7:00

186:00 7:05 196:35 6:05 207:05 166:00 6:00 176:00 6:35 151:05 6:00 6:00

216:05 1:05

14 131:05 6:35

6:35 AM 26 AM6:35 276:35 246:3510:3525 6:35 6:35 10:35

286:35 1:30

21 201:30 6:35

21 20

1:05 6:05

23 221:05 6:35

30 29 31 30 BOW 31OFF HFD 24HFD 25 24HBG26 25OF BOW BOW ALT29 28 AKR AKR HFD BOW 1:05 HFD BOW 6:05 AKR BOW 11:05 AM BOW 7:05 AKR HF 6:35BOW 6:35BOW BOW 1:00BOW

27

28 27

301:05 6:356:35 6:356:35 296:35 6:35 1:05

6:35

7:05

6:05

1:05

6:35

HFD ALT

SAT SUN

MON SUN TUE MON WED TUE THU WED FRI THU SATFRI

6:351

1:05

7

MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT HBG HBG AKRAKR AKRAKR AKR AKR HBGHBG HBGAKR HBGAKR

REA F REA U FRI SAT

137:05

F 18REA 19REA 6:05 7:05 HBG G HBG

126:35 6:05 137:05 1112:05 7:05 6:35 9 6:35 12:05 106:35 6:35 8 2:05 6:35

5 4 10:35 AM7:05

14 13

SUN

SUN

F HFD HFD FRI SAT 6:05 W 7:05

5

13 21

6:35

6:35

MON SUN TUE MON WED TUE THU WED FRI THU SATFRI 7 6 4 3 5 4 6 5 2 1 3 2

14 FRI SAT 13 12 13 REA REA AKR OFF TRN5TRN TRN OFF OFFTRN 4TRN 6:35 AKROFF 7:05 7:007:00 7:00 8REA 7:007:009REA 4 3 1:05 1:055ALT 6ALT 7OFF 18 20 21 15 18 19 6:05 17AM 19 16 20 10:35 7:05 15 17 6:35 HBG TRN TRN HBG TRN REA 16REA 6TRN AKR ERITRN AKR AKR12AKR AKR 6:05 7:00ERI10 7:00ERI11 7:05 9:35 AM 8ERI 7:00ERI9ERI 2:05 7 TRN AKR TRN TRN REA AKR AKR 12:056:3514 7:0512:0515 6:351:0012 6:356:3513 7:057:0516 7:057:05 1:00 11 10 25 26 28 23 24 27 22 6:05 12:05 6:35 7:05 2:05 25 26 6:35 6:35 23 24 27 22 POR POR OFF POR HBG HBG HBG 13 ERI REA ERI REA AKR REA19REA REA AKR15ERI 6:35ERI17 6:35ERI18 6:35ERI16 7:00 6:00 1:05 14 HBG ALT HBG HBG 12:057:0521 6:3512:0522 6:057:05 ALT ALT 7:052:0519 7:057:0520 7:056:3523 TRN 2:05 18 17 29 6:05 30 31 6:00 6:35 BOW 7:05 BOW 29 31 6:00 6:00 1:05 30 ALT ALT OFF ALT HBG 20 OFF NHM REA OFF236:35NHM246:35 257:05 266:05 REA22 6:35 1:30 21 BNG BNG 29AKR 30AKR OFF1:0526BNG HBG 7:05 27 1:05 25 24 7:0528 BOW SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 6:35 10:35 AM HBG 6:35 6:35 6:35 1:05 HBG HFD HFD HFD HFD

N 11TRN 12TRN 1:00 0 7:00 TRN N TRN

7 6:05

10:353AM 6:35

3

1

2

4

3

2

3 12:05

4 12:05 7:00 5 7:05 6:00 6 7:00 7:05

11SAT 8 WED 9 THU 10FRI 6 MON 7 TUE 8AKR 9AKR 10 5HBG 6HBG 7HBG AKR POR OFF 6:351NHM 6:352NHM 7:05 TRN BNG BNG NHM 6:00BNG 6:30 BNG 6:30BNG POR OFF BNG 116:35 REA 126:35 REA 137:05 9 106:35 6:35 6:05 8 1:00 6:35 6:35 7:05 1:00 7:00 13 12 12 21 16 17 TRN186:35 TRN AKR14 13OFF15 14OFF16 15 177:05 5 3 NHM 4OFF 7:009HFD 7:00 AKR 1:05BOW BOW8HFD BOW HFD OFF6BOW BOW7BOW NHM 187:05 HBG 197:05 HBG 177:05 TRN 16 207:05 151:05 TRN TRN 6:05 REA 7:05 7:05 7:05 REA 7:05 1:05 7:05 22 23 20 21 24 25 19 22ERI 7:05 23 282:05 20ERI 7:00 21ERI 7:00 24 AKR 6:05 9:3519 AM 7:00 AKR TRN 10 BOW BOW BOW BOW ALT ALT HFD 11 12:0515 7:0516 6:3513 6:3514 7:05 1:0012 BOW BOW REA BOW BOW ALT HFD 257:05 HBG 267:05 HBG 236:35 POR 246:35 POR 276:00 221:05 POR OFF 7:05 7:05 HBG 6:35 6:35 6:00 6:00 1:05 6:05 261:05 27 26 29ERI317:00 30 27ERI296:35 28ERI306:35 31 REA 6:00 REA AKR286:35 17 REA REA REA HBG ALT 18REA 12:0522 6:3523 HBG 7:0520 7:0521 7:05 2:0519 REA REA REA REA ALT 306:35 ALT 316:35 ALT 291:00 ALT OFF 6:35 6:356:35BOW HBG 6:35 6:35 7:056:35BOW 1:00 7:05 1:30 NHM6:35 7:05 6:05 REA 6:35OFF 6:35 25

4

NHMTUE NHM WED POR THU POR FRI SAT NHM NHM POR POR

14 5 SUN

24

SUN SAT

MON

1

6:05

2

july

5

6 7:05

6:05 6 7:05

6:35 2

23 22 24 23 25 24 26 25 17 ALT 18 17TRN19 18AL BOW BOW ALT 26 BOW BOW REA22 21 AKR HBG OFF 4:00 OFF 6:35 AKR 10:35 AM 6:00 BNG HBG BNG 6:35 BNG 6:35BNG OFF BNG 1:05BNG ALT BOW AKR AKR HBG 6:0 1:05 ALT OF BOWHFD OFFHFD HFD HFD HBG BOWBOW BOWOFF ALTBOW

1 4

2:05 6:05

6:057:05

21 20

6:351:05 6:356:35 6:356:3510:35 AM 6:35 6:00 10:35 AM4:006:00

1:05

22

1:05

FRI SAT REA F REA

TUE OFF WED REA THU REA FRI SAT ALTMON ALT REA ALT OFF REA ALT

1

10 REA 11 10REA12 11AK TRN15 14HFD16 15HFD17 16HFD18 17OFF19 18REA 19 REA BOW OFF 2:05POR TRN ALT 6:3 BOWALT BOWALT ALT ALT 6:05 HBG BOWBOW BOWBOW 7:05 7:05 HBG ALT REABOW OF HBGHBG HBG 7:05 ALT 7:05 HBG HBG ALT ALT 1:00 ALT TRN

SUN

U

MON SUN TUE MO

5

SUN

1:00

may

7:05 7:05

7:051:00 7:057:05 7:057:05

1:00

15

HFD ALT HFD ALT

SAT

SUN SAT

9 8 10 9 11 10 6 7 6 8 7 14 13 12 11 13 12 11 10 9 8 10 9 5 4 3TRN 4 3 14 TRN12 11TRN 12 TRN AKRTRN REA TRN TRN TRN HFD REAAKR REA AKRAKR AKRTRN 1:00 7:00 TRN 7:00 OFFREA REA REA AKR HFDREA HFDHFD HFDOFF RE TRNHFD REATRN

1:00

FRI

MON SUN TUE MON WED TUE THU WED FRI THU SATFRI 5 4 2 1 3 2 4 3 1

7

8

29

U

SAT SUN

TRN TRN TRNTRN TRN TRN 7:00

april

5

1:0526

27

29

7:0528

SUN

2

7:05

7:05

HOMETUE

MON

7:00

THU ROAD

FRI

WED

western 3

HBG HBG AKR ALT 6:05 BOW ERI HBG RVA

7:05

7:05

Akron RubberDucks Altoona Curve 1:05 Bowie Baysox Erie SeaWolves Harrisburg Senators Richmond Flying Squirrels

1:0

MO

AKR 3 2 3 6:05 NHM HBG HBG HBG HB

146:05

TRN 7:00 HFD

18

216:05

AKR 7:05 ALT

5 6:05 1:05

6 1:0

POR OF 1:00

12

13

25

NHM OF

286:00

19

REA 6:05

30

6:00

SAT FIREWORKS

HBG 6:05

eastern Binghamton Rumble Ponies Hartford Yard Goats New Hampshire Fisher Cats Portland Sea Dogs Reading Fightin Phils Trenton Thunder

SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

@gosquirrels

6:35

SUN

7 6:00

1

BNG HFD NHM POR REA TRN

AKR AK

11 2

BOW HFD HFD HFD HFD HBG HBG 1:05

287:0 271:05 7:05 7:05

MON SUN TUE MO

/FlyingSquirrelsBaseball

1:05

20

HFD BO 1:05

26

6:3

27

ALT RE 1:00

6:3

april

13 Opening Night Celebration featuring Fred McGriff & Dueling Fireworks presented by Chick-fil-A Richmond and Virginia Birth Father Registry 14 Super Blast Fireworks & Nutasha’s Birthday Celebration presented by VA 811 15 Full-Size Bat Giveaway (1,000 14 & Under) presented

by Pepsi & Jackie Robinson Day Celebration 16 “Bambino” Baseball Giveaway (1,000 21 & Up) presented by Ardent Craft Ales 17 Beanie Giveaway (1,000 15 & Up) presented by CBS 6 18 Wine Up Wednesday & In-Your-Face Fireworks presented by New Kent Winery & Reading Night No. 1 19 Education Day No. 1 (10:35 AM) & Peanut-Free Game presented by Auvi-Q 27 Street Art Festival T-Shirt Giveaway (1,500 15 & Up) presented by Capital One, RVA’s Best Happy Hour & Reading Night No. 2 28 Super Blast Fireworks, VCU Night & Chin Music 5th Anniversary Slap Koozie Giveaway (1,000 21 & Up) presented by Center of the Universe Brewing Company 29 Yoga Day featuring Pregame Goat Yoga 30 Dog Family Photoshoot presented by City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities

may

1 Acorn Running Cap Giveaway (1,000 15 & Up) presented by Kings Dominion & Reading Night No. 3 2 Education Day No. 2 (10:35 AM) & Wine Up Wednesday 7 Squirrels Silver Dog Bowl Giveaway (500 Dog Owners) presented by Pet Pleasers 8 Salute to Sinatra: Fedora Giveaway (1,000 15 & Up) & Pregame Warning Track Stroll 9 Wine Up Wednesday & RVA Day 10 In-Your-Face Fireworks, Medical Professionals Night, Reading Night No. 4 & Peanut-Free Game presented

by Auvi-Q 11 Boulevard to the Bay T-Shirt Giveaway (1,500 15 & Up) presented by Mason-McDuffie Mortgage Corporation, RVA’s Best Happy Hour & Boy Scout Night 12 Super Blast Fireworks & Faith Night No. 1 presented by Puritan Cleaners 13 Gender Reveal Day, Mother’s Day Pink Digicamo Jersey Auction & Nutasha Bobblehead Giveaway (1,000 14 & Under) presented by NBC 12 17 In-Your-Face Fireworks, Rotary Night & Michael Robinson Varina H.S. Bobblehead Giveaway (1,000 15 & Up) presented by The Good Feet Store 18 Funnville T-Shirt Giveaway (1,500 15 & Up) presented

by Richmond Times-Dispatch & Girl Scout Night 19 In-Your-Face Fireworks & ASK Foundation Night presented by Anthem & Superman Jersey Auction 20 First Responders Day & 5th Annual Postgame Guns & Hoses Charity Softball Game 29 Extended Memorial Day Weekend Celebration & Armed Forces Camo Cap Giveaway (1,000 15 & Up) presented by Virginia Birth Father Registry 30 Wine Up Wednesday, Richmond Public Schools Day, Mustache Night & Edgar Allan Poe Bobblestache Giveaway (1,000 15 & Up) presented by Poe’s Pub 31 In-Your-Face Fireworks & Dance Night

june

8 Salute to the Simpsons: Simpsons-Themed T-Shirt Giveaway (1,500 15 & Up), RVA’s Best Happy Hour & National Jelly-Filled Donut Day Celebration 9 Super Blast Fireworks & UR Night presented by Markel 10 Funnville Youth Jersey Giveaway (1,000 14 & Under) presented by Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU 12 Outdoor Festival & Mesh Drawstring Floppy Hat Giveaway (1,000 15 & Up) presented by American Family Fitness & Hanover Night 13 Wine Up Wednesday & Game of Thrones Night 14 In-Your-Face Fireworks & World Cup Kickoff 19 Scott’s Addition Festival & Limited Edition Scott’s Addition Cap Giveaway (1,000 15 & Up) presented

9

SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

by Morton Consulting & Denim Jacket Jersey Auction 20 Wine Up Wednesday & JMU Night 21 In-Your-Face Fireworks & Old School Hip Hop Night featuring Flavor Flav 22 Vintage Green 3/4-Sleeve Shirt Giveaway (1,500 15 & Up) presented by Mountain Dew, RVA’s Best Happy Hour & National Onion Rings Day 23 Super Blast Fireworks & Swim Team Night presented by TowneBank 24 Dino Day featuring Dinosaur Train presented

by Community Idea Stations

july

4 Independence Day Celebration & Dueling Fireworks presented by Chick-fil-A Richmond and Virginia Birth Father Registry 5 In-Your-Face Fireworks & Nutzy “Grateful Squirrel” Bobblehead Giveaway (1,000 15 & Up) 6 Patriotic Tank Top Giveaway (1,500 21 & Up) presented by Bud Light & RVA’s Best Happy Hour 7 In-Your-Face Fireworks, Tom Petty Tribute & “Full Moon Fever” Jersey Auction 8 Nutzy & Nutasha Beach Towel Giveaway (1,000 14 & Under) presented by Pepsi 16 K9 Crew Trick Dog Show presented by VCA Animal Hospitals 17 Summer St. Paddy’s Day Celebration & Green FS Cap Giveaway (1,000 15 & Up) presented by Mountain Dew 18 Camp Day, National Hot Dog Day Celebration & Wine Up Wednesday 26 In-Your-Face Fireworks presented by Wawa 27 Richmond Baseball Legends Celebration featuring Richmond Lawmakers Throwback T-Shirt Giveaway (1,500 15 & Up) presented by Tingen & Williams & RVA’s Best Happy Hour 28 Super Blast Fireworks & Military Appreciation Night presented by Movement Mortgage 29 Flying Squirrels Football Giveaway (1,000 14 & Under) & Peanut-Free Game presented by Auvi-Q

august

7 Salute to the Peanut: Foam Peanut Hat Giveaway (1,000 15 & Up) & Tri-Cities Night 8 Wine Up Wednesday presented by Edward Jones, Happiness Happens Day & Fredericksburg Night 9 In-Your-Face-Fireworks & Faith Night No. 2 10 Animal House Tribute: “College” T-Shirt Giveaway (1,500 15 & Up), Notorious B.O.B. Eating Challenge, RVA’s Best Happy Hour & Goochland Night 11 In-Your-Face Fireworks presented by Columbia Gas of Virginia & Justin Timberlake Boy Band Tribute 12 Muddy Puddles with Peppa Pig 17 Tie-Dye T-Shirt Giveaway (1,500 15 & Up) presented by Virginia Commonwealth Bank, Tie-Dye Jersey Auction & RVA’s Best Happy Hour 18 In-Your-Face Fireworks & Bruce Springsteen Tribute 19 Sunday Funnday 20 Bark in the Park Bobbledog Giveaway (1,000 15 & Up) 21 Augtoberfest & Mesh Trucker Cap Giveaway (1,000 21 & Up) presented by Budweiser 27 Dog Festival & Williamsburg Night 28 Go Western Festival, Flying Squirrels Cowboy Hat Giveaway (1,000 15 & Up) & Charlottesville Night 29 Wine Up Wednesday & RVA Night presented

by James River Cellars 30 The Sandlot Movie 25th Anniversary Night featuring “Squints” & In-Your-Face Fireworks presented by James River Air 31 2019 All-Star Game Long-Sleeve Shirt Giveaway (1,500 15 & Up) & RVA’s Best Happy Hour

september

1 In-Your-Face Fireworks & Harry Potter Night 2 In-Your-Face Fireworks, Star Wars Night & Black Cape Giveaway (1,000 14 & Under) 3 $2,400 Magic Bruno Mars Tribute & Fan Appreciation Day

o t e m o c l e W

feature story

F

A 60-foot wide inflatable arch over Squirrels Way on the first-base side of The Diamond will welcome fans to Funnville in 2018.

Richmond Flying Squirrels photo

ans often ask why the Flying Squirrels spell the word “fun” with two “N’s.”

The answer — because Flying Squirrels games are so much fun, one “N” simply is not enough.

Since its inception, the franchise has continuously sought opportunities to be different.

When the team name was unveiled in October 2009, Chuck Domino, the club’s chief executive, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch, “…we promised Richmond that we were going to be different, and I think this makes a statement that we are going to be different.”

Spelling fun with two N’s is different, just like the name of the team.

Entering its ninth season in Richmond, the organization wanted to again make a statement that the team’s brand and the fan experience at The Diamond are different.

Welcome to Funnville.

“Any successful minor league team has a marriage with its fans, sponsors, season ticket holders and its media members,” Domino said

during the team’s Funnville unveiling event in January. “In a sense, we are renewing the vows of that marriage, and we a recommitting to our brand of ‘Have Funn, Go Nuts.’”

Funnville is a concept, Domino explained, and is not limited to just the physical parameters of The Diamond.

“Funnville is really a state of mind, and I think that’s what we’ve created in our eight seasons here,” he said.

No one personifies the Funnville state of mind better than Flying Squirrels Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Todd “Parney” Parnell.

During the unveiling event, he broke out of a giant gift-wrapped box wearing a colonial wig and his signature, brightly colored “Parney pants,” unfurled a small scroll and made an official Funnville proclamation.

“Whenever I’m around town and I ask someone what they think about when they think about the Squirrels, the very first thing they say,

See FUNNVILLE on page 12

LEFT: Flying Squirrels Vice President and COO Todd “Parney” Parnell unfurls a Funnville scroll during an unveiling event at The Diamond on Jan. 12.

Richmond Flying Squirrels photo 11 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

feature story FUNNVILLE continued from page 11

team’s brunch-themed waffle jerseys and caps, which it wore during Sunday home games the previous two seasons. almost exclusively, is, ‘fun,’” Parnell said.

Improvements to the fan experience in 2018 Fans will see the multi-colored, balloonalso include a new sound system — lettered Funnville logo — designed by installed by locally based RTW Media local graphic artist Rob Ullman — — and extended netting for fan safety. across all of the Flying Squirrels’ Confetti rained down in the branding for the 2018 season. home clubhouse during the JanuThe logo will also be featured ary unveiling event as Parnell preon a 60-foot wide inflatable arch sented the scroll with the words across Squirrels Way as well as “This is Funnville” stretched on the team’s jerseys and caps across it as wide as the smile on during Sunday home games. his face.

The teal blue Funnville jerseys The scene was similar to are trimmed with a star con- The Flying Squirrels will wear Funnville-themed one nine years earlier when pinwheel hats during Sunday home games. fetti background pattern, black Parnell triumphantly raised Kyle shoulder accents and orange Nelson’s left arm in celebration balloon numbers.

The pinwheel-style caps feature the Funnville of the announcement of the team’s name.

At the time, it was a commitment to being different. logo on a white-panel front, flanked by blue and Presently it is a reaffirmation to continue doing so. orange panels with a blue bill.

Welcome to Funnville!

The Funnville jerseys and caps replace the

Nine RICHMOND AREA Medical Centers

Non-appointment, walk-in urgent care for routine injuries and illnesses. 365 days a year, 8 am to 10 pm. ric2018

12 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

• • • •

Staffed by board certified physicians X-rays, lab tests, and prescription drugs on-site Most major insurance plans accepted – your claims filed for you Less costly than the ER

13 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

2018 coaching staff

MANAGER: WILLIE HARRIS OPENING DAY AGE: 39 BATS-THROWS: Left-Right BORN: June 22, 1978 RESIDES: Cairo, Ga. For the fifth straight season, the Flying Squirrels will have a new manager at the helm. However, for the first time ever, the team’s new skipper owns a World Series ring.

Former major league utility player Willie Harris in December was named the seventh manager in Flying Squirrels franchise history. He replaces Kyle Haines, who was promoted to Assistant Director of Player Development, Instruction after one season in Richmond.

Harris last season managed the Advanced-A Winston-Salem Dash in the Chicago White Sox organziation.

None of the club’s previous managers (Andy Skeels, 2010; Dave Machemer 2011-13; Russ Morman, 2014; Jose Alguacil, 2015; Miguel Ojeda, 2016; and Haines, 2017) spent as much time in the major leagues as Harris, who appeared in more than 1,000 games over parts of 12 seasons in the big leagues.

A native of Cairo, Ga., Harris was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 24th round of the

14 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

1999 draft out of Kennesaw State University. He made his major league debut with the Orioles just two years later before being traded to the White Sox in 2002.

Harris played parts of four seasons in Chicago and was a member of the White Sox 2005 World Series championship club.

After one-year stints with the Boston Red Sox (2006) and Atlanta Braves (2007), Harris spent three seasons with the Washington Nationals, including appearing in a career-high 140 games in 2008.

He played one season with the New York Mets (2011) before playing his final season in the big leagues in 2012 with the Cincinnati Reds.

Harris is the first African-American manager in franchise history. He is also the first former Richmond Brave to manage the Flying Squirrels. Harris appeared in 17 games with the R-Braves to open the 2007 season before receiving a call-up to Atlanta.

2018 coaching staff

PITCHING COACH: GLENN DISHMAN OPENING DAY AGE: 47 BATS-THROWS: Right-Left BORN: Nov. 5, 1970 RESIDES: Buckeye, Ariz.

Glenn Dishman enters his third season in the San Francisco Giants organization and his first with the Flying Squirrels.

The Arizona resident replaces Steve Kline, who was assigned to Triple-A Sacramento.

Kline previously held the role of pitching coach for three seasons.

A former major league pitcher, Dishman spent the past two seasons in the Arizona Rookie League and helped guide the AZL Giants to the league championship series in 2017.

He previously spent seven seasons coaching in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.

Dishman began his professional playing career as a member of the San Diego Padres organization in 1993. The lefty was orginially signed as an undrafted free agent out of Texas Christian University. He made his major league debut with San Diego in 1995 and appeared in 19 games, 16 starts, during his rookie campaign, finishing with a record of 4-8 and a 5.01 ERA. In all, Dishman appeared in 33 big league games, making 21 starts, over three seasons with the Padres, Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers.

HITTING COACH: FRANCISCO MORALES OPENING DAY AGE: 45 BATS-THROWS: Right-Right BORN: Jan. 31, 1973 RESIDES: San Pedro de Macoris, D.R. Francisco Morales joins the San Francisco Giants organization after spending the last three years coaching in the San Diego Padres system.

The former minor league catcher and first baseman was the hitting coach for the San Antonio Missions (Double-A, Texas League) in 2014 and made his managerial debut in 2015 with the Fort Wayne Tin Caps (Low A, Midwest League). In 2016 Morales briefly took over as manager for the Lake Elsinore Storm (AdvancedA California League).

15 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

A native of the Dominican Republic, Morales began his post-playing career as a bullpen catcher and staff assistant in the Cleveland Indians organization. He got his start as a coach in 2005 when the Arizona Diamondbacks pegged him as an instructor in the Dominican Summer League.

As a player, Morales spent parts of eight seasons in the minor leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and Montreal Expos organizations before playing four seasons in the independent leagues.

2018 coaching staff

SPECIAL ASSISTANT: GENE CLINES OPENING DAY AGE: 71 BATS-THROWS: Right-Right BORN: Oct. 6, 1946 RESIDES: San Pablo, Calif.

Gene Clines joins the Flying Squirrels staff after spending the past two years as a Special Assistant, Player Development within the San Francisco Giants organization.

The former major league outfielder enjoyed a 10-year big league playing career from 197079 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs. His playing career was highlighted by three trips to the postseason with the Pirates (1971,1972 and 1974), including a World Series title in ‘71.

He had his best season in the majors with the

Pirates in 1972, batting .334 in 107 games.

Clines has an extensive coaching resume that began as a first base coach with the Chicago Cubs following his final year as a player in 1980.

He spent six seasons as San Francisco’s hitting and outfield coach (1997-2002) and has also has served as a hitting coach with the Milwaukee Brewers (1994-95), Seattle Mariners (1989-92) and Houston Astros (1988).

Prior to retuning to the Giants organization, Clines spent nine years working for the Los Angeles Dodgers as a Senior Advisor in Player Development.

BULLPEN COACH: ELIEZER ZAMBRANO OPENING DAY AGE: 31 BATS-THROWS: Switch-Right BORN: Sept. 16, 1986 RESIDES: San Diego, Venezuela The Flying Squirrels don’t know what a baseball season would be like without Eliezer Zambrano, who will transition into a coaching role in 2018.

Zambrano, the “original Squirrel,” has been a mainstay of the team and community since the club’s inception in 2010 and is the only Flying Squirrels player to appear in a game in all eight seasons of the club’s existence.

The man affectionately known as “Z” totaled 691 plate appearances in 216 games in his Flying Squirrels career and appeared in 447 16 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

games overall. He made his Triple-A debut with the Sacramento River Cats last season, giving him the distinction of having played at every level of the San Francisco Giants organization during his 12-year playing career.

The Venezuelan was originally signed by the Giants as a non-drafted free agent in 2005.

In addition to his contributions on the field, Zambrano has volunteered for the Flying Squirrels in countless community appearances, kids camps and special events.

how to score a game Keep score throughout the game on pages 18 and 19. Fans may already have their own way of scoring, but here is a basic outline: Starting Lineup & Position Numbers Fill in the starting lineup. Starting lineups can be found in the Elephant Insurance Fan Zone posted behind home plate. Each position is assigned a number. These numbers will be used when you record fielding plays • Pitcher - 1 • Second Base - 4 • Left Field - 7 • Catcher - 2 • Third Base - 5 • Center Field - 8 • First Base - 3 • Shortstop - 6 • Right Field - 9 • Designated hitter- DH Scoring Plays Once each batter is finished with his at-bat, fill in what happened in the appropriate inning column next to that player’s name. Shorthand for plays are listed to the right.

Here are examples of how to score certain plays: • Ground Out: The third baseman fields the ball and throws to first base for the out. That would be scored as 5-3.

• Fly Out: The batter hits a fly out to the left Shorthand fielder. That would be scored as F-7.

• Strikeout: Simply write a K if the batter 1B Single strikes out. If the batter strikes out looking 2B Double (not swinging), then a backward K K is used to score.

3B Triple • Single: If the batter hits a single, HR Home Run act as if there is a diamond shape in the scoring box (example below) and draw a BB Walk line to first base. Simply write 1B in K Strikeout the corner. You will use this diamond pattern to chart each runner’s path around

Strikeout Looking the bases.

SB Stolen Base • Scoring: If any of the runners end up scoring, you will complete the diamond F Fly Out shape and shade it in.

SF Sacrifice Fly Scoring Example SAC Sacrifice L Line Out SQUIRRELS 1 P U Unassisted LINEUP FC Fielder’s Choice 1 Steven Duggar 8 5-3 HBP Hit By Pitch HR WP Wild Pitch 2 Ryder Jones 5 PB Passed Ball DP Double Play 3 Chris Shaw 3 F-8 E Error IBB Intentional Walk 4 C.J Hinojosa 6 K BK Balk 17 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

visitor scorecard SQUIRRELS VS.: _____________________________

VISITING LINEUP

P

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DATE: ____________

RECORD: ___________

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TOTALS PITCHERS

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IP

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squirrels scorecard SQUIRRELS VS.: _____________________________

SQUIRRELS LINEUP

P

1

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3

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DATE: ____________

RECORD: ___________

5

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proudly supports

dominionpayroll.com 19 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

ER

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eastern league teams WESTERN DIVISION

EASTERN DIVISION

AKRON RUBBERDUCKS

BINGHAMTON RUMBLE PONIES

AFFILIATE: Cleveland Indians MANAGER: Tony Mansolino 2017 RECORD: 69-71 (3rd) BALLPARK: Canal Park WEBSITE: akronrubberducks.com

AFFILIATE: New York Mets MANAGER: Luis Rojas 2017 RECORD: 85-54 (2nd) BALLPARK: NYSEG Stadium WEBSITE: bingrp.com

ALTOONA CURVE

HARTFORD YARD GOATS

AFFILIATE: Pittsburgh Pirates MANAGER: Michael Ryan 2017 RECORD: 74-66 (1st) BALLPARK: Peoples Natural Gas Field WEBSITE: altoonacurve.com

AFFILIATE: Colorado Rockies MANAGER: Warren Schaeffer 2017 RECORD: 62-77 (5th) BALLPARK: Dunkin’ Donuts Park WEBSITE: yardgoatsbaseball.com

BOWIE BAYSOX

NEW HAMPSHIRE FISHER CATS

AFFILIATE: Baltimore Orioles MANAGER: Gary Kendall 2017 RECORD: 72-68 (2nd) BALLPARK: Prince George’s Stadium WEBSITE: baysox.com

AFFILIATE: Toronto Blue Jays MANAGER: John Schneider 2017 RECORD: 59-80 (6th) BALLPARK: Northeast Delta Dental Stadium WEBSITE: nhfishercats.com

ERIE SEAWOLVES

PORTLAND SEA DOGS

AFFILIATE: Detroit Tigers MANAGER: Andrew Graham 2017 RECORD: 65-75 (4th) BALLPARK: UMPC Park WEBSITE: seawolves.com

AFFILIATE: Boston Red Sox MANAGER: Darren Fenster 2017 RECORD: 65-74 (4th) BALLPARK: Hadlock Field WEBSITE: seadogs.com

HARRISBURG SENATORS

READING FIGHTIN PHILS

AFFILIATE: Washington Nationals MANAGER: Matthew LeCroy 2017 RECORD: 60-80 (6th) BALLPARK: FNB Field WEBSITE: senatorsbaseball.com

AFFILIATE: Philadelphia Phillies MANAGER: Greg Legg 2017 RECORD: 72-68 (3rd) BALLPARK: FirstEnergy Stadium WEBSITE: readingfightins.com

RICHMOND FLYING SQUIRRELS

TRENTON THUNDER

AFFILIATE: San Francisco Giants MANAGER: Willie Harris 2017 RECORD: 63-77 (5th) BALLPARK: The Diamond WEBSITE: squirrelsbaseball.com

AFFILIATE: New York Yankees MANAGER: Jay Bell 2017 RECORD: 92-48 (1st) BALLPARK: Arm & Hammer Park WEBSITE: trentonthunder.com

& PEOPLE PLANTS

SHORT PUMP

12111 West Broad St. 804.360.2800

MECHANICSVILLE

3313 Mechanicsville Tpk. 804.321.2200

STRANGES.COM 20 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

akron rubberducks roster NO. PITCHERS

B-T HT. WT. BIRTHDATE

RESIDES

R-R R-R L-L R-R R-R R-R R-R R-R R-R R-R R-R L-L L-L

Araure, VZ Laguna Hills, CA Cape Coral, FL Rochester, MN Hualien, Taiwan East Windsor, CT Savannah, GA Miami Gardens, FL Santo Domingo, DR Eden Prairie, MN Walnut Creek, CA Westport, CT Diamond Bar, CA

34 26 17 22 29 37 24 28 38 45 27 23 41

Argenis Angulo Shane Bieber Sean Brady Mitch Brown Shao-Ching Chiang Aaron Civale Dominic DeMasi Leandro Linares Henry Martinez Cameron Mingo Nick Pasquale David Speer Matt Whitehouse

6-3 6-3 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-0 6-1 6-1

220 195 185 195 175 215 190 205 175 185 190 185 175

2.26.94 5.31.95 6.9.94 4.13.94 11.10.93 6.12.95 5.18.93 1.27.94 4.27.94 9.10.93 10.27.90 8.14.92 4.13.91

NO. CATCHERS

B-T HT. WT. BIRTHDATE

RESIDES

7 11

R-R 5-11 195 L-R 6-3 210

Altus, Aruba Eufaula, OK

Sicnarf Loopstok Daniel Salters

4.26.93 2.5.93

NO. INFIELDERS

B-T HT. WT. BIRTHDATE

RESIDES

L-R 6-1 S-R 6-1 S-R 6-2 R-R 6-0 S-R 5-11 R-R 6-0

Gulfport, MS Santo Domingo, DR Johns Creek, GA Fremont, CA Vega Alta, PR San Jose, CA

44 1 10 12 35 9

Bobby Bradley Will Castro Tyler Krieger Mark Mathias Alexis Pantoja Joe Sever

225 170 170 200 150 205

5.29.96 4.24.97 1.16.94 8.2.94 1.18.96 8.12.90

NO. OUTFIELDERS

B-T HT. WT. BIRTHDATE

RESIDES

L-R L-R R-R L-R

Chula Vista, CA St. Johns, FL Bani, DR Kane’ohe, HI

15 36 2 4

Andrew Calica Connor Marabell Dorssys Paulino Ka’ai Tom

6-1 6-1 6-0 5-9

190 195 175 185

3.5.94 3.28.94 11.21.94 5.24.94

NO. COACHES

TITLE

6 47 25 13

Manager Pitching Coach Hitting Coach First Base Coach Athletic Trainer Strength & Conditioning Coach

Tony Mansolino Rigo Beltran Kevin Howard Dennis Malave Jeremy Heller Paul Synenkyj

21 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

As of May 1, 2018 RUBBERDUCKS AT A GLANCE The Flying Squirrels play the first of 16 games against the Akron RubberDucks.

The RubberDucks have six of the Cleveland Indians’ top 30 prospects, according to MLB.com. First baseman Bobby Bradley, the Indians’ No. 3 prospect according to MLB.com, has eclipsed the 20-homer mark in each of the last three seasons.

Akron finished the first month of the season with three of its starting pitchers – Shane Bieber (1.16), Michael Peoples (1.54) and Shao-Ching Chiang (1.61) – ranked in top 10 in ERA. Additionally, Bieber, the No. 11 prospect according to MLB.com, was tied for the league lead in innings pitched.

RHP Shane Bieber

trenton thunder roster NO. PITCHERS

B-T HT. WT. BIRTHDATE

RESIDES

R-R R-R L-L R-R R-R R-R R-R L-L R-R L-L R-R R-L R-R

Gray, TN The Colony, TX Miles City, MT McKinney, TX Germantown, WI Miramar, FL Grand Rapids, MI Summerville, SC St. Charles, MO Tullahoma, TN Fargo, ND Los Angeles, CA Harbor City, CA

22 30 37 28 31 47 29 61 21 4 35 23 24

Will Carter Jordan Foley Caleb Frare Hobie Harris Brian Keller Jose Mesa Jr. Kaleb Ort James Reeves Andrew Schwaab Justus Sheffield Erik Swanson Stephen Tarpley Dillon Tate

6-3 6-4 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-1 6-0 6-3 6-1 6-2

195 225 210 200 210 215 240 215 205 200 235 235 195

1.18.93 7.12.93 7.8.93 6.23.93 6.21.94 8.13.93 2.5.92 6.7.93 2.8.93 5.14.96 9.4.93 2.17.93 5.1.94

NO. CATCHERS

B-T HT. WT. BIRTHDATE

RESIDES

36 6

S-R 6-2 216 S-R 6-0 175

Arlington Heights, IL Pearl City, HI

Ryan Lidge Chace Numata

10.27.94 8.14.92

NO. INFIELDERS

B-T HT. WT. BIRTHDATE

RESIDES

R-R R-R L-R R-R R-R L-R

Miami, FL San Pedro De Macoris, DR Sumter, SC Oviedo, FL Sherman, TX Poway, CA

3 9 13 12 34 19

Mandy Alvarez Abiatal Avelino Bruce Caldwell Vince Conde Chris Gittens Gosuke Katoh

6-1 5-11 5-11 6-0 6-4 6-2

195 195 175 195 250 200

7.14.94 2.14.95 11.27.91 10.13.93 2.4.94 10.8.94

NO. OUTFIELDERS

B-T HT. WT. BIRTHDATE

RESIDES

L-R 6-3 S-R 5-10 R-R 6-4 L-R 6-3

Atlanta, GA Santiago, DR Winter Haven, FL West Windsor, NJ

20 8 25 16

Rashad Crawford Cesar Diaz Jhalan Jackson Ben Ruta

225 165 240 195

10.15.93 4.12.93 2.12.93 6.8.94

NO. COACHES

TITLE

11 45 39 54 52

Manager Pitching Coach Hitting Coach Bullpen Coach Defensive Coach Athletic Trainer Strength & Conditioning Coach

Jay Bell Tim Norton Ty Hawkins Luis Dorante Raul Dominguez Jimmy Downam Anthony Velazquez

22 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

As of May 1, 2018

THUNDER AT A GLANCE The Flying Squirrels resume their season series with the Trenton Thunder. Richmond and Trenton split a four-game series to open the year.

The Thunder only has a pair of top-30 prospects in the New York Yankees farm system, according to MLB.com, on its roster. Left-hander Justus Sheffield (No. 4), acquired from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for reliever Andrew Miller, returns after making 17 starts with Trenton last season.

Right-hander Dillon Tate (No. 11), whom the Yankees acquired from the Texas Rangers in exchange for outfielder Carlos Beltran, was the fourthoverall selection in the 2015 draft.

RHP Dillon Tate

flying squirrels roster NO. PITCHERS

B-T HT. WT. BIRTHDATE

RESIDES

R-R R-R R-R R-R R-L L-R R-R R-R R-R R-R R-R R-R L-L

Coral Springs, FL Hanover Township, PA Bridgewater, MA Fremont, CA Johnstown, NY Rancho Cucamonga, CA Elk Grove, CA Santa Clara, CA Farminghton, NM Norman, OK Scottsdale, AZ Dallas, TX Lubbock, TX

32 39 13 51 53 34 23 33 50 29 45 38 21

Shaun Anderson Ray Black Mike Connolly Tyler Cyr Matt Gage Ryan Halstead Jordan Johnson Will LaMarche Jake McCasland Caleb Simpson Dan Slania Cory Taylor Garrett Williams

6-5 6-4 6-0 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-5 6-2 6-1

230 230 205 210 240 230 200 220 225 230 260 252 200

10.29.94 6.26.90 10.31.91 5.5.93 2.11.93 5.13.92 9.15.93 8.7.91 9.13.91 9.15.91 5.24.92 12.14.93 9.15.94

NO. CATCHERS

B-T HT. WT. BIRTHDATE

RESIDES

16 14

R-R 6-1 190 R-R 6-2 220

Lawrenceville, GA Pembroke Pines, FL

Ronnie Freeman Aramis Garcia

1.8.91 1.12.93

NO. INFIELDERS

B-T HT. WT. BIRTHDATE

RESIDES

R-R R-R L-R S-R R-R R-R

Lake Forest, CA Maracaibo, VZ Hamptonville, NC Santo Domingo, DR St. Peters, MO Wendell, NC

7 19 28 18 8 35

Jonah Arenado Ali Castillo Dillon Dobson Miguel Gomez Ryan Howard Jerry Sands

6-4 5-9 6-2 5-9 6-2 6-4

240 180 220 206 200 225

2.3.95 6.19.89 8.21.93 12.17.92 7.25.94 9.28.87

NO. OUTFIELDERS

B-T HT. WT. BIRTHDATE

RESIDES

R-R R-R R-R L-R

Redmond, WA Murfreesboro, TN Snellville, GA New York, NY

10 1 9 6

Dylan Davis Ronnie Jebavy Matt Lipka Luigi Rodriguez

6-0 6-2 6-1 5-11

225 205 190 190

7.20.93 5.17.94 4.15.92 11.13.92

NO. COACHES

TITLE

22 5 31 12 2

Manager Pitching Coach Hitting Coach Fundamentals Coach Bullpen Coach Athletic Trainer Strength & Conditioning Coach

Willie Harris Glenn Dishman Francisco Morales Gary Davenport Eliezer Zambrano Hiro Sato Jon Medici

23 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

As of May 1, 2018

FLYING SQUIRRELS AT A GLANCE The Flying Squirrels matched their most wins in franchise history in the month of April, going 14-9 during the season’s first month.

Richmond ended April atop the Western Division standings with the second-best winning percentage in the league (.609).

Right-hander Ryan Anderson, acquired in a trade with the Boston Red Sox last July, led the team’s starters with a 3-1 record and 2.57 ERA in five starts, striking out 28 batters in 28 innings. Reliever Mike Connolly closed out the first month of the season without allowing a run in 12 innings.

Outfielder Luigi Rodriguez paced the club with a .388 average.

RHP Mike Connolly

Worth KNOWING

FUNN FACTS ABOUT

The Diamond

• The final game at Parker Field was Friday, August 31, 1984.

• Demolition of Parker Field began on Tuesday, September 4, 1984, the day after Labor Day. • Workers had just 230 days to demolish Parker Field and build The Diamond — the time from the final game of the 1984 season in the old park to the first home game of the 1985 season in the new stadium on the same site.

• Much of The Diamond’s concrete structure was made on site because the pieces were too big to transport — the largest architectural elements weighed 55 tons each.

• A workforce of 350 laborers put in a total of 128,000 hours to build The Diamond.

• The front tip of The Diamond’s roof is 104 feet higher than home plate.

• The author of the letter suggesting the new ballpark be named The Diamond remains unknown. The letter was signed with a descriptive phrase, but no name.

• The Diamond opened on Wednesday, April 17, 1985, less than eight months after the last game at Parker Field. More than 12,000 fans filled the seats of the $8 million facility on Opening Night.

• “In 1985, we became the envy of the International League,” said broadcaster Bob Black.

• The Richmond Braves set an attendance record in 1985 with 379,019 fans.

• In 1986, the Richmond Braves won the regular-season title as well as the International League’s Governors’ Cup. – Funn Facts by Phil Stanton

This page sponsored by Worth Higgins & Associates, official printers of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. www.worthhiggins.com • 800-883-7768 24 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

miracle on the boulevard

I

Preface by Bobby Ukrop

t was truly a miracle! The Diamond opened on April 17, 1985, less than two years after business and community leaders first met to address the Richmond Braves’ threat to leave the city unless a new ballpark replaced rundown Parker Field. Stunningly, the demolition of the old and construction of the new field were achieved in less than eight months, between the 1984 and ‘85 seasons.

The short time frame is only part of the story of the “Miracle on the Boulevard.” What emerged was much more than a new home for the game of baseball. It brought disparate elements of our regional community together in a public-private partnership that had not been seen before.

That first meeting was the beginning of my involvement with the effort, as attorney Dick Hollander and I volunteered to work with Richmond Braves General Manager Richard Andersen and others to build a new ballpark.

And working behind the scenes of this miracle was my wife Jayne, who served as a sounding board for marketing ideas, organized events for volunteers, and ran hundreds of errands for the cause. All the while, she made sure the lives of our four children ages 8-14 (Rob, Jacquelin, Jeff, and Nancy Jo) stayed on keel.

Mementos of our family’s involvement with building The Diamond - still quite visible after three decades in our garage and attic - stir personal recollections: the every-Sunday-after-church stop at the site on the way to the grandparents’ farm.

But the memorabilia and the memories they represent are also communal. They are tangible expressions of support from businesses of all sizes, area jurisdictions, baseball fans of all ages, community leaders, and citizens who 25 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

believed in the value of people working together.

Truly, it was a miracle!

Over the years, numerous folks have suggested that a book be written to tell the story of The Diamond - the project, the impact on our region, the lessons learned. These suggestions redouble each time a new plan to renovate, replace, or relocate The Diamond make the headlines.

In 2015, the time had come. Phil Stanton, Randy Hallman, Wayne Dementi, Carol Hoffler, and I decided to work together to tell the story of The Diamond. The words and photos in this book will bring back memories of a time when thousands of Central Virginia residents from all walks of life came together in a communitywide effort that enhanced the lives of the resi“The Diamond Miracle on the Boulevard” dents throughout authors, pictured from left, Bobby Ukrop, the region.

Phil Stanton and Randy Hallman All of us involved with “Miracle on the Boulevard” recognize the outstanding contributions to the boom and to The Diamond by Richard Andersen. He became a great friend in the process of building and operating a new ballpark. And like The Diamond, he is a jewel with many facets.

Being a part of The Diamond project solidified in my mind that public-private partnerships can work effectively to accomplish great things quickly. When all the players have a common goal, each striving to keep their eyes on the ball, and with little concern about who on the team receives the credit - miracles can and do happen.

“The Diamond Miracle on the Boulevard” is available for purchase at the Squirrels Nest Team Store. Proceeds from the sale of the book benefit Flying Squirrels Charities’ mission to renovate youth baseball fields throughout the city of Richmond.

26 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

THIS IS THE PEPSI FOR EVERY PITCH. ®

PROUD PARTNER OF THE

RICHMOND FLYING SQUIRRELS

PEPSI, PEPSI-COLA AND THE PEPSI GLOBE ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF PEPSICO, INC.

27 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

the diamond seating guide

SEATING AREAS & PRICING

ADVANCE PRICING

DAY OF GAME

GROUPS 20-PLUS

$12

$14

$11

Terrace Level

$10

$12

$8

General Admission

$8

$9

$5.50

Chick-fil-A Richmond Field Level

28 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

PEANUT GALLERY SEATS Includes two tickets and peanuts (upon request) all for only $32

the diamond dining guide THE MAIN STANDS

THE UPPER STANDS

BUD & BURGERS

(SECTIONS 109 & 112)

(SECTIONS 206 & 212)

(MAIN CONCOURSE)

6 oz Hamburger 6 oz Cheeseburger Turkey Burger Grilled Chicken Sandwich BBQ Pork Sandwich Hot Dog Chicken Tenders Buffalo Chicken Tenders Corn Dogs Brisket Sandwich Fried PB&J Sandwich Personal Pepperoni Flatbread Personal Cheese Flatbread Mac Brisket Ball Meal Buffalo Drum Sticks Buffalo Boneless Wings Cheese Nachos Supreme Nachos Pulled Pork Nachos Squirrelly Fries (regular or jumbo) Chili Cheese Fries Pulled Pork Cheese Fries Fried Pickle Spears Soft Pretzel Peanuts Cracker Jacks Chips Cookies Funnel Cake Red Velvet Funnel Cake Ice Cream Cup Rootbeer Float

6 oz Hamburger 6 oz Cheeseburger Turkey Burger Grilled Chicken Sandwich BBQ Pork Sandwich Hot Dog Chicken Tenders Buffalo Chicken Tenders Corn Dogs Cheese Nachos Supreme Nachos Pulled Pork Nachos Squirrelly Fries (regular or jumbo) Chili Cheese Fries Pulled Pork Cheese Fries Fried Pickle Spears Soft Pretzel Peanuts Cracker Jacks Chips Cookies

Mild Sausage Hot Sausage Brats Footlong Hot Dog The Regular Burger The High Cheese Pimento Cheeseburger Quesadilla Burger PB&J Bacon Burger Cowboy Rodeo Burger Brunch Burger Apple Chicken Sausage Philly Cheesesteak Chicken Cheesesteak

KIDS MENU (SECTIONS 109, 112, 206 & 212)

KONA ICE • COTTON CANDY

THE DOG HOUSE (MAIN CONCOURSE) The Classic Dog West Coast Dog Diamond Dog Bacon Me Crazy The Boulevard Weiner Schnitzel Footlong Hot Dog

(MAIN CONCOURSE)

DIPPIN DOTS (MAIN CONCOURSE & 204) New! Frozeti Confetti Rainbow Ice Cookies ‘n Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Chocolate Vanilla

t ur s o e h b s p y ome game rva' ay hap day h i r d f i fr8 pm every 6-

SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM/HAPPYHOUR 29 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

the diamond a-z guide A Acorn Dollars – An alternative to cash, Acorn Dollars can be used to purchase tickets, parking, merchandise at the Squirrels Nest presented

by Retro Brand, items at the concession stands and even games at Nutzyville presented by Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Acorn Dollars can be purchased in $1 increments through the group sales department by calling 804-359FUNN (3866) ext. 2.

Alcohol Policy – A valid photo ID will be required for the purchase of all alcoholic beverages. Outside alcoholic beverages will not be allowed in The Diamond. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed outside the gates of The Diamond. Alcohol sales end immediately after the last out of the seventh inning.

Animals – With the exception of service animals and dogs on Bark in the Park Nights, which will take place every Monday home game, animals are not allowed inside The Diamond.

ATM – A SunTrust ATM is located on the main concourse next to fan services.

Autographs – Flying Squirrels players will sign autographs at their discretion before and after the game.

Fans are allowed to line up along the first- and third-base lines in the first row of the Chick-fil-A Richmond Field Level seating sections up until 30 minutes before first pitch.

B Birthday Bash – Plan your birthday party with the Flying Squirrels in the Food Lion Party Den. The Birthday Bash package includes Chick-fil-A Field Level seating for the entire party, a visit from the mascots, pizza, a first pitch opportunity for the birthday boy or girl and a special gift. For more information, contact the group sales department by calling 804359-FUNN (3866) ext. 2.

Bistro at the Bullpen – The Bistro at the Bullpen is the ultimate hospitality experience at The Diamond. The Bistro 30 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

features a three-course all-you-caneat buffet, personal bartender, and exclusive seating down the first-base line that puts you right in the action.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact the group sales department by calling 804-359-FUNN (3866) ext. 2.

BrandStands – The Brandito BrandStands is a party area at the end of the upper deck down the left-field line in the Terrace Level seating section. Similar to the Party Decks, this area seats 38 guests and features your own BrandStands attendant and BrandStands menu. Interested groups can contact the group sales department at 804-359-FUNN (3866) ext. 2 to make reservations.

Budweiser Thirsty Acorn – The Budweiser Thirsty Acorn is located on the main concourse behind home plate and serves beer, chips, Pepsi products and water.

C, D Cameras & Camcorders – Cameras and camcorders are allowed inside The Diamond for personal use only. No professional zoom lenses or tripods will be allowed without prior approval by management.

Children’s Ticket Prices – Children ages 3 and younger are admitted free as long as they sit on an adult’s lap. If you would like a child 3 and younger to sit in a seat, they will need a ticket. Ticket prices are the same for all ages.

Credit Cards – Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover are accepted at the ticket office, the Squirrels Nest presented by Retro Brand and at all permanent concessions stands.

E Elephant Insurance Fan Zone – Located in the main plaza on the main concourse, the Elephant Insurance Fan Zone houses the entertainment stage, Bud & Burgers Cart, Budweiser Thirsty Acorn and more.

Nightly live music, entertainment and excitement all start here!

Exchanges – The Flying Squirrels do not offer ticket exchanges for single-game tickets, with the exception of tickets purchased with the insurance option. For rain out information, please see rain policy.

F Fan Assistance – The fan services booth is located on the main concourse behind home plate and offers answers for all your ballpark-related questions.

Field Dimensions – Right field: 330 feet; center field: 402 feet; left field: 330 feet Field Level Seating (Chick-fil-A Richmond) – Located closest to the field behind home plate and down both the first- and third-base lines, Chick-fil-A Richmond Field Level seats are available for $12 per ticket in advance and $14 day of game.

Chick-fil-A Richmond Field Level seats are labeled as green on the seating chart on page 28. Tickets can be purchased by calling the ticket office at 804-359-FUNN (3866) ext. 1 or online at SquirrelsBaseball.com.

First Aid – A first aid booth is located on the main concourse directly behind the Budweiser Thirsty Acorn.

A nightly nurse provided by Patient First is available to assist fans in need of medical attention.

G Gate Times – Gates will open one hour before the scheduled game time, unless otherwise noted for special events.

General Admission Seating – General admission seating is located in the upper deck of The Diamond behind home plate and along both the firstand third-base lines. General admission seats are labeled as yellow on the seating chart on page 28. Tickets are available for $8 in advance and $9 day of game. Tickets can be purchased by calling the ticket office at 804359-FUNN (3866) ext. 1 or online at SquirrelsBaseball.com.

the diamond a-z guide H, I, J Handicap Seating – Handicapped seating is offered behind home plate at the top of sections 110 and 111 as well as along the third-base line at the top of section 120. To access the elevator, please ask an usher for assistance in finding the nearest elevator entrance.

K Kid’s Zone (Nutzyville) – Nutzyville presented by Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU is located along the first-base line of the main concourse beside the Squirrels Nest presented by Retro Brand. The Kid’s Zone entertains kids with Speed Pitch, PLINKO, Wheel of Fun and Have Funn Go Putt holes. Each game costs $1 to play.

L Lost and Found – If you have lost an item at The Diamond, you can stop by fan services during the game or call 804-359-FUNN (3866) during business hours (8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.) to see if it has been turned in to the lost and found.

M Merchandise – Merchandise is available at the Squirrels Nest presented by Retro Brand, which is located along the first-base line on the main concourse.

N Nutzyville – (see Kid’s Zone)

O

31 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

Official Game – Baseball games are official after five full innings or 4 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead. If a game is called after that point in time, no makeup or continuation will be scheduled unless the game is tied. Rain checks are not issued once a game becomes official.

If a game is called before it becomes official, a makeup or continuation will be scheduled by the Eastern League and rain checks may be distributed at the discretion of management.

Outside Food & Beverage – Per Eastern League rules, outside food and beverage are NOT allowed inside The Diamond. If you have a special request, please contact a member of our front office by calling 804-359-FUNN (3866).

P Parking – Parking at The Diamond is $5 per car and $15 per bus (cash or Acorn Dollars only upon arrival).

Please follow the directions of the parking staff to ensure the safety of all our fans.

Party Decks – Groups of up to 24 people can rent one of the Flagstop Car Washes Party Decks – located behind home plate in the Terrace Level seating section – for a night and add food items from our list of catering options. Each Flagstop Car Washes Party Deck rental comes with padded seating for 12 and another 12 seats along the bar top rails. Interested groups can contact the group sales department at 804359-FUNN (3866) ext. 2 to make reservations.

Party Den – The Food Lion Party

Den is a party area outside right field of the ballpark. The Food Lion Party Den is where you can book pregame functions, such as a birthday bash or tailgate party.

Peanut Gallery (Elephant Auto Insurance) – The Elephant Auto Insurance Peanut Gallery is an intimate seating area that includes a wicker “love seat” located in an exclusive area right outside of the store along the first-base line. Reservations are $32 and are available by calling the ticket office at 804-359-FUNN (3866) ext. 1.

PFG Picnic Zone – Located on the main concourse along the third-base side, the PFG Picnic Zone, available for rental, features an all-you-caneat buffet for up to 500 fans. Groups of eight or more can reserve a spot, which includes a reserved seat in the Chick-fil-A Richmond Field Level. Interested groups can contact the group sales department at 804-359-FUNN (3866) ext. 2 to make reservations.

Pregame Tailgate Party – Groups of 20 or more can book a 1 1/2-hour all-you-can-eat pregame buffet in our Food Lion Party Den located outside the ballpark near right field.

Package also includes Terrace Level tickets for all guests (upgrades available), a public address announcement recognizing your group and exclusive kids games provided.

Public Address Announcements – PA Announcements for birthdays, groups, etc. are $15 and must be turned in at fan services before the conclusion of the second inning of that night’s game.

the diamond a-z guide Q, R Rain Policy – If a Flying Squirrels game is postponed due to inclement weather with less than 4 1/2 innings completed, tickets can be used as rain checks for another 2018 regular season Flying Squirrels home game based on availability.

Refunds – No refunds will be given for tickets purchased at The Diamond. See above for rain policy.

Restrooms – Men’s and women’s restrooms are located down the first- and third-base lines on both the main concourse and the upper deck (second level).

S Smoking Area – The Diamond is a smoke-free facility. There is a designated smoking area located on the first-base side of the ballpark that can be accessed through the gates beyond the Squirrels Nest presented

by Retro Brand.

Sponsorships – If your business is interested in becoming a sponsorship partner of the Flying Squirrels, contact a member of the front office staff by calling 804-359-FUNN (3866).

Suites – Nightly suite rentals are available for groups interested in watching a Flying Squirrels game in the comfort and privacy of a luxury suite. Packages include 12 tickets, personal wait service, climate control, cable TV and a special visit from

Nutzy. Monday-Wednesday suite pricing is $675, and a suite for ThursdaySunday games and fireworks nights is $775. Call 804-482-6815 for suite availability and booking.

tives is strictly prohibited within the confines of The Diamond, its parking lots, or any other Richmond Flying Squirrels properties. POSITIVELY NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES.

T

U, V

Terrace Level Seating – Terrace Level seating is located in the front rows of the upper deck behind home plate and along both the first- and third-base lines. Terrace Level seats are labeled gray on the seating chart on page 28. Tickets are available for $10 per ticket in advance and $12 day of game. Tickets can be purchased by calling the ticket office at 804-359-FUNN (3866) ext. 1 or online at SquirrelsBaseball.com.

Umbrellas – Umbrellas are allowed at The Diamond, but please be respectful to the sight lines of those around you.

Ticket Disclaimer – EASTERN LEAGUE RULES PROHIBIT FOOD OR BEVERAGE BEING BROUGHT INTO THE BALLPARK. WARNING: The holder of this ticket assumes all liability and danger incidental to the game of baseball whether occurring prior to, during, or subsequent to the actual playing of the game. Any and all Promotions and Giveaways are subject to change at the sole discretion of management. The Richmond Flying Squirrels reserve the right to change the date, starting time, and the location of the professional baseball game on the front of this ticket and no such change shall entitle the holder a refund of the purchase price for this or any other Flying Squirrels ticket.

Ticket sales, of any value (including complimentary distribution), by nonofficial Flying Squirrels representa-

Ushers – Ushers are available to show you to your seat and answer any questions you may have.

W, X, Y, Z Weapons – For the safety of all guests, pocket knives and weapons of any kind are not permitted at The Diamond. The only exception to this is law enforcement personnel in the performance of their official duties.

In this case, it is the responsibility of the officer to disclose they are carrying a weapon for official duties to security personnel upon entry. Guests wishing to enter the stadium for a game or event consent to a reasonable search for weapons before entering. Guests who fail to comply with the above conditions will be denied admittance or may be ejected.

No refunds or exchanges will be allowed in such an event.

Will Call – Tickets purchased in advance may be picked up at the will call window located at the main ticket office in front of The Diamond.

Sponsored by

EVERY FRIDAY AND SUNDAY HOME GAME AT THE DIAMOND!

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RVA’s Trusted Family-Lifestyle Magazine FREE at the Squirrels Nest or any area Kroger, Wegmans, Food Lion, or Wawa.

hospitality at the diamond

BISTRO AT THE BULLPEN

PICNIC ZONE

The Bistro at the Bullpen is the ultimate hospitality experience at The Diamond.

The Bistro features a three-course, all-you-caneat buffet, personal bartender and exclusive seating down the first-base line that puts you right in the action.

The PFG Picnic Zone is the perfect place for hosting anything from small social gatherings to large corporate events. This exclusive area down the third-base line can accommodate up to 500 guests and features a delicious two-hour, all-you-can-eat buffet.

PARTY DEN

PARTY DECKS

The Pregame Tailgate Party in the Food Lion Party Den gives fans the opportunity to enjoy a premium party area without the premium price.

The Tailgate includes a 90-minute, all-you-caneat buffet and a game ticket. Brunch is available on Sundays.

Located in sections 207 and 211, the Flagstop Car Washes Party Decks feature some of the best views at The Diamond. Each Party Deck comes with exclusive seating for 24 people, including 12 padded seats with cup holders and 12 seats along bar top rails.

LUXURY SUITES

BRANDSTANDS

Luxury suites provide fans with the most comfortable and private experience at The Diamond. Each suite includes 12 tickets, four parking passes, padded outdoor seating, air-conditioning and a private server. Suite holders can also purchase full catering.

33 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

The Brandito BrandStands offer a unique group experience from a reserved area in section 217 down the third-base line.

A BrandStands rental includes seating for 38 guests along bar top rails, ideal for entertaining clients or employees.

flying squirrels charities

“ Flying Squirrels Charities Mission Statement: “To partner and connect the Flying Squirrels brand with the greater Richmond community through fun and versatile fundraising campaigns that benefit youth in the city of Richmond.”

Renovating Richmond’s Recreation: Field Projects

COMPLETED • • • •

Hotchkiss | Summer 2015 701 E Brookland Park Blvd Westover | Summer 2015 1301 Jahnke Rd Blackwell | Fall 2016 16th and Everett streets Bellmeade | Fall 2017 1800 Lynhave Ave

UNDER CONSTRUCTION • •

Henderson | Summer 2018 500 Forest Lawn Drive Powhatan Hill | Summer 2018 5051 Northampton Ave

FUTURE PROJECTS • • • • • • • • •

Bill Robinson Fairfield Fonticello/Carter Jones G.H. Reid Gillies Creek Park Humphrey Calder Mary Scott Summer Hill Whitcomb

Upcoming Flying Squirrels Charities Fundraising Events

Turn Left Golf Classic Fall 2018 Held in partnership with Richmond Raceway, proceeds benefit Flying Squirrels Charities and RR Cares.

34 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

WRBA Boxing Smoker Oct. 8, 2018 Hosted at The Diamond for the first time last year, the annual event returns and will benefit Flying Squirrels Charities.

Nutzy’s Funn Run Fall/Winter 2018 Last year’s event toured Scott’s Addition and planning is under way to add even more FUNN in 2018.

35 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

player slide sponsors

36 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

giants organization SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS LEAGUE: National League (MLB) MANAGER: Bruce Bochy 2017 RECORD: 64-98 (5th) BALLPARK: AT&T Park WEBSITE: sfgiants.com

SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS LEAGUE: Pacific Coast League (Triple-A) MANAGER: Dave Brundage 2017 RECORD: 64-77 (4th) BALLPARK: Raley Field WEBSITE: rivercats.com

SAN JOSE GIANTS LEAGUE: California League (Advanced-A) MANAGER: Lipso Nava 2017 RECORD: 30-40 (4th) | 32-38 (4th) BALLPARK: San Jose Municipal Stadium WEBSITE: sjgiants.com

AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS LEAGUE: South Atlantic League (Low-A) MANAGER: Jolbert Cabrera 2017 RECORD: 23-42 (7th) | 32-38 (5th) BALLPARK: SRP Park WEBSITE: greenjacketsbaseball.com

SALEM-KEIZER VOLCANOES LEAGUE: Northwest League (Short-Season A) MANAGER: Hector Borg 2017 RECORD: 16-22 (4th) | 13-25 (4th) BALLPARK: Volcanoes Stadium “The Crater” WEBSITE: volcanoesbaseball.com

ARIZONA LEAGUE GIANTS 1 & 2 LEAGUE: Arizona League (Rookie) MANAGERS: Carlos Valderrama & Billy Horton 2017 RECORD: 20-8 (1st) | 14-14 (3rd) BALLPARK: Giants Baseball Complex WEBSITE: milb.com 37 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

mlb.com prospect rankings As of March 15, 2018 1) CHRIS SHAW - OF/1B

10) JOAN GREGORIO - RHP

BATS-THROWS: Left-Right HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 226 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 24 2017 TEAM: Sacramento River Cats OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 50/80

BATS-THROWS: Right-Right HEIGHT: 6-8 WEIGHT: 264 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 26 2017 TEAM: Sacramento River Cats OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 45/80

2) TYLER BEEDE - RHP

11) SETH CORRY - LHP

BATS-THROWS: Right-Right HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 211 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 24 2017 TEAM: Sacramento River Cats OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 50/80

BATS-THROWS: Left-Left HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 195 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 19 2017 TEAM: AZL Giants OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 45/80

3) HELIOT RAMOS - OF

12) JACOB GONZALEZ - 3B

BATS-THROWS: Right-Right HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 185 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 18 2017 TEAM: AZL Giants OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 50/80

BATS-THROWS: Right-Right HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 190 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 19 2017 TEAM: AZL Giants OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 45/80

4) AUSTIN SLATER - OF

13) C.J HINOJOSA - SS/3B

BATS-THROWS: Right-Right HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 197 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 25 2017 TEAM: San Francisco Giants OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 50/80

BATS-THROWS: Right-Right HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 175 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 23 2017 TEAM: Richmond Flying Squirrels OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 45/80

5) STEVEN DUGGAR - OF

14) SHAUN ANDERSON - RHP

BATS-THROWS: Left-Right HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 189 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 24 2017 TEAM: Sacramento River Cats OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 50/80

BATS-THROWS: Right-Right HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 225 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 23 2017 TEAM: San Jose Giants OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 45/80

6) ARAMIS GARCIA - C/1B

15) GARRETT CAVE - RHP

BATS-THROWS: Right-Right HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 220 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 25 2017 TEAM: Richmond Flying Squirrels OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 45/80

BATS-THROWS: Right-Right HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 200 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 21 2017 TEAM: Salem-Keizer Volcanoes OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 45/80

7) SANDRO FABIAN - OF

16) GARRETT WILLIAMS - LHP

BATS-THROWS: Right-Right HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 180 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 21 2017 TEAM: Augusta GreenJackets OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 45/80

BATS-THROWS: Left-Left HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 205 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 23 2017 TEAM: San Jose Giants OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 45/80

8) HEATH QUINN - OF

17) ALEXANDER CANARIO - OF

BATS-THROWS: Right-Right HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 225 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 22 2017 TEAM: San Jose Giants OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 45/80

BATS-THROWS: Right-Right HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 165 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 17 2017 TEAM: DSL Giants OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 45/80

9) ANDREW SUAREZ - LHP

18) SAM COONROD - RHP

BATS-THROWS: Left-Left HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 187 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 25 2017 TEAM: Sacramento River Cats OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 45/80

BATS-THROWS: Right-Right HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 225 lbs.

OPENING DAY AGE: 25 2017 TEAM: Richmond Flying Squirrels OVERALL SCOUTING GRADE: 45/80

38 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

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boulevard to the bay B-CRAW BACK ON THE BLVD Brandon Crawford, one of the most accomplished former Flying Squirrels, made a twoday return to the Boulevard last May as part of a major league rehab assignment.

Working his way back from a groin injury, the threetime Gold Glove shortstop went 4-for-8 at the plate in his brief stint with the Squirrels, which included a three-hit performance against the Altoona Curve in the second of his two games played.

Overall last season, Crawford hit .253 with 14 home runs and 77 RBIs in 144 games played with the San Francisco Giants. Following the season, he was awarded his third consecutive Gold Glove.

The California-native was a member of the Flying Squirrels inaugural season roster in 2010, appearing in 79 games.

Right-hander Josh Osich was the first former Flying Squirrel to return to the team on major league rehab, making two relief appearances with Richmond in 2016.

2010 FLYING SQUIRRELS PLAYER

Darren Ford Brandon Belt Brandon Crawford Thomas Neal Tyler Graham Nick Noonan Roger Kieschnick Jackson Williams

POS. ML DEBUT OF INF INF OF OF INF OF C

Sept. 1, 2010 March 31, 2011 May 27, 2011 Sept. 2, 2012 Sept. 7, 2012 April 3, 2013 July 31, 2013 Aug. 27, 2014

TEAM

San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants Cleveland Indians Arizona Diamondbacks San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants Colorado Rockies

2011 FLYING SQUIRRELS PLAYER

Henry Sosa Eric Surkamp Dan Otero Charlie Culberson Ryan Verdugo Francisco Peguero Juan Perez Heath Hembree Johnny Monell Chris Dominguez Ryan Lollis

POS. ML DEBUT RHP LHP RHP INF LHP OF OF RHP C INF OF

Aug. 10, 2011 Aug. 27, 2011 April 7, 2012 May 13, 2012 July 17, 2012 Aug. 25, 2012 June 9, 2013 Sept. 3, 2013 Sept. 5, 2013 Sept. 3, 2014 July 4, 2015

TEAM

Houston Astros San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants Kansas City Royals San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants

2012 FLYING SQUIRRELS PLAYER

POS. ML DEBUT

Mike Kickham Jake Dunning Ehire Adrianza Gary Brown Chris Heston Brett Bochy Tommy Joseph

LHP RHP INF OF RHP RHP C

May 28, 2013 June 16, 2013 Sept. 8, 2013 Sept. 3, 2014 Sept. 13, 2014 Sept. 13, 2014 May 13, 2016

TEAM

San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants Philadelphia Phillies

2013 FLYING SQUIRRELS PLAYER

Joe Panik Adam Duvall Andrew Susac Edwin Escobar Jarrett Parker Josh Osich Kelby Tomlinson Cody Hall Fabio Castillo 40 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

POS. ML DEBUT INF INF C LHP OF LHP INF RHP RHP

June 21, 2014 June 26, 2014 July 26, 2014 Aug. 27, 2014 June 13, 2015 July 3, 2015 Aug. 3, 2015 Sept. 3, 2015 Sept. 2, 2017

TEAM

San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants Boston Red Sox San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants Los Angeles Dodgers

boulevard to the bay 2014 FLYING SQUIRRELS PLAYER

Matt Duffy Hunter Strickland Derek Law Steven Okert Chris Stratton Adalberto Mejia Ty Blach Kelvin Marte Kyle Crick Dan Slania

POS. ML DEBUT INF RHP RHP LHP RHP LHP LHP LHP RHP RHP

Aug. 1, 2014 Sept. 1, 2014 April 15, 2016 April 19, 2016 May 30, 2016 Aug. 20, 2016 Sept. 5, 2016 Sept. 3, 2016 June 22, 2017 June 30, 2017

TEAM

San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants Minnesota Twins San Francisco Giants Pittsburgh Pirates San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants

2015 FLYING SQUIRRELS PLAYER

Mac Williamson Joe Biagini Austin Slater

POS. ML DEBUT OF RHP OF

Sept. 23, 2015 April 8, 2016 June 2, 2017

TEAM

San Francisco Giants Toronto Blue Jays San Francisco Giants

2016 FLYING SQUIRRELS PLAYER

Jake Smith Christian Arroyo Ryder Jones Carlos Moncrief

POS. ML DEBUT RHP INF INF OF

Sept. 7, 2016 April 24, 2017 June 24, 2017 July 29, 2017

TEAM

San Diego Padres San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants

2017 FLYING SQUIRRELS PLAYER

Miguel Gomez Reyes Moronta

POS. ML DEBUT INF RHP

July 7, 2017 Sept. 5, 2017

TEAM

San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants

Infielder Miguel Gomez was recalled by the San Francisco Giants directly from Richmond on July 7, 2017.

Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports 41 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

SQUIRREL IN THE SERIES Even though the San Francisco Giants missed out on the postseason in 2017, there was one former Flying Squirrel who found his way into the spotlight during the Fall Classic.

Utility infielder Charlie Culberson, who played in 137 games with the Squirrels in 2011, appeared in 10 playoff games, including five in the World Series, with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Culberson was 5-for-11 at the plate with three extra-base hits in the National League Championship Series against the Chicago Cubs.

The Georgia-native then continued to produce in the World Series, going 3-for-5 including a solo home run in the bottom of the 11th inning in Game 2 versus the Houston Astros. It was the first home run hit by a former Flying Squirrel in a World Series game.

Excludiing rehabs, Culberson was the ninth former Flying Squirrels player to appear in the World Series.

The Quality Inn® West End hotel lets you relax and focus on the people and experiences you came for. You’ll find plenty of activities and attractions to explore near our hotel, including Richmond International Airport,Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Richmond, Kings Dominion, Children's Museum of Richmond, Science Museum of Virginia, the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond Raceway, and of course The Diamond, home of your Richmond Flying Squirrels!

Our Value Qs deliver professional, responsive and friendly service, as well as amenities that give you more for your hard-earned money like: •FREE hot, fresh and healthy breakfast •FREE weekday newspaper and coffee •FREE WiFi and a Business Center with copy, print & fax machines and internet access •Guest Laundry Facilities •Seasonal outdoor pool Each guest room offers a refreshing shower, refrigerator, microwave, flat-screen TV, coffee maker and a comfortable, premium mattress and linens, a generous supply of fluffy pillows and a soft, plush blanket—because we know how much you value a good night’s sleep.

Get your money’s worth at the Quality Inn® West End, so you can focus on the people and travel memories that really matter. Book today!

CONTACT US FOR YOUR FLYING SQUIRRELS FAMILY & FRIENDS RATE 42 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

meet nutz y & nutasha

NUTZY FUNN FACTS

NUTASHA FUNN FACTS

OPENING DAY AGE: 8 years BIRTHDATE: Feb. 11, 2010 INTRODUCED AT: The Byrd Theater FAVORITE SONG: “You’re the Best Around”

— Joe Esposito 2017 APPEARANCES: 495

OPENING DAY AGE: 1 year, 11 months BIRTHDATE: April 14, 2016 INTRODUCED AT: The Diamond FAVORITE SONG: “On My Mind”

— Cody Simpson 2017 APPEARANCES: 88

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hail to the flying squirrels

Lyrics by Justin Bailey One for all and all for one, We salute our champions.

Hail to the Flying Squirrels, Who stand for you and me.

Everybody throw your caps on tight, We’re gonna represent the River City.

We’re keeping rhythm to the train track’s time, And feel the James flow strong through our veins.

We’re going down to the Boulevard, To have FUNN ‘cause that’s the name of the game.

Beneath the stars and the lights tonight, It’s our home team from Richmond, VA! Whoa! Boys and girls, Let’s all cheer our Flying Squirrels!

Whoa! Make some noise!

We are Richmond! Hear our voice!

And HAVE FUNN, GO NUTS! Everybody’s coming through the gates, We feel the energy starting to grow.

Cause RVA is stepping up to the plate, To knock it all the way to San Francisco.

We’re on the shoulders of Giants, And we can see clearly for miles and miles and miles.

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Beneath the stars and the lights tonight, Our city’s gonna shout it aloud!

Whoa! Boys and girls, Let’s all cheer our Flying Squirrels!

Whoa! Make some noise!

We are Richmond! Hear our voice!

And HAVE FUNN, GO NUTS! One for all and all for one, We salute our champions.

Hail to the Flying Squirrels, Who stand for you and me!

All together we can be, Proud of our community!

Hail to Richmond, VA, And bless this great city!

Whoa! Boys and girls, Let’s all cheer our Flying Squirrels!

Whoa! Make some noise!

We are Richmond! Hear our voice!

Whoa! Join the crowd!

Shout it loud and shout it proud!

There’s something we want to say, The Flying Squirrels are Richmond, VA! HAVE FUNN, GO NUTS! HAVE FUNN, GO NUTS!

45 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

squirrels on the air JAY BURNHAM - DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING Jay Burnham enters his sixth season in the Flying Squirrels broadcast booth and his 16th in MiLB. He also calls games on the ACC Network as well as VCU and Longwood basketball. A native of Shelburne Falls, Mass., Burnham was the recipient of the prestigious 2011 Minor League Broadcaster of the Year award issued by Ballpark Digest, a renowned industry publication. He was also recognized by Baseball America in 2016 as the “Minor’s Best Broadcasting Prospect.”

SAM RAVECH - RADIO/TV BROADCASTER Sam Ravech enters his second year with the Flying Squirrels and his second as a professional broadcaster. The Connecticut native graduated from Pepperdine University with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and media production. During the offseason, Ravech called NCAA men’s basketball games for ESPN and served as the play-by-play voice of the University of Mary Washington Eagles. He is the son of ESPN “Baseball Tonight” host Karl Ravech.

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Informed.

Informed.

Informed.

In the game.

In the In the game. game.

No one covers Richmond – and the Flying Squirrels – like the RichmondTimes-Dispatch.

Stay in the game at Richmond.com/GoNuts

Informed.

In the game.

No one covers Richmond – and No covers Richmond and theone Flying Squirrels – like– the No one covers Richmond – and the Flying Squirrels – like the RichmondTimes-Dispatch. the Flying Squirrels – like the RichmondTimes-Dispatch.

Stay in the game at RichmondTimes-Dispatch.

Stay in the game at Richmond.com/GoNuts Stay in the game at Richmond.com/GoNuts Richmond.com/GoNuts 48 SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM

EN FUEGO

Available at the Squirrels Nest presented by Retro Brand OPEN YEAR-ROUND ON THE FIRST BASE SIDE OF THE DIAMOND

SQUIRRELSBASEBALL.COM