Program 6 Issue 9

Program 6 Issue 9

Welcome to Segra Park, home of the Columbia Fireflies!

We want to thank you for choosing to join us for some exciting Columbia Fireflies baseball and lots of fun here at Segra Park! We have the greatest fans in Minor League Baseball, and without each and every one of you we wouldn’t be able to create this amazing atmosphere at every Fireflies game. The 2021 season gave us the opportunity to be one of the first sports venues to bring people back together coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, and we were ecstatic to welcome fans back to Segra Park after a long break. It also marked our first season with a new Major League affiliate in the Kansas City Royals. Records were broken, memories were made, and we all enjoyed the opportunity to get back together as Fireflies fans. In 2022 we are excited to get back to what we hope will be a much more normal season. We will get back to what we do best with lots of fun on-field promotions, fireworks, great food and drinks and much more at every Fireflies game. As if that weren’t enough, we are even going to fire a man out of a cannon on July 23 and you will NOT want to miss out on that! We hope that you will enjoy your time at the ballpark and please be sure to let us know how we can improve your experience for your next trip to Segra Park. You probably saw on your way into the ballpark that there is a lot of construction and activity going on around us. Segra Park sits at the center of the BullStreet District which is a 181-acre redevelopment project that will help create a vibrant community in the heart of our state capital. In the past two years the district has welcomed Starbucks and REI providing the first of many retail pieces of the development. Merrill Gardens is a senior living facility that provides residents with top notch amenities and easy access to Segra Park as well as the new Page Ellington Park, a 20-acre park that sits in the center of the BullStreet District. In addition, many more projects have just completed or are well underway. Two public parking garages with over 800 parking spaces are now nearly complete. The WestLawn project will provide ample office space on top of 14,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor. Directly across the street from Segra Park work is well underway on the Bennet at BullStreet which will provide the district with a 280,000 sq. ft. community with 269 luxury apartments and 45,000 sq. ft. of retail space. Finally, the historic Babcock building is in the middle of being converted into 208 apartments and the famous red cupola will be restored after being destroyed by a fire in September of 2020. All of this is happening in addition to multiple townhomes, office space, a church and event space already being occupied in the BullStreet District with another huge project set to begin soon as the University of South Carolina will be constructing a new $300 million Health Sciences campus in the BullStreet District. Since 2016 over 1.2 million fans have attended a Fireflies game and an additional 230,000+ have attended other events at Segra Park, and we are just getting started! The best is truly yet to come for the BullStreet District, the Columbia Fireflies and Segra Park and we hope that you will join us for the ride!

Thank you for joining us for a Columbia Fireflies game, and we hope that you will have a world class experience at Segra Park. Please come back and visit us again soon for another Fireflies game or one of the numerous events that are hosted at Segra Park every year. This ballpark was built by the community, for the community, and we can’t wait to welcome you back!

BRAD SHANK President of the Columbia Fireflies

table of contents Fan Code of Conduct & Map.................. 4-5

K9 Klub and Kids Club Info.....................

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Concession Map..........................................

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Kansas City Royals System.....................

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Carolina League...........................................

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Fireflies Coaching Staff............................

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Fireflies Roster.............................................

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Riverdogs Roster.........................................

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Ticket Information.......................................

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World Class Excitement Comes to Segra Park .......

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Homestand Highlights...............................

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Upcoming Homestand..............................

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Catch the Soda Cap Connector to Segra Park Leave the parking and driving to us Shuttles available every Columbia Fireflies home game The Soda Cap Connector is Columbia’s premier downtown shuttle that takes you to restaurants, attractions and entertainment for only $1.00 to ride. Shuttles begin one hour before the game, continue until one hour after the game and run every 25-30 minutes. Masks are required on all vehicles until further notice.

CATCHTHECOMET.ORG | 803-255-7100 |

Fan code of conduct The Columbia Fireflies are committed to creating a family-friendly and welcoming environment at the ballpark for all guests. As part of that commitment, we have adopted this written policy addressing fan behavior. The policy includes a Fan Code of Conduct, which is fan- facing and describes how fans are expected to behave. Fan Code of Conduct: In order to provide a welcoming experience for all, the Columbia Fireflies have implemented a Fan Code of Conduct. Out of respect for fellow guests, players, coaches, and ballpark staff, all guests are prohibited from: • Trespassing on the playing field at any time; • Interfering with baseballs that are in play; • Throwing or tossing objects; • Using foul, obscene or derogatory language (see below) or gestures; • Misusing or overconsuming alcohol, including, underage consumption; • Behaving in a manner that is disruptive, unruly, or abusive; • Accessing areas of the ballpark without a proper ticket, pass, or credential; • Misusing tickets, passes, or credentials in any way; or • Bringing prohibited items into the ballpark. • Only service dogs are allowed (outside of “Dog Days”) Derogatory language is defined as offensive language concerning a person’s race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or national origin, and anyone using such language is subject to automatic ejection from the ballpark. Violations of the Fan Code of Conduct will not be tolerated and may lead to ejection from the ballpark, a ban on attending future games, or other consequences. Guests who are found to have used derogatory language will be ejected from the ballpark. Guests are encouraged to report violations of the Fan Code of Conduct to the nearest ballpark staff member. This can be done in person, at the nearest Guest Services location, directly with Ballpark Security or by [email protected] .

CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION

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segra park map

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concession map

A: LOW N' SLOW BBQ B: POP! / HEALTHY CART C: FUNNEL VISION D: SCOOPS!

1. CONCESSION STAND 2. CONCESSION STAND 3. CONCESSION STAND 4. CONCESSION STAND 5. SWEETWATER BAR 6. BUDWEISER BOWTIE BAR

E: DIPPIN’ DOTS F: SUPER GYRO G: SWEET CAROLINA’S / OREO CHURROS H: SCOOPS! I: PINEAPPLE CART SQUEEZE & FREEZE J: JUANATHANS K CRAFT CORNER L: SCOOPS! M: BOILED PEANUTS/PRETZELS N: PHILLY CART O: POP! P: DIPPIN’ DOTS Q: EL TORO MEXICAN

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kansas city royals minor league system

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carolina league

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Special Events

Located in the heart of Columbia’s Bull Street District, Segra Park is a year round event venue. Our venue is perfect for corporate meetings, galas, weddings, holiday parties and more. It’s a multi-purpose venue that provides a unique backdrop for your next event. CLUB LOUNGE

CONTACT SPECIAL EVENTS 803.888.3023 [email protected] SEGRAPARK.COM

CONFERENCE ROOM

BROAD RIVER BALCONY

THE MASON JAR COLUMBIA FIREFLIES TEAM STORE

store hours

Mon.-Fri 10:00am-5:00pm Sat. & Sun. Closed

2022 fireflies coaching staff

Jesus Azuaje

Tony Peña Jr.

John Habyan

Hitting Coach

Manager

Pitching Coach

Joe Pedulla

Glenn Hubbard

Chris Nelson

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Bench Coach

Assistant Hitting Coach

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2022 fireflies roster pitchers

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6' 3" 195 R-R 08-21-2001 P - Luinder Avila

P - Luis Barroso

6' 4" 230 R-R 11-03-1999 P - Wander Arias

5' 11" 204 L-L 06-12-1999 P - Jack Aldrich

6' 3" 165 R-R 09-07-1998

Caracas, VZ

David, Panama

Oak Park, CA

Sabana Grande de Palenquie, D.R.

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45

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6' 1" 194 R-R 06-29-2002 P -Jonatan Bernal Mazatlan, Mexico

6' 2" 175 L-L 02-13-1999 P - Shane Connolly

6' 0" 220 R-R 10-02-1999 P - Heribert Garcia

6' 2" 205 R-R 07-01-2001 P - Ben Hernandez

Huntersville, NC

Boliver, VZ

Chicago, IL

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51

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6' 3" 230 L-R 01-27-1998 P - John McMillon

6' 3" 175 L-L 06-19-2003 P - Frank Mozzicato

6' 3" 220 R-R 10-30-2001 P - Shane Panzini

P - Ben Kudrna

6' 3" 175 R-R 01-30-2003 Shawnee Mission, KS

Lufkin, TX

Hartford, CT

Spring Lake, NJ

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P - Matt Stil

6' 2" 210 L-L 10-26-1997 P - Ben Wereski

P - Oscar Rayo

P - Marlin Willis

6' 3" 190 R-R 07-05-2000

6' 1" 180 L-L 01-13-2002

6' 4" 190 L-L 06-05-98

Hartford, CT

Decatur, GA

Managua, NIC

Decatur, GA

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catchers

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5'11" 170 R-R 12-10-2001 C - Omar Hernandez

C - Kyle Hayes

6' 1" 210 L-R 07-03-2003 C - Carter Jensen

6' 2" 190 R-R 10-08-97

La Habana, CU

Vienna, VA

Kansas City, MO

infielders

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6' 0" 190 S-R 08-21-1999 IF - Dayton Dooney

IF - Guillermo Quintana

IF - Omar Florentino

6' 1" 180 R-R 03-16-2001

5' 9" 170 S-R 10-26-2001

Honolulu, HI

Cartagena, COL

San Juan De La Maguana, DR

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6' 0" 150 R-R 12-15-2003 IF - Daniel Vazquez

IF - Enrique Valdez

6' 0" 185 L-R 05-15-2001 San Pedro de Macoris, DR

Villa Mella, DR

outfielders

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15

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5' 10" 190 L-L 10-25-2000 OF - Jean Ramirez

OF - Erick Pena

OF - Darryl Collins

OF - Jaswel De Los Santos

6' 3" 205 L-R 02-20-2003 Santo Domingo, D.R.

6' 2" 185 L-R 09-16-2001

6' 1" 180 L-R 01-28-2002 Santo Domingo, D.R.

Spijkenisse, NL

Mao, D.R.

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2022 charleston riverdogs Pitchers: 10 Alex Ayala Jr. Infielders: 2 Jelfry Marte

20 Neraldo Catalina 23 Yonny Chirinos 24 Aneudy Cortorreal 33 Jonny Cuevas 22 Kamron Fields 25 Over Galue 26 Sandy Gaston 21 JJ Goss 30 Antonio Jimenez 12 Brendan McKay 8 Antonio Menendez 11 Ben Peoples 27 Juan Rivera 34 Jack Snyder 38 Brayden Theriot 29 Daiveyon Whittle

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Alejandro Pie

Bobby Seymour Ryan Spikes Willy Vasquez Carson Williams

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Outfielders: 1

Daiwer Castellanos Oneill Manzueta

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Shane Sasaki Nick Schnell

Catchers: 16 Julio Meza 28 Nathan Perry 35 Kenny Piper

CLICK FOR ROSTER DETAILS

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fireflies tickets

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KIDS ZONE

BOWTIE BAR

Individual Game Tickets

$5/seat

$10/seat

$8/seat (Quantities of 4 or 6)

$14/seat

$10/seat

$16/seat

$11/seat

$56/box (4 seats)

$12/seat

$60/table (4 seats)

Group Tickets

COLa

Attendees of groups of 20 or more in the Palmetto Picnic Pavilion, Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union All-Star or Reserved seating will take home a souvenir Fireflies group hat.

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Full Season Tickets

$3,300/table

$735/seat*

$2,995/table

$630/seat

$1,050/seat*

$540/seat

$540/seat*

$330/seat

*Multi-year commitment required

Half Season (33 Games) Half Season Tickets

$330/seat

$299/seat

7 th Inning All-Star Seating Stretch Plans 7 Game Plans $77/seat 14 Game Plans $154/seat 21 Game Plans $220/seat

click for more information

Individual Tickets

Groups Tickets

Season Tickets

Interested in Group Outings or Memberships? Call 803-726-4487 ext 2 or email [email protected]

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Upcoming Community Organizations of the Game Please stop by their kiosks during the game and learn more about these important local organizations! 8/2 - Children's Trust of South Carolina 8/3 - Ronald McDonald House of Columbia 8/4 - Midlands Foundation for Foster Children 8/5 - Connie Maxwell Children's Ministries 8/6 - MUSC Health

The Fireflies strive to give back to the community in which we all live. If you are interested in being a Community Organization of the Game, please contact Halle Wade at 803-888-3007.

World Class Excitement Comes to Segra Park By John Kocsis Jr.

If you’ve gone to a number of Fireflies games, you’ve probably wondered how some of the acts and major promotions make their way to Columbia, South Carolina. Just look at the last few weeks, The Human Cannon Ball was shot out of his cannon across the infield last Saturday, and this weekend, the Fireflies are giving away a jersey lunch box Friday and are having Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol night

Saturday with appearances from Chase and Marshall. That doesn’t just pop up overnight. In fact, the process is part of months of planning that culminates on any given night at Segra Park. The 2022 season’s finale is right around the corner. Sunday September 11 is less than 50 days away. Almost immediately after the end of the season, when the 2023 schedule gets passed down from the Carolina League to the Columbia Fireflies, the marketing team gets to work. First things first, the team examines where their home games are and what any potential conflicts with local area events may look like. The next step is to scour the dates for any important promotions that can be tied in. Certain nights are easier to plan than others, for example, on Independence Day, the Fireflies typically wear specialty jerseys, have a military tribute and, of course, will have fireworks following the game. How did this weekend’s promotions come into play though? It’s not National PAW Patrol Day Saturday, but, the planning process starts with a few questions, says Director of Marketing Ashlie DeCarlo. The rights for Nickelodeon characters and branding belongs to OT Sports when it comes to the specialty jersey design, so the company begins by sending a couple blanketed generic jersey concepts over before you begin to transition the ideas to being your own. “It’s at that point that you can begin to make tweaks. You can ask to feature word marks or logos, or what color you want to make the jersey and what characters you would like to feature on the jersey,” Marketing Director Ashlie DeCarlo says. “Once you finalize the concept with OT (the jersey company), you send the artwork to Nickelodeon for their approval. After Nickelodeon approves the artwork, it goes to Major League Baseball for their approval.” Major League Baseball inspects the jerseys for the right markings and logos. Once they give the jersey the go-ahead, the team can order the jersey and have it shipped to Columbia so the players can wear it.

Jersey are one thing, but what about moving a person all the way across the country to get them to South Carolina to perform? It turns out the process isn’t exactly cookie cutter. For example, this weekend, Chase and Marshall have their costumes shipped here to Segra Park where they are stored until the big stars show up at the yard the day of the game, but some local acts need to see the park before they agree to come out. “Once an act is interested in performing, we typically bring that act to Segra Park to do a walk-through,” Marketing and Community Engagement Manager, Halle Wade tells. “An example of why

this is necessary is when our Stilt Walker for A Night Under the Big Top came out, she needed to see if she would fit underneath the overhang of our concourse. If the walk-through goes well, then we book the entertainment!” The Fireflies typically take care of flying the act into Columbia and escorting them to-and-from the hotel to Segra Park to ensure their comfort and ease of access to the stadium for the game. This was the case when Sean Gibson came in to speak to fans following the Saturday Negro League Weekend game where he talked about his great grandfather, Josh Gibson and brought the Josh Gibson traveling museum to Segra Park. While the acts and jerseys may be some of the most notable things you see on a specialty night at Segra Park, the idea of a promotion starts a bit before that. Once the staff has an idea of what type of promotion they want to run on a specific day, they need to have an idea of what they want to do with the image and likeness of the show or music or movie to bring it into the ballpark. “Initial conversations just need to have a general concept, but once a contract is signed, there are a lot of approvals that need to be met before promotion and advertising for the event can take place,” Director of Marketing, Ashlie Decarlo explains. “Some things that need approval before we can market them include the title of the night itself, any graphics or videos related to the event and all in-game visual elements that are related to the theme night.” So once the team decides they want to host, say, PAW Patrol Night, they draft the general idea, get that idea approved by Nickelodeon, and then they have to create each individual element and have them approved by the parent company before they can begin to advertise for the event. Needless to say, a lot goes on behind the scenes before Chase and Marshall show up Saturday!

“Booking entertainment acts is a detailed task we have to do here at Segra Park, but it is our job to make the ballpark the most fun place in the Midlands!” Wade says.

That’s just a small taste of what the front office does to entice everyone to come out to Segra Park! It just goes to show, you don’t have to be a die-hard baseball fan to love going to a Fireflies game—you might just fall in love with one of the promotions at the yard!

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/COLUMBIAFIREFLIES

@COLAFIREFLIES

@COLAFIREFLIES

(803) 726-4487 [email protected]

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