Party Like It’s 1997, RiverDogs Celebrate The Joe’s 21^st Birthday to Open Season

Tech Night, Ball Drop, Kids Opening Day, and a Tony the Peanut Man tribute all part of opening homestand

 

CHARLESTON, SC – There’s no party like a 21^st birthday party. The Charleston RiverDogs will celebrate The Joe’s milestone year as they open the 2017 season with a seven-game homestand from April 6-12 at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. In a week featuring helicopters, cash prizes, a tribute to Tony the Peanut Man, and high tech gizmos, the RiverDogs are pulling out all the stops as their ballpark finally comes of age.

Following a season in which they snapped an 11-year playoff drought, the RiverDogs begin the 2017 campaign playing host to the Lexington Legends in a four-game weekend series followed by a three-game stint against the Augusta GreenJackets from April 10-12.

Thursday, April 6, 7:05pm: The Joe Turns 21/Budweiser Thirsty Thursday/Magnet Schedule Giveaway: The RiverDogs celebrate The Joe’s milestone year on the same day the club played their first game at their storied ballpark in 1997. The pregame ceremony will feature all the pomp and circumstance fans have come to expect with a National Anthem rendition by Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg on a piano courtesy of Fox Music before the RiverDogs roll into the biggest 21^st birthday party of the year. It’s a Budweiser Thirsty Thursday presented by 95SX featuring dollar beers and the scintillating tunes of DJ Natty Heavy in the remodeled and expanded Budweiser Ashley View Pub. Fans that turn 21 each Thirsty Thursday will receive free admission with proof of an ID and college students can secure tickets at the gate for just $5. The first 3,000 fans in attendance will also receive a RiverDogs magnet schedule.

Friday, April 7, 7:05pm: Tech Night presented by Google/ Home Telecom Fireworks/Red Shirt Friday: Join the RiverDogs for their first Friday Night Fireworks postgame extravaganza presented by Home Telecom on a night celebrating Charleston’s growing tech industry. In a joint venture between the RiverDogs and Google, Tech Night will highlight and bring together the Lowcountry’s technology companies for a night of celebration and fun. Four local tech upstarts will compete in the “Dog Tank” with RiverDogs fans on social media deciding who will win the cash prize. As part of a Red Shirt Friday, the RiverDogs will wear specialty red uniforms to honor our military in partnership with Apex Broadcasting and Live 5 News. Fans who wear red to the game get $1 off their ticket purchase at the gate with the option to donate that dollar to the Palmetto Military Support Group.

Saturday, April 8, 6:05pm: Helicopter Ball Drop/Raffle Night: In the first edition of Saturdays Live at The Joe presented by NASH FM and Fox 24, the RiverDogs bring you the Helicopter Ball Drop following the night’s contest against Lexington. The RiverDogs will give away a multitude of prizes to fans hoping that one of the thousands of bouncy balls falling from the sky will make them a winner. One lucky fan has the chance to walk away with a $2,000 grand prize if their ball lands at home plate. Should there not be a winner, the prize money will roll over to the next monthly bonanza with a chance for the pot to grow to up to $10,000 by season’s end. Be sure and hang onto your ticket, because prizes will be raffled away throughout the night leading up to the grand postgame spectacle. Select RiverDogs players will also be available for pregame autographs each Saturday.

Sunday, April 9, 5:05pm: MUSC Health Family Sunday in the Holy City/ Kids’ Opening Day: Every Sunday is an MUSC Health Family Sunday in the Holy City as the RiverDogs don their specialty Holy City pinstriped uniforms on an evening of family fun. In partnership with Y102.5, the RiverDogs offer free parking while members of the MUSC Children's Health Kids Club (12 and under) gain free admission, eat free, play pregame catch on the field, and run the bases postgame. On the first Sunday home game, the RiverDogs hand over the keys to the ballpark to Lowcountry kids with youth members taking over the ballpark operations ranging from ticket taking, radio broadcasting, concessions, throwing out the first pitch, and more. The first 1,000 kids through the gates will also receive a free RiverDogs t-shirt courtesy of Vapor Apparel.

Monday, April 10, 7:05pm: Dog Day/ Youth Baseball Night: The RiverDogs welcome Lowcountry youth sports teams on the first Monday Dog Day presented by Apex Broadcasting as canine-friendly nights return for its second year as a featured weekly promotion. Man's best friends get in free and their humans can enjoy dollar hot dogs and beers courtesy of Busch Light. As part of "Dogs with a Cause," the RiverDogs and Blackbaud, the local software and services leader for the global philanthropic community, will share the spotlight with a local nonprofit each Monday home game. This week, the RiverDogs welcome Surfers Healing, a local nonprofit that orchestrates surf camps for children with autism.

Tuesday, April 11, 7:05pm: Trendy Tuesday, Viral Trends: The RiverDogs set the stage for their weekly “Trendy Tuesdays” presented by Magic 107.3 ad Z93 Jamz as they celebrate some of the wildest, weirdest, and often forgotten viral trends of the internet. Remember planking? Look at some of the latest fads to sweep the interwebs while poking fun at the hip happenings of yesteryear. Fans can also take advantage of "Take Me Out Tuesday" ticket specials from Harris Teeter featuring two tickets, dinner, and drinks for just $20 at the gate. Also be sure to stop by the Landshark Shack to enter to win Jimmy Buffet tickets for his stop in Charleston on Thursday, May 11 at Volvo Car Stadium at Family Circus Tennis Center.

Wednesday, April 12, 7:05pm: Tony the Peanut Man Night/Senior Wednesday: The RiverDogs will honor a Charleston icon who passed away this past offseason and tip their sweetgrass caps to Tony the Peanut Man known for his unflappable cheer and crowd pleasing songs at The Joe over the years. As part of a weekly “Wardrobe Wednesday” giveaway presented by WEZL and ABC News 4, the first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a Tony the Peanut Man commemorative lapel pin. As part of Senior Wednesdays, the RiverDogs’ wisest fans (65 and older) that purchase tickets at the gate before 7pm receive a free hot dog, chips, and a drink, and have the opportunity to run the bases postgame.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages, mini plans, and group tickets are now available for the 2017 campaign, including options for the all-new Riley Park Club. The RiverDogs, the Class-A affiliate of the 27-time world champion New York Yankees, begin their season on Thursday April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends at The Joe.

Single-game tickets are now available and can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com. Those that can’t make it to the park can follow every pitch of the RiverDogs season on WTMA 1250 AM in the tri-county area or by streaming online at riverdogs.com and the TuneIn Radio App by searching “RiverDogs.”

Kevin Gehl named Radio Voice of the Suns

Veteran television and radio sportscaster will serve as Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations

 

 

HAGERSTOWN, Md. - The Hagerstown Suns, Class-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, are pleased to welcome Kevin Gehl as their new Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the 2017 season. He will serve as lead radio play-by-play announcer for the Suns in addition to his front office role as manager of media relations and multimedia outreach.

Since 2015, Gehl has worked as a reporter and announcer for the Big Ten Network, providing live interviews and updates from ice level on BTN hockey coverage and play-by-play calls for baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, and volleyball on BTN Plus. He joins the Suns after spending 2016 as a radio broadcaster for the Lansing Lugnuts, Class-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, in the Midwest League. To sample Gehl's on-air work, click here.

"We are very excited to add a broadcaster with the experience that Kevin brings to Hagerstown and the South Atlantic League," Suns general manager Travis Painter explained. "His knowledge and experience will be a great asset to our team."

"Hagerstown has such a rich baseball history but there's also a new energy around this Suns organization," Gehl added. "I'm eager to take Suns radio broadcasts and media relations to the highest level as we enjoy one of the best views from a broadcast booth in all of baseball here at Municipal Stadium."

Gehl brings a well-rounded set of broadcast skills to Hagerstown. From 2011 to 2015, he worked as a sports anchor and reporter for WLNS-TV (CBS) in Lansing, Michigan. Gehl co-hosted the award-winning Friday 5th Quarter and reported live from marquee events like the Final Four, Rose Bowl, and Carrier Classic basketball game aboard the U.S.S. Carl Vinson.

A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Gehl graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. His additional television credits include sports reporting for KOMU-TV (NBC) in central Missouri and Cal-Hi Sports Bay Area on Comcast SportsNet California. He also worked as a radio play-by-announcer for WZOQ-FM in northern Ohio and the Michigan State Spartans Radio Network.

Gehl will broadcast all Suns home games from historic Municipal Stadium on www.hagerstownsuns.com via TuneIn Radio. Opening Night is set for Thursday, April 6 with first pitch against the Asheville Tourists at 6:05 p.m. 

For Suns media inquiries and requests during the 2017 season, please contact Gehl by e-mail at kevin.gehl@hagerstownsuns.com or by calling (301) 791-6266.

 

With Tebow on roster, Fireflies glow brighter

Athlete, cultural icon ready to take the South Atlantic League by storm

By Benjamin Hill / MiLB.com

 

Tim Tebow is starting his career with the Columbia Fireflies, bringing excitement throughout the South Atlantic League.

 

It's Tebow time in the South Atlantic League.

The New York Mets announced Monday that Tim Tebow will begin his professional baseball career with their Class A affiliate, the Columbia Fireflies. Tebow is not a typical Minor Leaguer, of course, as typical Minor Leaguers aren't 29-year-old evangelical Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks with NFL experience and an international following. This is a man who has cultivated a massive, devout fan base, as well as a contingent of seemingly ever-present detractors.

In short, everything Tim Tebow does is news. And now the Fireflies -- and the entirety of the South Atlantic League -- are a big part of the story. 

Tebow will be the most high-profile Minor Leaguer since 1994, when Michael Jordan (temporarily) retired from the NBA, signed with the White Sox and spent the season with the Double-A Birmingham Barons.

John Katz was among the sprawling cast of characters during Jordan's memorable run through the Southern League; in 1994 he served as media relations coordinator for the circuit's Carolina Mudcats franchise. Now, as Columbia Fireflies president, he's playing a direct role in facilitating Tebow's Minor League experience.

"It's been a whirlwind," said Katz, speaking in Columbia shortly after returning from a trip to the Mets' Spring Training home of Port St. Lucie, Florida. "To the extent that we've been able to prepare for it, we've prepared for it. I spent time with Timmy [Wednesday] morning. The guy gets it -- he knows he's nine or 10 years behind other kids. But you look at the smile on his face, you know he wants to be here, and from that standpoint it's exciting…. I hate to sound cliché, but it's a blessing for us to be a part of it." 

Tebow's presence will certainly be a blessing at the gate. The Fireflies have recently experienced what Katz, perhaps understatedly, refers to as a "noticeable uptick" in ticket sales. There has also been a noticeable uptick in the sale of Fireflies merchandise, whose apparel line now includes Tebow T-shirts.

"The impressions globally have been phenomenal," said Katz.

The Fireflies open their season at home on April 6, kicking off their second year at Spirit Communications Park after relocating from Savannah, Georgia. Savannah's Grayson Stadium, the Mets' previous Class A locale and Katz's former place of employment, opened in 1926 and would have been a logistical nightmare in terms of handling the crush of fans and media that Tebow will bring.

"One of the byproducts of moving into a new park is the amount of people [on staff] that we have," said Katz. "Community relations. Social media. I feel like now, more than any time in my career, we're best equipped to handle something like this. We have the right people to make the experience great. We can let Timmy be a ballplayer, to go through the process and hopefully make his way to the big leagues. And to do that while understanding that there are 24 other guys [on the Fireflies roster] going through the same thing. Understanding that balance is going to be important." 

Tebow on Tour: Coming to a ballpark near you?

Making a Minor League schedule is never easy, but it's particularly difficult in the Sally League. The circuit stretches as far north as Lakewood, New Jersey, and as far south as Charleston, South Carolina. Only one team -- the Greensboro Grasshoppers -- is located less than 500 miles from all the other teams. (This is an important number in Minor League Baseball as teams are prohibited from traveling more than 500 miles by bus at a single stretch.) The ramifications of the SAL's sprawling footprint are evident in its schedule, which is created via supercomputer by a team of Johns Hopkins University researchers and students. Variables such as the even distribution of weekend home dates are given higher priority than every team playing at least one home and away series against each other.

All of this is to say, three teams -- the West Virginia Power, Asheville Tourists and Greensboro Grasshoppers -- won't host the Fireflies at all this season. The remaining 10 teams are now preparing for brief bursts of Tebowmania, marketing his appearance while including some variation of an essential caveat that can be paraphrased as "Hey, this is Minor League Baseball. Tebow might get promoted, demoted, injured, released or retire. But we sure hope he'll be with the team when the Fireflies come to town."

After the Fireflies open at home (on MiLB.TV), they'll travel to Augusta, Georgia, for the GreenJackets' home opener. Augusta general manager Tom Denlinger said Tebow's possible appearance is "catching the CSRA [Central Savannah River Area] by storm." "Got Tebow?" reads the team's social media imagery, above a photo of the smiling erstwhile quarterback.

From Augusta, the Fireflies are on to Rome, Georgia, where the Braves have taken a conservative approach and simply mentioned that "Tim Tebow is tentatively scheduled to play." The Hickory Crawdads are next up on the road trip docket, with Columbia in town from April 27-30. General manager Mark Seaman reported that tickets sales for the four-game set are "300 to 400 percent higher than usual."

The Fireflies visit the Delmarva Shorebirds from May 10-12. General manager Chris Bitters said online ticket sales have been "very robust" this week, and that on May 10 Tebowmania will collide with "Mascot Mania" when a couple dozen costumed characters (give or take) visit the ballpark to celebrate Sherman the bird's 22nd birthday. Bitters added the standard disclaimer that Tebow "may or may not" be on the roster but said "fans will have a great time at the Shorebirds game regardless."

From Delmarva it's on to the Lakewood BlueClaws. The team put these May 13-16 games on sale Tuesday, in advance of when they otherwise would have been made available to the public. Director of communications Greg Giombarrese said reserved seats for May 13's game -- a Bark in the Park promo in which dogs are admitted -- are nearly sold out, and that Tuesday yielded the most traffic to the team's website of any day this offseason.

The Fireflies make it to Lexington on May 28, and the Legends will be ready. To "capitalize on the hysteria," the team is offering a "Ten Tebow" ticket package for all 10 games (over three series) in which the Fireflies will be in town. 

Legends creative director Ty Cobb (yes, that is his real name) said "the last time Tim Tebow played a game in Lexington, it was an SEC football match-up and he left the field on a cart after taking a vicious hit from a University of Kentucky defensive end. Now he'll return with a baseball bat and glove…. You never know if or when you'll ever have an opportunity even remotely close to it again."

From June 1-4, Columbia will take on the Hagerstown Suns. The Suns' Facebook post promoting Tebow's potential visit became what GM Travis Painter called "our widest-reaching media post of all time, reaching over 35,000 people…. We have sold about 1,200 tickets over the four-day span."

The Greenville Drive host the Fireflies from June 13-15. From there its 213 miles south to Charleston, where RiverDogs GM Dave Echols points out that, coincidentally, the team will have a pre-game church service on June 18. Perhaps the famously religious Tebow will attend?   

Finally, there's the Kannapolis Intimidators, who first welcome the Fireflies from July 22-25. Director of communications Josh Feldman points out that a Heisman winner playing in Kannapolis has precedence -- Ricky Williams suited up for the Piedmont Boll Weevils in 1996 and 1997. (And let's not forget Chris Weinke, 1992 Myrtle Beach Hurricane turned 2000 Heisman Trophy winner.)

Feldman, clicking through the team's recent online ticket orders, said 16 of the past 17 had been for one of the games in which Tebow might be in town (emphasis on "might"). Seconds later, he paused.

"We just got another one," he said. "And, yeah, it's also a Tebow game." 

 

Armas Joins RiverDogs as Sales Representative

Former serviceman joins Charleston sales team

CHARLESTON, S.C. – RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols has announced that Daniel Armas has joined the Charleston front office as a sales representative. The former Navy sailor begins his position immediately heading into the 2017 season.

A former Naval serviceman deployed for two tours in Iraq and Kuwait, Armas most recently worked as a Navy recruiter in Raleigh, N.C. where he gained experience identifying and processing new enlistees.

“Daniel is a self-motivated, driven professional and a great personality to add to our front office staff,” said Echols. “His leadership qualities from his time as a serviceman are evident, and he has the energy and personality to sell the excitement taking place at The Joe every night.”

During his tours of duty, the Longview, Tex. native was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn as an Operations Specialist in the Riverine Squadron 1 and Coastal Riverine Squadron 2. He was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and named Junior Sailor of the Quarter in 2013.

Armas will take over the position vacated by Alfonso Rogers who departed the club for another position. The RiverDogs ticket sales team last year saw crowds flow through the turnstiles in record numbers as the club welcomed over 293,000 fans for the first time in their history.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages, mini plans, and group tickets are now available for the 2017 campaign, including options for the all-new Riley Park Club. The RiverDogs, the Class-A affiliate of the 27-time world champion New York Yankees, begin their season on Thursday April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends at The Joe.

Single-game tickets are now available and can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com. Those that can’t make it to the park can follow every pitch of the RiverDogs season on WTMA 1250 AM in the tri-county area or by streaming online at riverdogs.com and the TuneIn Radio App by searching “RiverDogs.”

 

“Tebow Time” Is Coming to Lexington

 

 

 'Tebow Time' is coming to the South Atlantic League and will make a few stops in Lexington, Kentucky this summer. Former Heisman Trophy winner and two-time BCS National Champion, Tim Tebow, will start his professional baseball career with the Columbia Fireflies, affiliate of the New York Mets. 

The Columbia Fireflies, SAL Southern Division foes of the Legends, will visit and play three series at Whitaker Bank Ballpark throughout the summer. To capatilize on the hysteria of 'Tebow Time,' the Legends are offering their fans a chance to see the former Florida Gator and NFL quarterback on the baseball diamond! The TEN Tebow Ticket Package will consist of ten (10) tickets to ten pre-determined games, with each game having a #stachetastic promotion!

Thursday, May 25 at 7:05pm:
Thirsty Thursday $1 Beers & Pepsi presented by Kentucky Ale AND Pepsi Bark in the Park

Friday, May 26 at 7:05pm:
Girl Scouts Campout; Meow on the Mound AND Paul Miller Ford 3-D FIREWORKS after the game

Saturday, May 27 at 6:35pm:
#1 Coach Cal Bobblehead Giveaway AND Paul Miller Ford 3-D FIREWORKS after the game

Sunday, May 28 at 2:05pm:
Jif Kids Club Sunday where all kids 12 & under receive a FREE TICKET

Monday, June 26 at 7:05pm:
Daddy/Daughter Date Night: Princess Night AND Kids Eat Free (12 & Under)

Tuesday, June 27 at 7:05pm:
$1.00 Day: Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Ice Cream & Pepsi soft drinks

Thursday, June 29 at 7:05pm:
Thirsty Thursday $1 Beers & Pepsi presented by Kentucky Ale AND Pepsi Bark in the Park

Wednesday, July 19 at 12:35pm:
1/2 off Hunt Brothers Pizza at the game

Thursday, July 20 at 7:05pm:
Thirsty Thursday $1 Beers & Pepsi presented by Kentucky Ale AND Pepsi Bark in the Park

Friday, July 21 at 7:05pm:
Morehead St. Night w/ Kenneth Faried Bobblehead Giveaway AND Paul Miller Ford 3-D FIREWORKS after the game

______________________________________

BOX SEAT PACKAGE ($99 for 10 games)

FIELD BOX SEAT PACKAGE ($129 for 10 games)

______________________________________

Fans can purchase the package online, by phone or stop by Whitaker Bank Ballpark. If you would like to upgrade your package to premium seating, just call one of our Account Executives and they can answer any question you might have! Individual game and partial and full season ticket plans for the 2017 season are now on sale. Visit LexingtonLegends.com, the Whitaker Bank Ballpark Box Office or call (859) 422-RUNS for more information.
______________________________________

Purchase a TEN Tebow Ticket Package from a Legends Account Executive, please call or e-mail them below:

Mike Allison - Director of Group Sales - (859) 422-7846 - mallison@lexingtonlegends.com
Kyle Hargrove - Account Executive Ticket Sales - (859) 422-7854 - khargrove@lexingtonlegends.com
Dominique Neel - Accout Executive Ticket Sales - (859) 422-7851 - dneel@lexingtonlegends.com

Mark Costagliola - Ticket Operations Manager - mcostagliola@lexingtonlegends.com
Legends Box Office: (859) 422-7867 or boxoffice@lexingtonlegends.com
Legends Group Sales Department: (859) 252-4487 or groupsales@lexingtonlegends.com

 

Tebowmania - Single-Game Tickets Available For May 13-16 Series with Fireflies

 

LAKEWOOD, NJ - Tebowmania is on the schedule! Due to the anticipated demand regarding Tim Tebow's impending appearance with the Columbia Fireflies, the BlueClaws have put individual tickets for the May 13th - 16th series with Columbia on sale now. 

These tickets are available online only. 

"We received an overwhelming reaction on social media and on the phone when fans learned on Monday that Tim Tebow could be here with the Fireflies this May," said BlueClaws General Manager Chris Tafrow. "We encourage fans to purchase their tickets now as we expect to sell out of reserve seats at these games." 

It was announced on Monday by the Mets and the Fireflies that Tebow would open the 2017 season in the South Atlantic League. 

The BlueClaws will open the gates 30 minutes earlier than usual for all four of these games, meaning gates will open 90 minutes before the scheduled first pitch. Season ticket holders that typically can enter the stadium 90 minutes early will get to enter 2 hours earlier for these games. 

Tebow was the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner and won national championships playing quarterback at the University of Florida in 2006 & 2008. He played three years in the National Football League and signed with the Mets to begin a professional baseball career last fall. 

Tebow joins Ricky Williams (Piedmont Boll Weevils, 1996-97) and Chris Weinke (Myrtle Beach Hurricanes, 1992) as Heisman Trophy winners to play in the South Atlantic League. 

Please note - Tickets cannot be exchanged and no refunds will be available. 

About The Series (first pitch time)
Saturday, May 13th (4:05 pm) - The popular Bark in the Park, presented by 95.9 WRAT and 100.1 WJRZ, returns and fans are once again encouraged to bring their dog to the game. There will be a pre-game festival on the Great Lawn beginning at 1:00 pm. 

Sunday, May 14th (1:05 pm) - It's Mother's Day at the ballpark. It's a ShopRite Kids Eat Free Sunday plus after the game, we'll have Investors Bank Kids Run the Bases. The BlueClaws have a special Mother's Day Brunch in the Monmouth Medical Center Champions Club that includes special seating and a buffet (call Mike Kasel at 732-901-7000 ext 195).

Monday, May 15th (6:35 pm) - It's a ShopRite Kids Eat Free Monday. 

Tuesday, May 16th (6:35 pm) - It's a Silver Sluggers Tuesday (Harrogate), where members of the BlueClaws Silver Sluggers Club, presented by Harrogate, eat free. For additional information, click here. 

All other BlueClaws single-game tickets will be available beginning Monday, March 27th at 10 am. 

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore's stop stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led New Jersey and the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 16 years of existence. 

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20170321&content_id=220263456&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t427&sid=t427

GET YOUR SINGLE GAME TICKETS

Greenville, SC - The 2017 season at Fluor Field gets underway three weeks from today, and it marks the beginning of a new era at Fluor Field. This offseason, the home of the Drive underwent a $14 million enhancement project, which included the installation of new Green Monster seats, new hospitality venues in The Champions Club presented by Hubbell Lighting and The Rooftop at Fluor Field, new chairback seats in the Pesky's Porch sections down the right-field line, an expanded team store, upgraded plaza entrances and much more.

Drive fans will be able to get a head start on their preparation for the 2017 season at Fluor Field when single-game tickets go on sale on Friday morning at 10:00 AM.

All seats in the seating bowl (sections 101-120) for all 70 home games will be available for purchase at the Main Street Box Office, by calling (864) 240-4528 or by visiting greenvilledrive.com.

Fans who are interested in purchasing Green Monster seats for the 2017 season can CLICK HERE to enter their information, and the Drive will be personally reaching out to each person who enters their information to set them up with games on the Green Monster this season.   When fans receive their call back from the Drive, they will have the opportunity to purchase up to four seats for up to four games on the Green Monster.

"The demand for Green Monster seats has exceeded even our highest expectations, and we couldn't be happier that the addition of these seats has fans excited for our 12^th season at Fluor Field," said Drive General Manager Eric Jarinko. "We are looking forward to personally connecting with each of our fans who are interested in Green Monster seats this season. We view these seats as a completely unique setting that we want as many fans as possible to experience first-hand."

Ticket prices start at $8 for the new Pesky's Porch seats in sections 116-120, and Infield Reserved seats (sections 101-102, 114-115) can be purchased for $9. Dugout Box seats (sections 103-106, 110-113) are $10, while Home Plate Box seats (sections 107-109) are $12. The new Green Monster seats will be available for $16.

The Main Street Box Office is currently open between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM Monday through Friday. The Box Office will be open at 10:00 AM on Saturday in conjunction with the St. Paddy's Day Dash and Bash and the 4:00 PM Lexington-Wren high school game at Fluor Field. Once the season begins, the box office opens at 10:00 AM Monday-Saturday and remains open through the end of the game on gamedays, and it will open at 12:00 PM on Sunday gamedays as well. Regular box office hours apply on non-gamedays during the season.

The Drive's 2017 schedule features a wide variety of promotions and theme nights. Dollar Drink Night returns on Thursdays, and the Drive will continue to host Friday Night Fireworks shows throughout the season with accompanying musical themes. With the schedule also including entertainment acts such as the ZOOperstars as well as community-centric days such as Green Day, Reading All-Stars, Little League Day and more, the Drive will host affordable, family-friendly entertainment all season long.

The 2017 season at the all-new Fluor Field begins on Thursday, April 6^th as the Drive host the Delmarva Shorebirds, affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The Drive will play seven home games during the opening homestand as part of Opening Week presented by TD Bank, which continues on Monday, April 10^th when the Drive play the Lexington Legends, affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. 

To purchase single-game tickets or gather more information, stop by the Main Street Box Office during its operating hours, call (864) 240-4528 or log on to GreenvilleDrive.com

 

 

Augusta Sports Leagues Host Softball and Kickball Finals at Lake Olmstead Stadium

Winter League Finals to be held on Thursday, March 23rd

 

Augusta, GA - The Augusta Sports Leagues, LLC (ASL) in partnership with the Augusta GreenJackets, will be hosting their Winter Adult League final for Softball and Kickball on Thursday, March 23^rd  Gates will open up at 6PM with Softball starting at 6:45PM and then Kickball starting at 7:45PM. The championship game is FREE and open to the public to come out and enjoy.

Concessions will be open featuring food and drink specials.

·    Iced Cold $2 - 16oz draft beer all night long.

·    Hot Dogs, Cheeseburgers, Nachos & Cheese and more

·    Coca-Cola Fountain Soda, Water & Iced Tea

"Augusta Sports Leagues is excited to be able to partner up with the GreenJackets to offer adults a chance in a lifetime to be able to play at the same venue as some of the up and coming MLB players," stated ASL League Director, Keith Edmondson. "Our Winter 2017 softball and Thursday Kickball teams are ecstatic to have the opportunity to play in front of friends, family, and anyone else who loves watching games at a ballpark."

The Augusta GreenJackets would like to remind everyone that outside food and drink are not permitted in Lake Olmstead Stadium. Bases will be set at standard 70 feet distance and low profile cones to mark bunt and outfield lines.

Augusta Sports Leagues, LLC is the premier recreational sports and social experience for adults in the greater Augusta area (CSRA). ASL seeks to build community for adults of all ages through recreation and social opportunities. In doing so, we provide companies and organizations with additional resources to attract and/or retain human capital in the CSRA. We also provide opportunities for team-building and networking. Established in February 2013 by Keith Edmondson, current director, Augusta Sports Leagues has expanded from 2 sports to 11 sports and its membership has grown to over 2,300 adults in the greater Augusta area. Check out all of the upcoming leagues and events at www.augustasportsleagues.com

Augusta Craft Beer Festival presented by World Of Beer is back for its' second year as Augusta's premier craft beer festival. Featuring 35+ hand-selected local, regional, and national breweries, there will certainly be something for everyone. ACBF is conveniently located at Lake Olmstead Stadium (Home of the Augusta GreenJackets), providing an atmosphere unlike any other beer festival! By requiring every brewery to have an employee in attendance, as well as offering our "Beer College" classes onsite, ACBF ensures that our guests leave with a greater understanding of not only their favorite breweries but all of the magic that is Craft Beer! The Augusta Craft Beer Festival proceeds go to benefiting the Augusta Sports League, LLC. You can purchase tickets at http://www.augustacraftbeerfest.com/blank-cq53

The GreenJackets start the 29th consecutive season of professional baseball in Augusta on Thursday, April 13th against the Columbia Fireflies (NY Mets). All GreenJackets Ticket Plans including Full, Half, and Weekend and the all-new 6-Game Flex Plans are on sale now for the 2017 season. To guarantee your seats, order your 2017 Ticket Packages today by reaching out to the GreenJackets Front Office at (706) 922-WINS (9467). To stay up to date during the off season, sign up for the 'Jackets Buzz e-newsletter by visiting www.GreenJacketsBaseball.com/thebuzz/

 

 

Tebow to begin season at Class A Columbia

GM Alderson says Mets 'feel comfortable' with outfielder's assignment

By Danny Wild / MiLB.com

 

 

 

Tim Tebow will start the season at Class A Columbia this April, the Mets announced on Monday.

The former NFL quarterback will be assigned to New York's South Atlantic League affiliate next month when the Minor League season begins, according to Mets general manager Sandy Alderson. Tebow, an outfielder, hadn't played baseball since high school before signing with the Mets last September.

"Sending him to a full season club is what we hoped to be able to do," Alderson told Newsday. "Based on what he's done in Spring Training, and his whole body of work since last fall, we feel comfortable with him going to Columbia."

Tebow, 29, was expected to start the season either at Columbia or Class A Advanced St. Lucie. The Fireflies, who play in the capital city of South Carolina, are the Mets' lowest-level full-season Minor League affiliate.

"We were concerned that it might be a stretch at some point, or could be a stretch," said Alderson. "But what he's done in Spring Training has convinced us that this is where he should go. And he's prepared for it."

The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner was assigned to the Mets' Minor League camp in Spring Training but has been a frequent face at Major League games, where he's 4-for-17 (.235) in six games entering Monday.

"He's fit in well with his teammates," Alderson said. "There hasn't been much in the way of criticism or jealousy or anything of that sort from his teammates. Again, that goes to what kind of a person he is."

Mets manager Terry Collins has also had positive words for Tebow, praising the outfielder's work ethic this spring.

"He's worked very hard, not only in the Minor Leagues but with our guys here," Collins told Newsday on Saturday. "We're here to try to help him get better."

Tebow unlikely's transition began last fall when the Mets gave him a $100,000 signing bonus and sent him to instructional league workouts in Port St. Lucie. He then went to the prospect-laden Arizona Fall League and hit .194 with two RBIs and eight walks in 19 games.

"Tim Tebow will bring major excitement and national attention to the Fireflies and city of Columbia," Fireflies president John Katz said in a statement. "Baseball fans, sports fans and Tim Tebow fans will likely come from around the southeast to see him play. We expect this to add to the energy at Spirit Communications Park and around downtown Columbia, especially during our opening weekend."

Columbia opens the season at home on April 6 against the Augusta GreenJackets. The team's home games will be streamed live via MiLB.TV.

Tebow's path forward is up to his performance and the Mets' desire to move him along. Collins has spoken this spring about the team's belief that Tebow should be facing higher competition in an effort to quicken his development.

"He's going to have to adapt quickly," Collins said last week. "What he's attempting to do, not a lot of guys would even try. So I salute the fact that he's giving his best."

Tebow was a first-round NFL Draft pick and led the Denver Broncos to the playoffs in 2011 thanks to a six-game winning streak. He was traded to the New York Jets in 2012 and later had brief contracts with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles before settling into a role with ESPN as a college football analyst. He most recently published his second book, Shaken, following an autobiography in 2011 that became a New York Times bestseller.