RVANews

Potential sites the Flying Squirrels could land in Henrico County

Trevor Dickerson — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 13:57:38 +0000

Stop us if you've heard this one before: the Richmond Flying Squirrels are looking for a new home.
After his plans for a new stadium for the team in Shockoe Bottom fizzled, Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones announced last week that he had met with Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas and Chesterfield County Administrator Jay Stegmaier and that the three localities would work together to try to identify a potential landing spot for the region's Double-A baseball team. In making his announcement, Jones indicated that the team's current home on the Boulevard would not be on the table for a future site, because city officials remain committed to supporting a children's hospital there.
City officials have said that all viable sites except the Boulevard remain on the table and will be considered by the three localities and team officials. Unknowns at this point include how much money (if any) each locality would invest in a stadium project and whether private developers would be involved.

Some of these sites make sense and have good access to highways and other major thoroughfares. But so does the current Diamond site. Personally, I hope we haven't given up on keeping baseball in the city.

‘Uncle Joey’ makes an appearance at The Diamond on Tuesday

Trevor Dickerson — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 13:54:31 +0000

Fans of '90s TV show Full House, listen up. 'Uncle Joey' will be making an appearance at the Richmond Flying Squirrels game at The Diamond on Tuesday evening.

The sitcom star, whose real name is Dave Coulier, will host a tailgate and sign autographs for free during the game. Gates open at 5:30 PM.

If you want to take your Coulier encounter to the next level, a VIP meet-and-greet experience is available as well.

Tickets are available here.

5 Things for Labor Day

Nathan Cushing — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 10:00:17 +0000

1. Bizarro Across America Progressive Book Tour

With book titles like Death Machines of Death, Warrior Wolf Women of the Wasteland, and Rampaging Fuckers of Everything on the Crazy Shitting Planet of the Vomit Atmosphere, Bizarro fiction sure isn't your grandma's old-timey literature. Even Richmond's own Dave Brockie dabbled in the genre.

Come out to Chop Suey for readings, performances, and more general bizarreness that's as funny as it is vulgar.

Monday, September 1st • 3:00 PM
Chop Suey Books • 2913 W. Cary Street
FREE

2. Bark in the Park at The Diamond

Enjoy a rare weekday matinee at The Diamond as the Flying Squirrels take on the Binghamton Mets, and bring the family pooch for another installment of Bark in the Park. Make sure you bring that McDonald's receipt for a buy-one-get-one ticket promotion. First 1,000 fans into the stadium receive a rally towel, too.

Monday, September 1st • 12:05 PM
The Diamond
Tickets: $4 - $28

3. Wine & Cheese pairing at James River Cellars

Enjoy the day off with some gourmet wine and cheese, and learn how to pair James River Cellars wine with speciality cheeses. Chillax on the lawn, enjoy the views, and bask in the delicious quiet that's uncorked at the local winery.

Monday, September 1st • 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
James River Cellars • 11008 Washington Highway in Glen Allen
$10 per person

4. Cards against Humanity throw down at Strangeways

Billed as a "party game for horrible people", Cards Against Humanity is irreverent and hysterical. Create a team with 3-6 of your friends, head to Strangeways Brewing to imbibe the brewery's Still Life With Peaches Saison and Eternal Youth Biére d'Abricot, and partake in some uproarious card play.

Monday, September 1st • 4:00 - 9:00 PM
Strangeways Brewing • 2277A Dabney Road
FREE to play

5. Not-so-great movies at The Byrd

The Byrd changes films this Sunday. The 7:15 PM showing will be Maleficent (which got lukewarm reviews), to be followed at 9:30 PM by Tammy, which one of our reviewers called "the worst movie I've seen in 2014." Hooray for Hollywood!

I know what you're thinking: why waste two hours and partake in this unstellar celluloid? Because tickets are only $2, people! Collect your friends, and make it a night of muttering disparaging (and hilarious) jokes at the expense of these two underwhelming flicks.

C'mon. It's Labor Day! You've earned it.

Monday, September 1st • 7:15 & 9:30 PM run times
Byrd Theatre • 2908 W. Cary Street
$2

Photo by Rennett Stowe

Flying Squirrels catch World Cup fever

Richard Hayes — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 13:11:25 +0000

A little cross marketing, shirt tail riding by the squirrels but who can blame them the World Cup is kinda a big deal.

5 Things

Susan Howson — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 11:27:00 +0000

Family-oriented? Check out 5 Things for Families. You won't be sorry, and you won't miss naptime.

1. First Home Game of the Season for Our Beloved Flying Squirrels!

Squirrels! Squirrels! SQUIRRELSSQUIRRELSSQUIRRELS! Finally, a sport that I know something vaguely about, and that something is that a Flying Squirrels game is an inexpensive way to have a superfun night with your friends and/or family. Tonight marks the first home game of the season (vs. Altoona), but you can catch the rest of the series on Saturday and Sunday, too. Eat a hot dog! Catch a T-shirt from a cannon! Pretend like you're paying attention and instead tweet to Nutzy about when he'll make it over to your section! Baseball season is HERE!

Thursday, April 10th • 6:35 PM
The Diamond, 3001 N. Boulevard
$7 - $11

2. Richmond Symphony: Music of the Rolling Stones

You can't always get what you want, and what I want is for there to be another joke to use when I'm opening a blurb about the Richmond Symphony playing the Rolling Stones. And that's what they are indeed doing for one night only this Saturday, complete with a "rock band!" One of the greatest bands in the history of rock'n'roll, immortalized with a full orchestra, live in your earholes? Gimme shelter from how cool this is! (No?)

Saturday, April 12th • 8:00 PM
Altria Theatre, 6 N. Laurel Street
$25 - $60

3. Ruined

Speaking of jokes, I will make zero of them in the following sentences regarding an event taking place to honor Genocide Awareness Month. A staged reading of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Ruined, will be held at the Virginia Holocaust Museum. It involves some terrible feelings about the Congo and rebuilding your life in a war-torn country.

Saturday, April 12th • 7:00 PM
Virginia Holocaust Museum, 2000 E. Cary Street
$10

4. James River Film Festival

We're a city of film festivals, it seems, sometimes. But we could have SO MANY MORE. Support what we've got by attending the ever-popular JRFF, which gives you access to a lot of films you'd seriously never see anywhere else--the avant-garde, experimental kind! Many of the events are free, and all of them are cheap at this magical festival of wonder, and if you don't broaden your horizons here, I'm returning our best friend necklace stat.

Through Sunday, April 13th • see site for schedule
See site for venues
Various prices

5. Civil War & Emancipation Day

Teach the family all about a very, very controversial but important part of their state's history. Civil War & Emancipation Day features events and happenings all around town that walk you through a bunch of different aspects of the five-year bloodbath that left insane scars on our cultural cohesion. Don't read your kids that last sentence though. Tell them there's some dance, some walks, some hands-on activities, and actual fun to be had, because it's true!

Saturday, April 12h • 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM
See site for locations
Free!

Photo by: Ninja M.

Flying Squirrels home opener is Thursday

Richard Hayes — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:30:18 +0000

The Richmond Squirrels have on the road so far this season, posting a 3-3 record with another game today against Bowie. Their travels come to an end today as after the game they'll make the hellish drive down I-95 and will probably just barely make the game scheduled for tomorrow evening.

Thursday, April 10th the Squirrels will face the Altoona Curve. Gates will open at 4:30 PM and the first pitch crosses the plate at 6:35 PM. Tickets are available online.

It wouldn't be a Flying Squirrels game without additional activities. At the start of their 5th Season you can expect the Richmond Flying Circus presented by Jani-King. The evening includes stilt walkers, jugglers, unicyclists, acrobats, fire demonstrations and of course post-game fireworks. Center Stage Band will be performing before the game as well.

Image: Richmond Flying Squirrels

Flying Squirrels Fan Fest and Camp Expo on Saturday

Richard Hayes — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 15:14:15 +0000

The Flying Squirrels are hosting their 5th Annual Fan Fest and Camp Expo this Saturday, March 1st, from 9 AM - 12 PM at The Diamond.

Baseball lovers will get their first chance to buy single game tickets and if your among the first 25 to buy a single ticket you'll get a free t-shirt and the chance to watch Opening Night fireworks from the field. Fan Fest is the first opportunity for fans to purchase single game tickets for the 2014 season.

The event is free and the kids will be entertained with bounce houses, petting zoo, and games. Parents will be entertained with music and by sipping on the premier of Chin Music, an exclusive Squirrels branded beer made by Center of the Universe.

Bring any gently used baseball gloves to be donated to the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department. Each donation gets you a raffle ticket for prizes that will be raffled off throughout the event.

The Camp Expo will feature tables and staff from Lewis & Clark Leadership, YMCA Camp Silver Beach, Peak Experiences, Uptown Alley and the Rainbow Station so you can figure exactly how you're going to entertain your young ones throughout the summer.

Photo: Richmond Flying Squirrels Facebook

Baseball camp with the Flying Squirrels

Valerie Catrow — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 12:32:53 +0000

I know, I know, there's still snow on the ground. How can I possibly bring up summer at a time like this? But believe it or not, now's the time to start getting some plans lined up for your kids' summer vacation--lest July comes around and you find yourself plum out of things to do and eight more weeks until school starts.

Richmond Flying Squirrels games are the place to be during Richmond summers, so why not give the kids an insider's look? The Flying Squirrels are offering two summer baseball camps this summer, each including instruction from Squirrels coaches and players…

For boys and girls ages four through eight, they're offering got the FUNNdamentals Camp where the kids will learn the rules of the games, positions, and basic skills. FUNNdamentals is scheduled for August 20th and 21st from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the The Diamond.

Boys and girls ages seven through 14 can take part in the Flying Squirrels Baseball Camp, a more advanced option where they'll focus on improving basic skills, practice technique, and run through game-like drills. Participants will also have access to indoor batting cages and position-specific instruction. Baseball Camp is offered in two sessions (each session covers the same material): Session I on July 8th, 9th, and 10th; and Session II on August 5th, 6th, and 7th. Camp meets from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM at The Diamond.

The cost for FUNNdamentals is $125 ($115 for a second child). Baseball Camp is $175 ($150 for a second child or if you're planning on doing both camps). Camp registration fees include lunch each day and four tickets to a Flying Squirrels game. The kids will also get to participate in an on-field pre-game parade on their last day of camp. Awwwww…

For more information--and to register--visit the Flying Squirrels website or contact Megan Angstadt at 804-359-3866, ext. 325 or megan.angstadt@squirrelsbaseball.com. Spots are limited, so batter up!

Photo by: Gamma Man

Mayor unveils plan for baseball, redevelopment in Shockoe, new Slavery Heritage Site

Nathan Cushing — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 18:31:59 +0000

Mayor Dwight Jones stood on what will be home plate of the new Shockoe Bottom baseball stadium, effectively ending debate about where the new home would be for the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

"We have made the decision and we move forward from this place," Jones said to hundreds of onlookers, including scores of protestors. That decision shores up not only where the new stadium will be located, but its influence on Shockoe Bottom and the proposed Slavery & Freedom Heritage Site as part of the Mayor's Revitalize RVA plan.

Play Ball

Jones said that both the Boulevard (current location of The Diamond) and Shockoe Bottom were analyzed to decide which site would yield the best economic impact for the city. "Shockoe is the right location," Jones said.

Click for a larger version

The new stadium will rest below ground level and will feature 7,200 seats, a full 360-degree concourse, and over 5,000 parking spaces after erecting a new 1,700-space parking deck.¹ "This will be the best ballpark in minor league baseball," Jones said. The stadium will cost an estimated $80 million and is expected to open by the start of the 2016 season.

In addition, the Mayor said Kroger will build a 60,000-square foot grocery store in the vicinity of the stadium, alleviating what many consider to be a food desert in the area. Hyatt will also construct a nearby 200-room hotel. An apartment building will rise just beyond the future stadium's right field. All told, 750 new apartments will be built: 200 connected to the ballpark, the remaining 550 immediately across Broad Street. These pieces will be built simultaneously with stadium construction.

Jones said the new stadium and supplemental development will bring $10 million in revenue each year, versus that of the projected $6 million annually on the Boulevard. Overall, the net new tax revenue will be $187 million (only $91 million was projected for the Boulevard), revenue that, Jones said, is "crucial to making the ballpark pay for itself."

He said that 400 permanent jobs will be created, in addition to 1,000 construction jobs, which Jones touted as a way to help fight the city's 26 percent poverty rate. Jones said that Shockoe has a "far better return on our investment" versus that of the Boulevard.

Flying Squirrels Vice President and COO Todd "Parney" Parnell attended the event along with the organization's 27 full-time employees² to voice support for the Shockoe stadium plan.

"The time to discuss a [new stadium] location is over," Parnell said, a public declaration on behalf of the Squirrel's organization in favor of moving baseball to Shockoe Bottom.

"We love Richmond," he said on behalf of the organization. "We know that Richmond will continue to love us here in the Bottom."

Boulevard of broken dreams

While baseball will not remain on the Boulevard for much longer, the Mayor indicated that it will not be abandoned. He mentioned no firm plans for the multi-acre site, but said many "conversations" will take place concerning how the current site of The Diamond will be used for future development.

Slavery & Freedom Heritage Site

The mayor and additional speakers at today's event were often interrupted by scores of protestors lambasting the proposal for what they perceived as desecrating historical sites, including Lumpkin's Jail.³ From the 1830s to the end of the Civil War, countless African-Americans were confined and tortured in the surrounding area before being auctioned off. Mayor Jones affirmed that that history will not be overlooked. "This is a story that should not be buried," the Mayor said.

Funds generated by the baseball stadium and ancillary development will help fund the construction of an interactive Slavery & Freedom Heritage Site⁴ designed to bring tourists and visitors to the historic site. "We want everybody to know what happened in Richmond a long time ago," Jones said.

The Mayor grew impassioned when describing how Robert Lumpkin's ex-slave wife ultimately led to the construction of what would become Virginia Union University, the mayor's alma mater.

Virginia Delegate Delores McQuinn (D-70th District), who has chaired the City Council-created Richmond Slave Trail Commission for the past decade, spoke in favor of the Shockoe redevelopment plan featuring an interactive Heritage site.

"This is the right plan for Richmond and it seriously talks about telling the American story the right way," McQuinn said. "I am excited about it."

The Mayor didn't announce specific plans on what would constitute the future Heritage site, but affirmed he is open to public consideration about it. "I am committed to that ongoing dialogue," he said.

Additional meetings and public outreach related to the new Shockoe baseball stadium and development, Slave & Freedom Heritage site, and development on the Boulevard should be announced in coming days and weeks.

— ∮∮∮ —

Footnotes

There are roughly 2,500 space currently at The Diamond. ↩
Along with Nutzy. ↩
Also known as the "Devil's half acre." ↩
Capital One has committed to steering efforts to raise $30 million for the Heritage site. ↩

Photos courtesy of LovingRVA.com

A recent history of The Diamond

RVANews staff — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 14:27:50 +0000

For over 25 years, the Diamond has been the home of Richmond baseball. Just off I-64, millions of fans have poured into the stadium to watch the Braves and the Flying Squirrels battle their opponents. While the stadium is replete with memories of comebacks and mesmerizing home runs, its enduring spirit remains its largest weakness. One of the oldest stadiums in Minor League Baseball still in use, many have called for it to be demolished to make way for something new. Below is a timeline of one of Richmond’s most appreciated landmarks as it approaches the end of its life.

— ∮∮∮ —

2013

Update #3 -- November 11, 2013; 9:25 AM

Mayor Dwight Jones is expected to announce his plan to refurbish Shockoe on the back of a new baseball stadium later this morning. In addition to plans for a new stadium, the Mayor is expected to call for updated infrastructure, new businesses, and additional housing in Shockoe. A Loving RVA website recently launched, suggesting the Mayor's plan fits into a broader initiative for the city and its downtown.

Updates from the Mayor's press conference can be found here.

2012

Update #2 -- July 31, 2012

Shockoe Bottom has again been named as a possible location for a new baseball stadium that would replace the 25-year-old Diamond. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, both the Flying Squirrels and the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce have confirmed that they are considering Shockoe for a new ballpark.

A recent plan called for the Diamond to be razed and a new stadium built on or near the same location. It appeared that a four-way partnership had been forged between the Flying Squirrels, city of Richmond, Henrico County, and Chesterfield County to pay for a proposed $60 million stadium. However, both the counties have expressed reservations in funding the project.

Kim Scheeler, president of the Greater Richmond Chamber, said that the development approach would be done "as a way to raise the money to pay for the stadium rather than have the counties put money into it." Neither officials with the city or the Flying Squirrels have commented on how a Shockoe stadium would be funded.

However, Lou DiBella, president and managing general partner of the Flying Squirrels, said discussions between the ball club and the city are "fruitful, and moving forward, and I believe there will be some kind of timetable established relatively soon."

— ∮∮∮ —

Update #1 -- March 26, 2012

In February, the Flying Squirrels announced Ballpark Nutz, a citizen advocacy group aimed to garner support for a new stadium. Organized by the club to “encourage regional action on a plan to fun and build a regional ballpark on the Boulevard,” it was largely viewed as public motivation to get the city and region to act.

Speaking on behalf of the organization, Brian Callaghan, founder and co-CEO of Richmond-based Apex Systems and minority shareholder in the Squirrels, said:

We recognize that the localities are facing difficult choices when it comes to budget priorities, and we believe that, if we work together, we can find a responsible solution that will have a new ballpark in place by the 2015 season.

In March, Mayor Jones proposed a 2012-13 budget for the city that allocated funds to help contribute to replacing the Diamond.

Later that month, the Flying Squirrels released conceptual renderings of what a new stadium might look like. Created by Populous, an international design firm that specializes in sports architecture, the hypothetical ballpark would feature: 6,500 seats, a grass berm for outfield seating, and a children’s play area that would accommodate roughly 9,000 people in total.

— ∮∮∮ —

2011

The Squirrels’ second season proved to be even more successful than the previous year:

The Flying Squirrels concluded the regular season with an average home attendance of 6,679, second in the Double-A Eastern League to Reading (6,720). Richmond showed a per-game improvement from the club's inaugural season (6,626), and had six sellouts of 9,560 at The Diamond.

Despite riding high in both Richmond and the standings, The Squirrels announced in September that they would not invest more money into the stadium. Speaking on the matter, Lou DiBella, the Squirrels’ president said: "I can't justify to my ownership more of a significant investment. There is a degree to which money you sink into that facility is sort of wasted money."

In Year Two, Squirrels operation "settled into a nice rhythm here"; Richmond Times-Dispatch

Later in October, an article in the Times-Dispatch reported that the Flying Squirels’ were frustrated with the city for lacking specific plans to build a new stadium to replace the Diamond.

DiBella said his ownership group was led to believe by Richmond-area officials that "there would be a new stadium by 2013, and it's nowhere in sight at the moment."

Lou DiBella also added this:

"We are not actively looking to other locations at this time, but we have always maintained that our long term success is dependent upon a new facility that our terrific Front Office Staff can maximize for the benefit of the entire metro region. We believe that the RMA and its stakeholders share this same desire and that we will collectively work towards accomplishing this common goal sooner rather than later.”

Mayor Dwight C. Jones quickly affirmed to the public that he did not want to see the Squirrels leave Richmond. He also said that in order for Richmond to build a new stadium, it would require a “financial commitment from regional partners.”

— ∮∮∮ —

2010

The Flying Squirrels invested $2 million to upgrade and retrofit the Diamond before the first pitch of the 2010 season.

The inaugural season for the Flying Squirrels proved to be very successful, with attendance numbers at the top of the league. In part because of this success, The Flying Squirrels were contacted by the Washington Nationals who were interested in moving their AA team to the area after the Squirrels’ lease with the city of Richmond expired. The lack of firm plans for a new stadium ultimately dissuaded the Nationals organization, who has a major league squad 100 miles from Richmond.

Nationals Snub Squirrels Over Ballpark, Source Says; Style Weekly

— ∮∮∮ —

2009

The Atlanta Braves move their AAA minor league team, the Richmond Braves, from the Richmond to a suburb of Georgia after over 20 years of calling Richmond home. The R-Braves had a ongoing, tenuous relationship with the city. At the heart of the matter was the Braves’ desire for Richmond to build a new, approximately $60 million stadium to replace the Diamond. The Diamond was built in 1984 at a cost of a reported $8 million.

In September, Richmond signed a lease with the San Francisco Giants’ AA franchise for the Diamond through the 2011 season, with an option to remain through 2012.

Chuck Domino, chief executive manager of the Flying Squirrels, and who has been in baseball for over 30 years, said this when he first toured the Diamond: “This stadium was built upside down.”

Upgrades at The Diamond allow time to choose major renovation or new ballpark; Richmond Times-Dispatch

photo by rvaphotodude

5 Things for Families

Kelly Gerow — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 12:12:32 +0000

This week's events include a coat drive/ballpark party, your new favorite museum exhibit about Hollywood costumes, and a local production of Hairspray. Warning: this is one of the last weekends before everything turns Christmas-related, so get out now if you prefer your events not gingerbread-scented and full of twinkling lights.

1. Hairspray

The John Waters’s Hairspray is delightful, and the film version of the Broadway adaptation of the John Waters’s movie is delightful. So is the Theatre VCU version of the Broadway adaptation of the John Waters’ movie Hairspray also going to be delightful? It’s a safe bet. Treat yourself to this funny and vibrant musical about the integration of a Baltimore TV dance show set in the 60s. Performances run through the next few weekends, starting this Friday.

Opens November 8th • see website for showtimes
Singleton Center for the Performing Arts (VCU), 922 Park Avenue
$25

2. Puritan Cleaners/Flying Squirrels Ballpark Warming Party

The Flying Squirrels partner again with Puritan Cleaners for the 5th Annual Ballpark Warming Party to collect for the Coats for Kids drive that helps families in Central Virginia. Bring gently worn or new coats and stick around to enjoy live music, hot chocolate, games, and a chance to see the reunion of 1989 Richmond Braves

Saturday, November 9th • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The Diamond, 3001 N. Boulevard
Free

3. Hollywood Costume

Hollywood Costume at the VMFA opens this weekend, and it’s sure to be that magical combination of things you enjoy, your kids will enjoy, and (since it’s time to start thinking about it anyway) any family visiting over the holidays will enjoy. View clothes worn in films such as The Birds, Titanic, and Fight Club. This exhibit makes its American debut at VMFA and is the only East Coast showing. Take that, the rest of the East Coast. An accompanying photography exhibit opens on November 23rd.

November 9th through February 17th
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard
$10-$20 (free for members and children under six)

4. Veterans Day Ceremony at Virginia War Memorial

For those who have a three-day weekend coming up, a great opportunity to pause and remember the reason why is to attend the Veterans Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial, which features guest speaker Gov. Bob McDonnell and a performance of “Taps.”

November 11th • 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvidere Street
Free

5. A YA Evening with Arin Greenwood and Elizabeth Kiem

Join authors Arin Greenwood and Elizabeth Kiem as they read from their new young adult novels Save the Enemy and Dancer, Daughter, Traitor, Spy (respectively). Kiem’s story is a spy novel about a daughter’s struggle with her missing mother’s past in the Soviet Union. Greenwood’s story is about an unusually skilled girl who moves to a new town and finds herself needing to fight for her family. You can say you saw them before the books were made into movies.

November 12 • 6:30 PM
Fountain Bookstore, 1312 E. Cary Street
Free

Photo by: davidsmalley

Win a visit from Nutzy!

Valerie Catrow — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 10:57:50 +0000

During the month of October, Richmond Squirrels fans ages 14 and younger can submit an essay on why Nutzy should come to their class's Halloween¹ party. I'm told Nutzy himself will read² the essays and select one lucky winner.

The winner will receive:

A one-hour visit from Nutzy to his/her classroom's Halloween party
A pizza party for the class
A prize for each of his/her classmates
A Flying Squirrels prize pack

During his visit, Nutzy will also be available for pictures with the class, story time, and (of course) plenty of high-fives.

Essays can be submitted via email to stefanie.sacks@squirrelsbaseball.com through Wednesday, October 23rd. Please be sure to include the student's name, the name of the school, and contact information for your child's teacher. The winner (and his/her teacher) will be notified by October 25th.

And don't forget about SQUIRRELOWEEN on Sunday October 27th. From 2:00 - 6:00 PM, the kiddos can come trick-or-treat through the Diamond, make some spooky crafts, and even enjoy a hayride. Bring the whole family in costume for a chance to win the costume contest!

— ∮∮∮ —

Footnotes

I'm not sure how many schools actually refer to them as "Halloween" parties anymore, but I'm sure Nutzy would be happy to come to your child's Harvest Party, Fairy Tale Parade, or Pumpkin Patch Whosie Whatsit, as well. ↩
He can read, too?! Is there anything that squirrel can't do? ↩

Mini-golf comes to the Diamond in 2014

Nathan Cushing — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 11:44:31 +0000

The Richmond Flying Squirrels will offer a nine-hole mini-golf course at The Diamond starting in 2014. The Have Funn, Go Putt course will have nine, six, and three-hole rounds.¹

"We're basically somewhat limited in what we can do in terms of adding" new attractions and fixtures, said Jon Laaser, the team's director of broadcasting. So the organization has to "maximize the space we have." The mini-golf course will be located just beyond The Diamond's first-base side.

Laaser said the grounds crew had the idea to create a mini-golf course "for a couple of years," but the organization only recently had the funds to go ahead with it.

The course will be baseball-themed and will be available before, during, and after Squirrel's games. The price for mini-golf play hasn't been announced.

The mini-golf course is the first of its kind so close to the city's center.

— ∮∮∮ —

Footnotes

Three-hole rounds are expected to take five minutes to complete. ↩

photo by amy

Flying Squirrels set new attendance record; averaged over 6,600 fans per game

Nathan Cushing — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 11:25:41 +0000

The Flying Squirrels welcomed 434,769 fans to The Diamond this season, second among Eastern League teams. The team averaged 6,689 fans per game, setting a new franchise record.

You can read more about the Squirrels attendance and season here.

photo by Eli Christman

5 Things

Susan Howson — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 10:59:45 +0000

Looking for things to do with the smaller versions of yourself? Fire up the family wagon and take a looksee at 5 Things for Families.

— ∮∮∮ —

1. See a Show

It’s easy to be like, “Oh, the last local band Richmond ever had was that band that was a big deal IMMEDIATELY BEFORE I DISCOVERED THE BENEFITS OF GOING TO BED EARLY.” But not true, my aged friend! The hopeful rockstars of the local variety soldier on, and as the old ones fall, the young ones take up the torch. The venues are better than they used to be, and I promise, no one will look at you funny. I mean, depending on what you’re wearing. So take a chance and try out a new band.

See our music listings, keep an eye on flyers, and ask around
Select bars. Try Balliceaux, The Camel, Bogarts, Strange Matter, and Cary St. Cafe
Varying covers (and sometimes none at all)

2. Tour Your City

The things to tour and the ways to tour are new and exciting. Take a food tour to delight your mouth, a ghost tour to delight your goosebumps, or a Segway tour to delight me, because I really like watching those nerds ride by.¹ For real, though, exploring new areas of your city (or old ones in a different way) can make staying at home feel like vacation. Wait, I just had the BEST idea for a word!

Our events calendar list tours, as do the calendars of other media sites
Try also Eerie Nights, the Valentine Richmond History Center, and Discover the James.
These can get pricey, but you can always walk yourself down the Richmond Liberty Trail for free!

3. Watch Some Sports

“Sports. They’re Played by People” continues to be my motto, and those people enjoy your support at their physical games. The Richmond Kickers, the Richmond Flying Squirrels, and other sports teams that I assume exist...they’re all wrapping up their seasons and getting into the good stuff of semifinals. No one will call you a fairweather friend—playoffs are exciting! Get some tickets and pretend like you have been intensively supportive all year.

Check our calendar, or view the calendars on specific sports’ teams websites
Sporting venues
Vary wildly. The Flying Squirrels are a kickass way to spend very little money.

4. Do Something Useful

This week marked the 50th anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. You’re welcome to sit in front of your computer, watching videos (or worse, reenactments) of that famous oration, but you COULD get together with other Richmond citizens who happen to be staging a protest for insignificant trifles, like Jobs and Money. Time to make sure we are still making good on our promises to each other. Join the march on Richmond to protest unfairness between economic classes. There just simply are no jokes about that.

Saturday, August 31st • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Assemble at Festival Park behind Colisseum
Free!

5. RVA Wake N’ Sun Fest

And, finally, go to a festival! I’m as serious as a heart attack! Maybe you missed your festival opportunity because you were too busy/scared to stop working/leave your house. Well, the RVA Wake ‘N’ Sun Fest certainly fits your bill. It incorporates the best parts of your regular old run-of-the-mill festivals and adds to that “aquasports.” I don’t know, guys, that sounds super fun to me, and I hear this stand-up paddleboarding craze is off the chain.

Sunday, September 1st • 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Rockett’s Landing
$10 in advance, $12 at the door, kids under 12 are free!

Future Things

Bicycle Film Festival - September 6th-8th
Fall Line Fest - September 6th-7th
RVA Street Art Festival - September 11th-15gh
VCU Broad Street Mile - September 28th
Theatre](https://www.facebook.com/events/186962951479868/) - October 5th
Treehouse of Horror
The Richmond Folk Festival - October 11th-13th
Over the Edge - October 17th-18th
David Sedaris tickets now on sale - October 19th

— ∮∮∮ —

Footnotes

Oh, don’t fall off your weird scooter. Segways are fun and I self-identify as a nerd, too. Nobody looks unhappy on a Segway. ↩

Photo by: Dougtone

5 Things for Families

Kelly Gerow — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 11:28:31 +0000

1. Cirque Italia

If you’ve ever thought, “I really want to see a European-style circus, but I want to see it in the parking lot of a closed Kmart,” then I have amazing news for you and your super-specific request. Cirque Italia brings its big top to Richmond for several days with 7:30 PM shows each night, and 3:30 PM shows Saturday through Monday. What can you expect from Cirque Italia? Acrobats, high-wire walking, clowns, jump roping, juggling, and a mermaid (my guess is that she accompanies the water stage filled with 35,000 gallons of water).

Thursday, August 29th -- Monday, September 2nd
6807 Midlothian Turnpike (Old Kmart parking lot)
$9 - $45

2. Flying Squirrels v. Harrisburg Senators

Your tears for summer’s end are useless during this string of home games against the Harrisburg Senators. Why? 1) Because there’s no crying in baseball and, 2) The concrete floors of the stadium seats don’t soak up liquids like tears/spilled beer, and it just makes a mess that Nutzy can slip on. Special events and promotions include fireworks (August 31st), team poster giveaway and an appearance by Curious George (September 1st), and $1 hot dogs (September 2nd).

Friday, August 30th -- Monday, September 2nd
The Diamond, 3001 N. Boulevard
$4 - $11

3. Teacher Open House at the VMFA

Teachers from pre-K to college are encouraged to attend this open house to hear about the “Power of Ten,” with 10 new lesson plans, 10-minute gallery talks, 10 interdisciplinary concepts, and 10 raffle prizes. The event also features a tour of the new VMFA Resources website. Light refreshments will be served.

Friday, August 30 • 5:00 - 7:30 PM
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Leslie Cheek Theater and Marble Hall), 200 N. Boulevard
Free

4. USL PRO semifinals: Richmond Kickers vs.Charlotte Eagles

Pregame it with food trucks and music before the Kickers match up against the Charlotte Eagles on their road to the USL PRO finals.

Saturday, August 31 • 7:00 PM
City Stadium, 3201 Maplewood Ave
$7 - 12

5. Opera in the Park

The Virginia Opera and the Richmond Symphony offer a preview of the upcoming season with selected arias and duets and other opera terms. This is a huge value (free!) and a great way to get exposure to the Opera if you haven’t seen a performance yet.

Saturday, August 31 • 8:30 PM
Dogwood Dell, 6000 S. Boulevard
Free

Photo by: Joe Shlabotnik

So…what’s the deal with the pirate at Flying Squirrels games?

Nathan Cushing — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 14:24:13 +0000

He's traded his former life of pillaging and plundering on the high seas to become one of he Flying Squirrels' most interesting mascots. His name is Captain ARRR VA, and he came aboard The Diamond back in April.

"His purpose is to build excitement when the Flying Squirrels players are scoring or on base getting ready to score," said Kellye Semonich, Director of Promotions & In-Game Entertainment with the Flying Squirrels.

Captain ARRR VA takes the helm on a scissor lift just beyond the right field wall whenever the Squirrels are at bat. "He stays closer to the ground in the beginning and as Squirrels start to get on base, he starts to rise higher and higher," Semonich said. The Diamond's graphic boards display "SCORRRE" and "We need an RRR-BI" to help him rally the crowd. He also fires a cannon whenever the Squirrels first score or hit a home run.

In addition to his rallying duties, Captain ARRR VA also visits birthdays parties in the tailgate zone, signs autographs in the autograph hut at the top of the first inning, and mingles with the crowd by the front gates before and after games.

Captain ARRR VA isn't the only non-squirrel related mascot the Flying Squirrels have. The team also employs the services of Victor the Viking.

At least Nutzy now has some friends to keep him company between games.

The Flying Squirrels resume play at home on Tuesday, August 20th at 5:35 PM against the Harrisburg Senators.

photo courtesy Richmond Flying Squirrels/Jason Grohoske

Flying Squirrels throw an Anthony Weiner-inspired Scandal Night

Nathan Cushing — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 11:39:59 +0000

The Flying Squirrels will have a Salute to Scandal Night this Thursday, alluding to Anthony Weiner, the current New York City mayoral candidate embroiled in sexting indiscretions.

"Scandal Night is meant to be a fun, tongue in cheek night, and what hotter of a scandal right now than Anthony Weiner," said Flying Squirrels Vice President and COO Todd "Parney" Parnell. "His scandal just couldn't have come at a better time in regards to the Flying Squirrels promotional calendar."

Visitors are encouraged to purchase $1 hot dogs at any concession stand and then tweet pictures of them enjoying those hot dogs to the Flying Squirrels Twitter account, @gosquirrels. The idea has even prompted national attention via ESPN.

Select fans will also be invited onto the field to take part in contests referring to other scandalous celebrities, including: the "Brett Favre Football Throw" and the "Tiger Woods Closest to the Pin Challenge."

The Flying Squirrels host the Portland Sea Dogs on Thursday, August 1st. Gates open at 6:00 PM with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 PM. Tickets can be purchased on their website.

Photo by: dinnercraft

Flying Squirrels attendance soars

Nathan Cushing — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 11:24:49 +0000

The Flying Squirrels lead the Eastern League this year in overall attendance (309,990) and average attendance per game (6,596).

The team's vice president and COO, Todd "Parney" Parnell, said that in previous years, the Squirrels were "first in either average or overall [attendance]. But this year we're leading in both."

The Flying Squirrels inaugural season in 2010 brought an average of 6,626 fans per game.¹ If projections play out, the Squirrels will beat that average. "It would be nice to average more fans in your fourth season than your inaugural one," Parney said. "That's why we've got to finish strong and run through the finish line."

A new variable plays into Flying Squirrels attendance this year. The Redskins training camp will take place a short distance away from The Diamond. "It's going to be interesting to see how the Redskins affect us. It's definitely an unknown," Parney said.

He added that this year's attendance boon doesn't null the need for a new, modern stadium. "The success of our team and of our gate at The Diamond doesn't negate the fact that it's an older facility," Parney said. "Us being a league leader doesn't make the number of stairs go away...the playing surface we've had trouble with go away...the inadequate scoreboard go away."

He said that the stellar attendance underscores "how great our fan base is." In that regard, the Flying Squirrels are one of the most successful teams in the league.

"Wouldn't you rather build a new ballpark for a successful franchise rather than a failing franchise?" Parney said.

— ∮∮∮ —

Footnotes

The team finished that year with a league-leading 463,842 total attendance, which would be difficult to top this year but still possible. ↩

photo by Anne Aurelia Lewis

5 reasons to catch a Squirrels game

Liz Butterfield — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 11:05:09 +0000

Summer is a time for many all-American things; apple pie, fireworks and of course, baseball. Here are five reasons you should go to a Richmond Flying Squirrels game.

1. Its cheap

Like, really cheap. General admission tickets are only $7 a piece, which is much cheaper than a typical concert or movie (fly balls are also free). You can pay with either cash or plastic for concession fare and although it may not feature the healthiest of options, who doesn't love some Squirrelly fries (delicious curly fries topped with cheese that you have to eat with a fork).

2. They do fun (bizarre) stuff in between innings

I'm not exactly sure how Parker the Rally Pig and Dancing Disco Drag Queens fit into baseball, but they sure do amp up the crowd. Twenty-eight game day interns willingly subject themselves to games like Wack-an-Intern (a life-size whackamole game where interns wear colored jumpsuits and let children hit them with soft mallets) or racing around the diamond in nut costumes for the entertainment of fans between innings. And yes, it's still OK to take pictures with the Squirrel's mascot Nutsy, even if you're over the age of 11.

3. You don't have to be a baseball expert

The Flying Squirrels are a Double-A minor league team affiliate of the San Francisco Giants; if you don't know much about baseball, Double-A and Triple-A leagues are stepping stones for the majors, and devoted fans often track the progress of players as they advance from hometown leagues to the higher ranks of professional baseball. But if this is not your preferred hobby, you can still talk with your friends, look out for fly balls, and catch the occasional t-shirt.

4. Fireworks!

If you didn't get enough of fireworks during your 4th of July celebrations, the Diamond hosts a 24 Firework Extravaganza after the games on Thursday and Saturday nights so you can continue to soak in patriotic flair for the rest of the season.

5. Special promos

Practically every home game features some kind of promotion or giveaway, ranging from $1 hot dog nights, to $2 domestic drafts every Wednesday night, to free bobbleheads, snow globes, and even a Six Pack Cooler Giveaway by Budweiser. There's even a Kroger Squirrel Tails Kids Club that lets members eat free on Sundays as well as free admission to some games. Check out the Squirrel's schedule for special nights and promos.

— ∮∮∮ —

photo by Eli Christman

Where’s Nutzy? There’s Nutzy!

Valerie Catrow — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 10:46:07 +0000

Remember when we first found out that our new baseball team was going to be called the Flying Squirrels and we all guffawed and made fun of them?¹

And then remember how when we all finally saw Nutzy our minds instantly changed and we all fell deeply in love with the Flying Squirrels and everything they stand for?²

Is it the cape? The boots? The inexplicably muscular chest? I really don't know, but I do know that Richmonders of all ages love him--to the point where we (kids, adults, even dang teens) get all squealy and flouncy whenever we spot him.³

Well it turns out you don't have to wait until Flying Squirrels home games to get time with Nutzy (or wander around one of Richmond's many festivals crossing your fingers that he'll show up). The Squirrels have been so kind as to create⁴ a Where's Nutzy? section on their website, letting us all know where and when we can see the big guy next.⁵ Upcoming appearances include story time at Westover Hill Library and the Great Open Jump at Pump It Up out on Hull Street.

Take a look at the website for more details. And please note that you can also fill out a form requesting that Nutzy appear at your next event.

CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE?!

— ∮∮∮ —

Footnotes

Seriously, go back and read that article. We showed no mercy. ↩
I might only be speaking for myself here, but I seriously doubt it. ↩
See footnote number 1. Don't try to deny it. I've seen the most stoic of people lose their sh*t over that squirrel. ↩
For what it's worth, it's quite possible this section of the website has been up for forever, but I just recently came across it and I couldn't in good conscience not share this information with all the other Nutzy admirers I know are out there. ↩
I imagine this would also be useful for families dealing with the very real issue of mascot fear. So that's good, too. ↩

— ∮∮∮ —

photo by Eli Christman

Parker the ‘rally pig’ featured on Sports Center

Nathan Cushing — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 19:09:12 +0000

The Flying Squirrels rally pig, Parker, briefly escaped from his handlers during a game earlier this week. Although he was soon corralled, his fleeting moments of freedom were featured on ESPN’s Sports Center:

http://youtu.be/dY8h6PGexY8

photo via the Parker the Rally Pig Facebook page

5 Things

Susan Howson — Thu, 30 May 2013 11:04:40 +0000

For those of you who want to dig a little deeper into the world of family-oriented Things, head over to our new 5 Things for Families. But then head back. I’ll get lonely.

— ∮∮∮ —

1. 38th Annual Richmond Greek Festival

Baklava time! Grab your wallet, fast for 24 hours, and hit up the city’s biggest celebration of Greek cuisine. If you’re new to town, know this: you must go, if only to avoid horrifying everyone else you know. They will gasp and clutch you and whisper fervent entreaties and hopefully offer to buy you a bottle of wine. Then, as you kick back under a tent while youngsters dance around in a circle, think fondly of me and have another helping of spanakopita.

Thursday, May 30th - Sunday, June 2 • see site for times
Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Malvern Avenue
Pay for what you eat (it’s not pricey)

2. Flying Squirrels vs. Erie: A Sleepover of Clydesdales with Mustaches

Nutzy time! This Friday, our beloved Squirrels host the despicable Erie SeaWolves for a heated match between two unlikely mascots! OK, yeah, yeah, Squirrels and SeaWolves. The real draw here is the amazing combination of three promotional nights: 98.9 Liberty’s MUSTACHE NIGHT! And also Budweiser’s CLYDESDALE NIGHT! And also Girl Scouts of America SLEEPOVER NIGHT! What mastermind of irony arranged this delightful mashup? It’s almost like they want us to...I don’t know...have funn or, like, go nuts.

Friday, May 31st • 7:05 PM
The Diamond, 3001 N. Boulevard
$4-$11

3. Forest Hill Neighborhood Yard Sale

Shopping time! You are literally bound (by law) to find something you like at this weekend’s enormous Forest Hill yard sale. How could you not? It’s a trillion people with roomy homes making space for other things, and I’m sure they take great care of their possessions, and I’m sure they price things reasonably. I mean, I might be making some assumptions here, but they probably have something that will change your life. (And not just doughnuts and coffee, although they will be there, too).

Saturday, June 1st • 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Scattered about, just west of Forest Hill Park
Free to attend!

4. Stone Soul Music and Food Festival

Soul time! Among other greats (BBD!) at this year’s wildly popular R&B festival are SWV! Yes, SWV!!! Those sistas are back (if they ever left; who can keep track of these things), and they are ready to wow us with those voices they have. The lineup looks good, the food is always tantalizing, and there’s not a whole lot stopping you from going.

Saturday, June 1st • 12:00 - 8:30 PM
Richmond International Raceway Complex, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue
$35 for adults, kids five and under get in free, and free parking for all!

5. Broad Appetit

Gluttony time! I have missed this every single year, and I do not intend to this time. I’ve got my wads of $3-bills, ready to sample plates from Richmond’s finest chefs. I will watch those chefs face off in showdowns. I will listen to many live bands. I will clap as the awards get handed out. At Richmond’s favorite food festival (based on no data), I will truly shine. Let’s hear it for me!

Sunday, June 2nd • 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (see site for detailed schedule)
Broad Street, between Henry Street and Adams Street
$3 per plate

Future Things

Sheryl Crow, B. B. King, Pat Benatar and more at Innsbrook - see schedule
Friday Cheers lives on
NT Live: The Audience (starring Helen Mirren) - June 13th & 16th
Arts and Culture Xpo - June 29th
David Sedaris tickets now on sale - October 19th

Photo by: p3nnylan3

Soup Nazi to visit FeedMore, Flying Squirrels hold canned food drive

Nathan Cushing — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:33:01 +0000

One of the most iconic characters from the show Seinfeld will be in Richmond, not to scold would-be soup buyers, but to support the efforts of Central Virginia's key hunger-relief organization.

Larry "the Soup Nazi" Thomas will visit FeedMore's Community Kitchen from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM this Friday to prepare chili for the organization's Kids Cafe. That evening, the Flying Squirrels will hold a canned-food drive for FeedMore at The Diamond during their game with the Reading Fightin' Phils.

"We're in desperate need of canned goods," said Jeff Baldwin, Media and Public Relations Manager for FeedMore. He said that many falsely believe there's less need for canned goods during the summer months. However, with many students who receive free or discounted lunches at school soon to be home for the summer, alleviating youth hunger will become even more urgent and require even more donations.¹

While politicians like Gov. Bob McDonnell and Rep. Eric Cantor have visited the Community Kitchen, Baldwin says the Soup Nazi's visit is likely the kitchen's first true celebrity appearance. "You'd probably be hard-pressed to find someone who didn't know who the Soup Nazi was," he said.

While the Soup Nazi’s Community Kitchen appearance is not open to the public, he will appear before the Friday night game during a meet-and-greet from 5:30 - 6:00 PM in the Pre-Game Tailgate Party area of The Diamond. He’ll also sign autographs on the concourse during the game.

Baldwin hopes that the actor's appearance reminds people of how vital FeedMore and the Community Kitchen is to alleviating hunger in Richmond.

"Our community kitchen does such great work," Baldwin said of the approximately 1,000 meals produced daily by the kitchen. "Hopefully, the Soup Nazi can bring some attention and shed some light” on it.

The Soup Nazi will appear at FeedMore's Community Kitchen from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Friday, April 19th. That night, the Flying Squirrels will hold a canned-food drive at The Diamond.

Meals on Wheels still rolling after 45 years; RVANews

— ∮∮∮ —

Footnotes

One-in-six children in Central Virginia live in a household where they have to worry about the source of their next meal (PDF). ↩

42: At least a base hit, maybe even a double

Ross Catrow — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:11:51 +0000

This past Thursday the Richmond Flying Squirrels hosted an early screening of 42, the Jackie Robinson story,¹ at Movieland. This is exciting and a Big Deal: RVA was just one of three cities with minor league baseball teams to be chosen for this baseball-related honor. Couple that with last year’s screening of Lincoln, and DON’T LOOK NOW, but Richmond might slowly be turning into a movie town. Big ups to all the folks at the Squirrels and their MLB-affiliate, the San Francisco Giants, for making this happen.

Ray Boone, founder of the Richmond Free Press, was on hand to deliver some remarks before the film. Boone was nine-years-old when Branch Rickey and the Brooklyn Dodgers signed Jackie Robinson. He said that the news “raised a lot of hope” in his community, and that while we have many present-day challenges in Richmond, “we need a balance of history, and 42 helps us find that balance.” #wisdom.

So it turns out that all of my Jackie Robinson knowledge was really knowledge about James Earl Jones in The Sandlot. This is embarrassing for several reasons, foremost of which is that it implies that I thought Robinson and The Great Bambino were contemporaries. I definitely spent the entire runtime of 42 waiting for Robinson’s career to end with a baseball to the noggin--which totally doesn’t happen!

But what does happen is a whole bunch of sports emotions. Personally, I hate emotions of all varieties and could do without them entirely, but dang if sports don't melt my steely heart just the tiniest bit.² Especially stories of redemption, unlikely allies, and triumph over odds--which is basically every good sports story, Jackie Robinson's included.³ This is heavy and true stuff, y'all! And how do you avoid delivering a trite, emotionally manipulative script when just reading the Wikipedia is enough to make a man cry?

I dunno, and it took director/writer Brian Helgeland about half the movie to figure it out! 42’s early goings are rough and filled with sticky-sweet heroics and flat characters. Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) is a black man stolidly determined not to let a racially segregated sport (and country) get him down. Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) is the manager of the Dodgers and determined to blow up some status quos while makin a ton of money winning championships. It’s all pretty black and white.

The moment Jackie nearly loses his cool after a confrontation with super racist and detestable Ben Chapman (Alan Tudyk), manager of the Phillies, is the moment Boseman starts to breathe some life into his character. Same goes for Ford: from then on out the two have some interesting and well-acted scenes--but it takes a while, guys. Especially for Ford, whose distracting impersonation of Branch Rickey may be accurate but requires some getting used to.

42 is definitely a sports movie. It chooses to flatten out and smooth over any rough spots that deviate from the core, inspiring (and mostly true!) message. This is a story about a legend, an American legend says the tagline, and with any story about a legend you're probably only getting one side.

But it's finally spring, the Flying Squirrels are back in action, and baseball is RVA's pastime--at least until the Redskins head to their new training camp! So I'm not gonna complain (too much)!

— ∮∮∮ —

Why you should see this movie

You love baseball, and the thousands of baseball games each year simply aren’t enough to quell your red-hot baseball fervor. Or maybe you just freaking love sports, history, and seeing people do the right thing.

Why you should stay home

You’ve got plans with Wendy Peffercorn.

— ∮∮∮ —

Footnotes

Not to be confused with The Jackie Robinson Story, starring...Jackie Robinson. ↩
For a pure dose of unadulterated sports emotions check out this video--as long as you're not headed to an important meeting or a vision test. ↩
I'm gonna eschew the plot summary on this one, because everyone knows the Jackie Robinson story--about how he was the first black Major League Baseball player; how he changed baseball, and American sports, forever; and how he definitely didn't retire in a junkyard with an English Mastiff named Hercules.
Here's the wiki if, for some reason, you're fuzzy on the details. ↩

Flying Squirrels off to a soggy start

John Murden — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:53:04 +0000

The Richmond Flying Squirrels 2013 season opened Thursday night (sort of) at the Diamond against the New Britain Rock Cats. It was cold and rainy, but still kind of awesome.

With both teams scoreless in the bottom of the fourth inning, the game had to be suspended due to persistent rain. The action will resume at 6:05 PM on Friday night, followed by a seven-inning game constituting the second part of the four-game series. Unfortunately, Friday's weather looks like it might be a lot like Thursday's...

The Squirrels will be playing at home through Wednesday, with a series against the Bowie Baysox kicking off on Monday. Have you looked at the weather for next week? Holy moly!

Heads up, though: Bowie's hot pitching prospect Dylan Bundy is starting the year off on the DL and won't be making an appearance in Richmond just yet.

— ∮∮∮ —

The team

Of the 25 active players on the opening day roster, ten have appeared as members of the Flying Squirrels previously (RHP Justin Fitzgerald, LHP Chris Gloor, RHP Daryl Maday, RHP Edwin Quirarte, LHP Tom Vessella and RHP Craig Westcott; SS Ehire Adrianza, OF Ryan Lollis, UTIL Mark Minicozzi and UTIL Skyler Stromsmoe). Five of the players are considered among the top-30 prospects in San Francisco’s system by Baseball America.

Headlining the group of newcomers and prospects is 2B Joe Panik, who is rated as the #2 prospect in the Giants’ organization. The Giants first round selection in the 2011 draft, Panik will make his Double-A debut in his third professional season. He will be joined in an all-prospect infield by Adrianza (#24 – BA), 1B Ricky Oropesa (#27 – BA) and 3B Adam Duvall (#11 – BA). Andrew Susac, the Flying Squirrels’ primary catcher, also rates as the #13 prospect in the system and will also appear at the Double-A level for the first time.

Joining the Flying Squirrels, while returning to his native state of Virginia, is OF Jarrett Parker. Parker, who was selected out of the University of Virginia in the 2nd round of the 2010 draft, will ascend to the Double-A level for the first time after two seasons with San Jose (A+).

The 2013 Flying Squirrels will be led by veteran manager Dave Machemer, who returns to the RVA for a third season. “Mac” returns nearly his entire staff from 2012, as Pitching Coach Ross Grimsley (4th Season), Hitting Coach Ken Joyce (3rd Season), and Athletic Trainer L.J. Petra (2nd Season) also return. The only new member of the Richmond field staff will be Strength & Conditioning Coach Brad Lawson, who takes over for Jim Bose.

Notably, a number of former Squirrels are on the San Francisco Giants' 40-man opening day roster, including pitchers Chris Heston, Erik Surkamp, and Jake Dunning, infielder Nick Noonan, outfielder Juan Perez, Brandon Belt, and Brandon Crawford.

— ∮∮∮ —

2013 Flying Squirrels Roster

Pitchers

Ryan Bradley (Newcomer)
Fabio Castillo (Newcomer)
Justin Fitzgerald (Returnee)
Chris Gloor (Returnee)
Omar Javier (Newcomer)
Daryl Maday (Returnee)
Phil McCormick (Newcomer)
Edwin Quirarte (Returnee)
Scott Shuman (Newcomer)
Jack Snodgrass (Newcomer)
Jose Valdez (Newcomer)
Tom Vessella (Returnee)
Craig Westcott (Returnee)

Catcher

Andrew Susac (Newcomer)
Mark Wagner (Newcomer)

Infielders

Ehire Adrianza (Returnee)
Adam Duvall (Newcomer)
Mark Minicozzi (Returnee)
Ricky Oropesa (Newcomer)
Joe Panik (Newcomer)
Skyler Stromsmoe (Returnee)

Outfielders

Javier Herrera (Returnee)
Brett Krill (Newcomer)
Ryan Lollis (Returnee)
Jarrett Parker (Newcomer)

Field Staff

Dave Machemer (Manager)
Ross Grimsley (Pitching Coach)
Ken Joyce (Hitting Coach)
L.J. Petra (Athletic Trainer)
Brad Lawson (Strength & Conditioning Coach)

5 Things

Susan Howson — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 10:44:33 +0000

Now is the time to milk what you can out of summer, and greet fall with a pleasant tan and a grin on your lips.

1. Clean Energy Activist Night

Not sure if you know this, but...we live on a planet. Not sure if you know THIS, but...that planet can’t save itself? Yeah! Turns out, we need to stop going all crazy on Earth’s ass and show some planet-love while we can. Join others who are as into this as you are. Or, if you’re not into it, learn some things by attending the Virginia Sierra Club’s Clean Energy Activist Night. You’ll meet some folks, eat and drink some refreshments, and find out how you can do serious things to solve a serious problem.

Thurs. Aug. 30 • 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Virginia Sierra Club, 422 E. Franklin St.
Free!

2. Cheer on Our Very Own Flying Squirrels

Admit it, you need Nutzy in your life. We all do. If you haven’t been to a game all summer, now’s your chance. And if you have been to a game, now’s your chance to stare at your friends and colleagues until they buy a ticket. What’s more fun than eating a hot dog and hanging around in blessedly mild summer weather while guys hit a ball with a big stick? This weekend, the Squirrels are taking on the Harrisburg Senators (Thursday through Friday) and the Akron Aeros (Saturday through Monday). Go show them what RVA is all about (destroying opponents).

See site for times
The Diamond, 3001 N. Boulevard
$4-$11

3. PJ Sykes Photography

Think you know local music? Think again, local music fan-friend! PJ Sykes is known amongst the local glitterati as THE “Guy Who’s Always Flitting In and Out of Your Showgoing Field of Vision.” Come see his photography of your favorite singers, songwriters, and shoegazers at Steady Sounds, the music store you need to be patronizing. If you’re lucky, maybe you can take home a memory that you made years ago.

Starting Sept. 1 • 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Steady Sounds, 322 W. Broad St.
Free to admire!

4. Support Your Local Farmer’s Market

Books, websites, and your slightly crunchy friend will surprise you with data that support nutrition and how you can achieve said nutrition by eating the localest fruits and vegetables possible. Richmond has about 450 farmer’s markets in the area, and if you’ve been home watching Matlock instead (I don’t know what people do when they’re not at farmer’s markets, but I know I watched a lot of Matlock as a bored kid on the weekends), here’s a nice list to get you started on the path to health and serious social interaction.

See site for open times
Various places near you
Free to attend!

5. Chesterfield County Fair

The State Fair of Virginia was in trouble, that’s no secret. Get your discriminating butt into action, so you can help Chesterfield’s fair avoid the same fate. Your daredevil offspring will be swinging around like they don’t have a care in the word while you’re stuffing your face with fried things.

Through Sept. 1
Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Rd.
$3-$8 entry, $25 for unlimited midway rides

Photo by: John Murden

Where to watch fireworks

Stephen Nielsen — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 16:48:40 +0000

New here? Take a minute and subscribe to a couple of our email newsletters. They'll help you stay informed on all things RVA!
Fill out my online form.

— ∮∮∮ —

Nothing tops explosives for celebrating the birth of our nation, so don't miss out this year! Here’s a giant list of where you can watch the rockets’ red glare.

Fireworks on the James

July 3rd • 9:15 PM
Brown's Island
FREE

Fireworks and the Flying Squirrels

July 4th, 6:35 PM, July 5th and 6th, 7:05 PM
The Diamond, 3001 N. Boulevard
$7 - $11

Fireworks at Dogwood Dell

July 4th • 5:30 PM
Dogwood Dell, 700 Blanton Avenue
FREE

King's Dominion Military Days

July 3rd and 4th
King's Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way - Doswell, VA
FREE Admission to active, inactive, or retired military personnel with ID

Genworth Independence Day Concert

July 3rd • 6:30 PM
Genworth Financial's World Headquarters, 6620 W. Broad Street
FREE

Powhatan Independence Day Celebration

June 30th • 5:00 PM
Jacques Gits, 2693 Rocky Oak Road - Powhatan, VA
$20 per car, $15 with canned food donation

Racing to the Stars and Stripes

July 4th • 5pm - 8:45pm. Fireworks at 9:30
Colonial Downs, 10515 Colonial Downs Parkway - New Kent, VA
See website for available price packages

Chesterfield County July 4th Celebration

July 4th • 5pm - 9pm
Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA
FREE

Colonial Heights Fireworks

July 4th • 9pm
K-Mart and Walmart parking areas, 116 Southgate Square
FREE

Busch Gardens IllumiNights

July 1st - August 19th • fireworks at 9:30pm
Busch Gardens - Williamsburg, VA
$66.99 adult, $56.99 child

Goochland County Fireworks

July 4th • 9pm - 10pm
Goochland Sports Complex, 1800 Sandy Hook Road - Goochland, VA
FREE

Brewdependence Day

July 4th • 5pm - 11pm
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2408 Ownby Lane
FREE admittance

photo by Mel Kobran

Flying Squirrels get ready to welcome one millionth fan

RVANews staff — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:47:36 +0000

The Flying Squirrels expect to host their one millionth fan at the Diamond during the upcoming series against the Bowie Baysox. The team is 8,215 attendees shy of reaching the milestone, which could come as soon as this evening.

"One million fans is a major milestone," said Flying Squirrels Vice President and COO Todd "Parney" Parnell in a statement. "To be able to attract that many fans to The Diamond in less than three seasons is an incredible accomplishment that speaks volumes about how our fans and the entire Richmond community have embraced the Flying Squirrels."

The historic fan will receive a multitude of prizes, including: four season tickets for life, a reserved parking spot, a Club West Med Spa package, among others. "We will make sure that our one millionth fan is treated to an unforgettable experience that they will treasure for the rest of their life," said Parney. "We believe this prize package combined with the pageantry of the moment will be a watershed event for both the lucky fan and the Flying Squirrels."

Last season, the Squirrels drew 447,520 fans to the Diamond in 67 games, averaging 6,679 fans per game. The home stadium holds 9,560 fans, so the one millionth fan could be recorded as early as this evening when the Squirrels begin their series against Bowie at 6:35pm.

The Diamond in the rough: recapping the soap opera that is Richmond baseball; RVANews

Crowd will try to break Guinness World Record for simultaneous high fives at the Diamond

RVANews staff — Fri, 04 May 2012 10:34:21 +0000

High-five! That’s what a crowd at Thursday’s Flying Squirrels game will do. The current world record holders for the most simultaneous high fives is currently held by 3,504 Zappos.com employees. A local organization, Positive Vibe Café, will try to usurp the title with an event called Hi5RVA.

Positive Vibe Café provides food service training for people with disabilities. They have partnered with the Flying Squirrels to organize the Hi5RVA fundraiser in the hopes of raising $50,000.

“Our training program is free, and we rely on the generosity of the Richmond community to keep it going strong,” said Garth Larcen, co-founder of the organization. “Hi5RVA is our city-wide attempt to raise awareness and funds for the Vibe and give something back to Richmonders who have supported our Café and the program for the last ten years.”

“With an average home attendance of over 6,600 and lots of publicity, we’re going to pack the house, break a record, and have a ton of fun,” said Dave Saunders, Positive Vibe Café board member and President of Madison+Main. “Sorry, Zappos. Your record is going down.”

Supporters will gather at 6:35pm on Thursday, May 10th at the Diamond before the Squirrels take on the Bowie Baysox.

RVANews

Potential sites the Flying Squirrels could land in Henrico County

‘Uncle Joey’ makes an appearance at The Diamond on Tuesday

5 Things for Labor Day

1. Bizarro Across America Progressive Book Tour

2. Bark in the Park at The Diamond

3. Wine & Cheese pairing at James River Cellars

4. Cards against Humanity throw down at Strangeways

5. Not-so-great movies at The Byrd

Flying Squirrels catch World Cup fever

5 Things

1. First Home Game of the Season for Our Beloved Flying Squirrels!

2. Richmond Symphony: Music of the Rolling Stones

3. Ruined

4. James River Film Festival

5. Civil War & Emancipation Day

Flying Squirrels home opener is Thursday

Flying Squirrels Fan Fest and Camp Expo on Saturday

Baseball camp with the Flying Squirrels

Mayor unveils plan for baseball, redevelopment in Shockoe, new Slavery Heritage Site

Play Ball

Boulevard of broken dreams

Slavery & Freedom Heritage Site

Related

Footnotes

A recent history of The Diamond

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

5 Things for Families

1. Hairspray

2. Puritan Cleaners/Flying Squirrels Ballpark Warming Party

3. Hollywood Costume

4. Veterans Day Ceremony at Virginia War Memorial

5. A YA Evening with Arin Greenwood and Elizabeth Kiem

Win a visit from Nutzy!

Footnotes

Mini-golf comes to the Diamond in 2014

Footnotes

Flying Squirrels set new attendance record; averaged over 6,600 fans per game

5 Things

1. See a Show

2. Tour Your City

3. Watch Some Sports

4. Do Something Useful

5. RVA Wake N’ Sun Fest

Future Things

Footnotes

5 Things for Families

1. Cirque Italia

2. Flying Squirrels v. Harrisburg Senators

3. Teacher Open House at the VMFA

4. USL PRO semifinals: Richmond Kickers vs.Charlotte Eagles

5. Opera in the Park

So…what’s the deal with the pirate at Flying Squirrels games?

Flying Squirrels throw an Anthony Weiner-inspired Scandal Night

Flying Squirrels attendance soars

Related

Footnotes

5 reasons to catch a Squirrels game

1. Its cheap

2. They do fun (bizarre) stuff in between innings

3. You don't have to be a baseball expert

4. Fireworks!

5. Special promos

Related

Where’s Nutzy? There’s Nutzy!

Footnotes

Related

Parker the ‘rally pig’ featured on Sports Center

5 Things

1. 38th Annual Richmond Greek Festival

2. Flying Squirrels vs. Erie: A Sleepover of Clydesdales with Mustaches

3. Forest Hill Neighborhood Yard Sale

4. Stone Soul Music and Food Festival

5. Broad Appetit

Future Things

Soup Nazi to visit FeedMore, Flying Squirrels hold canned food drive