Displaying the spirit with which Flying Squirrels was picked as the name of Richmond's new baseball team, the Double-A franchise's general manager expressed outside-the-box approval yesterday.
"Let me be the first one to say: 'Let's go nuts!'" Bill Papierniak said.
Flying Squirrels, chosen by franchise owners and manage ment, was among more than 6,000 submissions in a name-the-team contest.
Flying Squirrels was the submission of Prince George County's Brad Mead. He won two season tickets for life, a jacket and a cap.
Mead's picture will appear in the 2010 program. He was unable to attend yesterday's announcement at the Richmond Times-Dispatch's headquarters downtown and was represented by his mother, Donna Nelson, and stepfather, Kyle.
Mead, a 30-year-old graduate of James Madison University, works as a magistrate in Hopewell. He is a fan of the Boston Red Sox and said he didn't attend many games at The Diamond after his 1997 graduation from Prince George High School.
Regarding his suggestion of Flying Squirrels, Mead said he considered the trend toward odd nicknames among minor-league teams and tried to come up with one that was "goofy or crazy."
To Chuck Domino, the club's chief executive manager, Flying Squirrels stood out because it is highly unusual. He heard from those who pushed hard for Rapids, Rebels, Virginians and other conservative options.
"Just didn't have the pizzazz," Domino said.
The Flying Squirrels name fits the approach that Domino and Todd Parnell, the Squirrels' vice president and chief operating officer, intend to take with the Double-A team of the San Francisco Giants.
Domino noted that the circus atmosphere at games is the job of franchise management; the Giants will handle the baseball. Games start April 15 at The Diamond.
The team is relocating from Connecticut, where it was known as the Defenders.
Domino acknowledged that the choice of Flying Squirrels -- which beat finalists Rock Hoppers, Rhinos, Flatheads and Hush Puppies -- probably would not receive immediate approval from Richmond-area residents.
"It's going to be rough. We're going to have to put on our seat belts," he said. "But we promised Richmond that we were going to be different, and I think this makes a statement that we are going to be different."
The Division III teams at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton are called the Fighting Squirrels.
"People think our name is funny, but we've also gotten a lot of good press because of it," said Sharon Spalding, the school's athletic director.
Mary Baldwin's nickname comes from the central figure in the crest of a school founder.
Domino is the former general manager of the Double-A Reading Phillies. Parnell is the former GM of the Double-A Altoona Curve. The franchises, both in Pennsylvania, were very successful under their leadership.
"They set the standard for what happens in minor-league baseball and the amusement," said Gary Green, part of the franchise's ownership group. "They set the standard, and everybody else follows. This is about fun. Minor-league baseball is anything but conventional."
According to Domino, each of the finalists had some support among the group that eventually agreed on Flying Squirrels. He added that Flying Squirrels received sufficient support in online voting for finalists "to affirm our decision."
Gauging merchandising potential was a part of the decision-making process, and yesterday Domino already was considering the possibilities of squirrel tails, squirrel nests and other squirrelly links. A team store will replace the restaurant at The Diamond.
The team logo will be ready by the end of next month. The franchise's new Web site is SquirrelsBaseball.com
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Flying Squirrels soar into Richmond
Gliding rodents have prevailed.
At a press conference Thursday afternoon, Richmond Pro Baseball announced that the name of the city's new Eastern League team will be the Flying Squirrels. The moniker was one of six finalists chosen in a name-the-team contest which drew over 15,000 submissions.
The Flying Squirrels, San Francisco's Double-A affiliate, relocated from Norwich, Conn. (where they played as the Connecticut Defenders).
The club will play in The Diamond, which housed the International League's Richmond Braves until that team moved to Gwinnett County, Ga., following the 2008 campaign.
Flying Squirrels -- which was chosen by the team's owners, front office staff and marketing partners -- beat out Flatheads, Rhinos, Rock Hoppers, and Hush Puppies. The latter entry was a late "Wild Card" addition to the contest, chosen by CNBC sports business reporter Darren Rovell after he solicited name suggestions on his blog. An additional contender, Hambones, was removed from consideration earlier this week after the NAACP pointed out that "hambone" is the name of a foot-stomping minstrel show dance (the club had chosen it as a finalist in homage to Virginia ham).
"We are thrilled with the passion that selecting the name of the team has ignited within the community," said Richmond Professional Baseball chief executive manager Chuck Domino in a press release. "We have promised the baseball fans of Richmond a truly unique brand of fun. Out of all the tremendous entries we received, we believe the Flying Squirrels moniker provides the best representation of that brand, while giving us unlimited avenues to creatively explore the identity of this team."
In attendance at the press conference were Jason Klein and Casey White of Plan B Branding, who outlined the team's strategy in regards to the creation of a logo and branding strategy (The logo will be unveiled at a later date). Brad Mead, the fan who submitted "Flying Squirrels" in the name-the-team contest, was unable to attend. However, Mead's mother and step-father accepted the prize of two life-time season tickets on his behalf.
Speculation over the team name had been a hot topic of conversation in Richmond since the finalists were announced last week. Many fans reacted negatively to the choices, often citing a lack of seriousness and/or local connection as a reason. Todd Parnell, the Flying Squirrel's vice-president and COO, said that the passionate reaction of the fan base could only be seen as a positive.
"I think it's awesome, to know that the people of Richmond care so much," he said in a phone conversation Wednesday afternoon. "We will never shy away from getting people to talk, and having an opinion, so we haven't taken offense. Whether people are saying things that are good or bad, it's all good because they are talking about Richmond baseball as a family again. And, at the end of the day, who's going to turn away from fun?"
At a press conference Thursday afternoon, Richmond Pro Baseball announced that the name of the city's new Eastern League team will be the Flying Squirrels. The moniker was one of six finalists chosen in a name-the-team contest which drew over 15,000 submissions.
The Flying Squirrels, San Francisco's Double-A affiliate, relocated from Norwich, Conn. (where they played as the Connecticut Defenders).
The club will play in The Diamond, which housed the International League's Richmond Braves until that team moved to Gwinnett County, Ga., following the 2008 campaign.
Flying Squirrels -- which was chosen by the team's owners, front office staff and marketing partners -- beat out Flatheads, Rhinos, Rock Hoppers, and Hush Puppies. The latter entry was a late "Wild Card" addition to the contest, chosen by CNBC sports business reporter Darren Rovell after he solicited name suggestions on his blog. An additional contender, Hambones, was removed from consideration earlier this week after the NAACP pointed out that "hambone" is the name of a foot-stomping minstrel show dance (the club had chosen it as a finalist in homage to Virginia ham).
"We are thrilled with the passion that selecting the name of the team has ignited within the community," said Richmond Professional Baseball chief executive manager Chuck Domino in a press release. "We have promised the baseball fans of Richmond a truly unique brand of fun. Out of all the tremendous entries we received, we believe the Flying Squirrels moniker provides the best representation of that brand, while giving us unlimited avenues to creatively explore the identity of this team."
In attendance at the press conference were Jason Klein and Casey White of Plan B Branding, who outlined the team's strategy in regards to the creation of a logo and branding strategy (The logo will be unveiled at a later date). Brad Mead, the fan who submitted "Flying Squirrels" in the name-the-team contest, was unable to attend. However, Mead's mother and step-father accepted the prize of two life-time season tickets on his behalf.
Speculation over the team name had been a hot topic of conversation in Richmond since the finalists were announced last week. Many fans reacted negatively to the choices, often citing a lack of seriousness and/or local connection as a reason. Todd Parnell, the Flying Squirrel's vice-president and COO, said that the passionate reaction of the fan base could only be seen as a positive.
"I think it's awesome, to know that the people of Richmond care so much," he said in a phone conversation Wednesday afternoon. "We will never shy away from getting people to talk, and having an opinion, so we haven't taken offense. Whether people are saying things that are good or bad, it's all good because they are talking about Richmond baseball as a family again. And, at the end of the day, who's going to turn away from fun?"
Monday, October 12, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
New team owners promise Diamond improvements
The sign outside The Diamond still proclaims "Home of the Richmond Braves," but Richmond and its 24-year-old stadium will have a new professional baseball team beginning next spring.
After months of delays, the long-anticipated relocation of the Class AA Connecticut Defenders was announced yesterday by regional and team officials who gathered at The Diamond in front of a banner that read, "Play Ball!"
"We're here to say baseball is back," Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones said.
Richmond has been without pro baseball since the Class AAA Richmond Braves moved to a new $64 million stadium in Gwinnett County, Ga., after the 2008 season.
The Atlanta Braves severed their 43-year relationship with Richmond after growing frustrated by the outdated condition of The Diamond and the lack of progress on a long-term stadium plan.
Though there's still no plan or even a timetable to get one, owners of the Defenders franchise said they're ecstatic to come to Richmond and plan to spend at least $1.5 million to upgrade The Diamond by opening day in April.
The work will include about 3,200 new flip-up seats with cup-holders in the lower level; a new video board and new windows on the corporate suites and press box; and a new team store and player amenities.
The Richmond Metropolitan Authority, which owns The Diamond, will contribute $75,000 toward general improvements.
"For the time being, this is our home," said Lou DiBella, the team's president and managing general partner. "We're going to treat it like your home. We're going to do what's necessary to bring it up to the appropriate grade."
He and other team executives promised a clean stadium and a brand of minor-league baseball that's focused on fun for everyone. The team, which is affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, lost the Eastern League's championship series last weekend to the Akron Aeros.
The team will play at The Diamond through at least 2011 and likely longer. The RMA is expected to approve Tuesday a two-year lease that would include options for three one-year extensions.
Jones said the lease would provide a timetable for the city, the surrounding counties and the team to figure out a long-term stadium plan, either at the site of The Diamond or elsewhere.
"I think we need to do due diligence," he said. "It gives us an opportunity to step back and do this right."
Last fall, Highwoods Properties submitted to the city a proposal to build a ballpark as part of a mixed-use development in Shockoe Bottom, but that plan was withdrawn this summer. Highwoods had been working with a group of local investors who were attempting to buy the Defenders franchise.
DiBella said his ownership group is relocating to Richmond "with a long-term view," and he emphasized that a decision about a new or improved stadium would be made cooperatively by the team, local officials and the community.
"Don't focus on the lease," he urged a reporter. "We're going to make this place the best it can be."
Given the sagging economy, any talks about a new or renovated stadium will have to take a backseat to other, more-pressing local needs, Henrico County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett said.
"With the economy the way it is, we don't know how long they may have to play at The Diamond," he said. And glancing up at the massive concrete stadium, Hazelett quipped, "I think it looks fantastic."
After months of delays, the long-anticipated relocation of the Class AA Connecticut Defenders was announced yesterday by regional and team officials who gathered at The Diamond in front of a banner that read, "Play Ball!"
"We're here to say baseball is back," Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones said.
Richmond has been without pro baseball since the Class AAA Richmond Braves moved to a new $64 million stadium in Gwinnett County, Ga., after the 2008 season.
The Atlanta Braves severed their 43-year relationship with Richmond after growing frustrated by the outdated condition of The Diamond and the lack of progress on a long-term stadium plan.
Though there's still no plan or even a timetable to get one, owners of the Defenders franchise said they're ecstatic to come to Richmond and plan to spend at least $1.5 million to upgrade The Diamond by opening day in April.
The work will include about 3,200 new flip-up seats with cup-holders in the lower level; a new video board and new windows on the corporate suites and press box; and a new team store and player amenities.
The Richmond Metropolitan Authority, which owns The Diamond, will contribute $75,000 toward general improvements.
"For the time being, this is our home," said Lou DiBella, the team's president and managing general partner. "We're going to treat it like your home. We're going to do what's necessary to bring it up to the appropriate grade."
He and other team executives promised a clean stadium and a brand of minor-league baseball that's focused on fun for everyone. The team, which is affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, lost the Eastern League's championship series last weekend to the Akron Aeros.
The team will play at The Diamond through at least 2011 and likely longer. The RMA is expected to approve Tuesday a two-year lease that would include options for three one-year extensions.
Jones said the lease would provide a timetable for the city, the surrounding counties and the team to figure out a long-term stadium plan, either at the site of The Diamond or elsewhere.
"I think we need to do due diligence," he said. "It gives us an opportunity to step back and do this right."
Last fall, Highwoods Properties submitted to the city a proposal to build a ballpark as part of a mixed-use development in Shockoe Bottom, but that plan was withdrawn this summer. Highwoods had been working with a group of local investors who were attempting to buy the Defenders franchise.
DiBella said his ownership group is relocating to Richmond "with a long-term view," and he emphasized that a decision about a new or improved stadium would be made cooperatively by the team, local officials and the community.
"Don't focus on the lease," he urged a reporter. "We're going to make this place the best it can be."
Given the sagging economy, any talks about a new or renovated stadium will have to take a backseat to other, more-pressing local needs, Henrico County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett said.
"With the economy the way it is, we don't know how long they may have to play at The Diamond," he said. And glancing up at the massive concrete stadium, Hazelett quipped, "I think it looks fantastic."
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Sources say Eastern League will announce that Defenders are Richmond-bound
An announcement of which Class AA Eastern League franchise is relocating to Richmond for next season will be made a week from today, sources said. Industry insiders identified Connecticut as the franchise on the move.
Richmond's new club will play at The Diamond for a minimum of two years while team owners and officials from the city and neighboring counties discuss a new ballpark. The franchise now in Connecticut is contractually bound to the San Francisco Giants through 2010.
Eastern League President Joe McEacharn yesterday chose not to reveal which franchise is moving. He also did not confirm the date of an announcement. McEacharn previously stated that one of the league's franchises would be based in Richmond starting next season. Yesterday, he said an announcement regarding Richmond's franchise would be made by the end of the month.
Minor League Baseball and the Eastern League have asked involved parties not to publicly discuss the relocation until the announcement is made.
The Connecticut franchise is owned by a partnership led by Lou DiBella. He is expected to be the Richmond franchise's managing partner. An industry veteran, believed to be Chuck Domino, will supervise the team's operations. This season, Domino was president of two franchises, Class AAA Lehigh Valley and Class AA Reading.
The Connecticut franchise was identified by Minor League Baseball as a candidate for relocation to Richmond soon after the Atlanta Braves announced in January of 2008 that their Class AAA franchise was headed to Gwinnett County, Ga., where the club played this season.
A potential local ownership group, Richmond Baseball Club LC, failed in its bid to purchase the Connecticut franchise due to lack of funds.
To Minor League Baseball, ownership groups of several Eastern League franchises expressed interest in relocating to Richmond. Minor League Baseball and the Eastern League selected Connecticut. That franchise in recent years has been at or near the bottom of the Eastern League in home attendance.
The new franchise will spend a minimum of $1 million to upgrade The Diamond for short-term use, according to McEacharn. The Richmond Metropolitan Authority, which owns and operates The Diamond, also is expected to invest in the facility on the Boulevard.
This year was Richmond's first without professional baseball since 1965. The Braves' move was caused primarily by that organization's dissatisfaction with The Diamond, which opened in 1985, and the lack of a firm plan for a new ballpark.
The Connecticut Defenders are involved in the Eastern League's best-of-five championship series, against Akron. Connecticut made the playoffs for the first time since 2002, when it was an affiliate of the New York Yankees and called the Norwich Navigators.
McEacharn said the timing of an announcement regarding Richmond is unrelated to the Eastern League playoffs
Richmond's new club will play at The Diamond for a minimum of two years while team owners and officials from the city and neighboring counties discuss a new ballpark. The franchise now in Connecticut is contractually bound to the San Francisco Giants through 2010.
Eastern League President Joe McEacharn yesterday chose not to reveal which franchise is moving. He also did not confirm the date of an announcement. McEacharn previously stated that one of the league's franchises would be based in Richmond starting next season. Yesterday, he said an announcement regarding Richmond's franchise would be made by the end of the month.
Minor League Baseball and the Eastern League have asked involved parties not to publicly discuss the relocation until the announcement is made.
The Connecticut franchise is owned by a partnership led by Lou DiBella. He is expected to be the Richmond franchise's managing partner. An industry veteran, believed to be Chuck Domino, will supervise the team's operations. This season, Domino was president of two franchises, Class AAA Lehigh Valley and Class AA Reading.
The Connecticut franchise was identified by Minor League Baseball as a candidate for relocation to Richmond soon after the Atlanta Braves announced in January of 2008 that their Class AAA franchise was headed to Gwinnett County, Ga., where the club played this season.
A potential local ownership group, Richmond Baseball Club LC, failed in its bid to purchase the Connecticut franchise due to lack of funds.
To Minor League Baseball, ownership groups of several Eastern League franchises expressed interest in relocating to Richmond. Minor League Baseball and the Eastern League selected Connecticut. That franchise in recent years has been at or near the bottom of the Eastern League in home attendance.
The new franchise will spend a minimum of $1 million to upgrade The Diamond for short-term use, according to McEacharn. The Richmond Metropolitan Authority, which owns and operates The Diamond, also is expected to invest in the facility on the Boulevard.
This year was Richmond's first without professional baseball since 1965. The Braves' move was caused primarily by that organization's dissatisfaction with The Diamond, which opened in 1985, and the lack of a firm plan for a new ballpark.
The Connecticut Defenders are involved in the Eastern League's best-of-five championship series, against Akron. Connecticut made the playoffs for the first time since 2002, when it was an affiliate of the New York Yankees and called the Norwich Navigators.
McEacharn said the timing of an announcement regarding Richmond is unrelated to the Eastern League playoffs
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