Squirrels Capture Prestigious Award

RVA - Baseball America has announced that the Richmond Flying Squirrels franchise has been awarded the 2015 Bob Freitas "Organization of the Year" Award for their successful continued contribution to Minor League Baseball and the Richmond Community. The Bob Freitas award is given annually to one team at each level for outstanding operation of a Minor League franchise. The Squirrels will be presented the award at Baseball's Winter Meetings next week in Nashville.

"When we took over ownership of Richmond, Chuck Domino and Todd Parnell were directed not only to provide the best baseball experience, but to serve our friends and neighbors and to be the best corporate citizens we could possibly be. From our great management, to our staff and Nutzy, they couldn't have done a better job," said Squirrels Managing Partner Lou DiBella. "We thank Baseball America for this award and we thank every one of them for making our home, the Greater Richmond Area, a better place to be."

The Squirrels once again led the Eastern League in overall and average attendance in 2015, drawing 418,147 fans to The Diamond. The organization has continued to enhance and improve the facilities at The Diamond while consistently making an impact in the Richmond community through numerous programs and partnerships such as Renovating Richmond's Recreation (click here for more info).

"This is a very special honor because of the Award's namesake, Bob Freitas. He was a man of class and dignity who lived and breathed the values of Minor League Baseball," said Flying Squirrels Chief Executive Chuck Domino. "I like to think that this recognition for the Flying Squirrels represents that we have honored Bob's high standard of excellence in every phase of our operation."

 Earlier in the year the organization also earned the honor of Best Minor League Baseball Logo (voted on by fans) as well as a nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award.

"It's a great honor within our industry to win this award, but an even higher honor to work side by side with the owners, front office, employees and fans of this franchise inthis incredible region," said Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd "Parney" Parnell. "We love what we do and who we do it for 365-24-7."

The Flying Squirrels also earned the honor due in large part to their ongoing community dedication in Richmond. Since arriving in Richmond in 2010 the Squirrels have offered over one million dollars in donations and gifts in kind for thousands of local organizations. Additionally, executives, players, coaches and mascots make well over 600 appearances in the community each year. The Squirrels have continued to facilitate a number ofcommunity programs, partnerships and initiatives such as the Go Nutz for Reading Program, Flying Squirrels Art Contest, Score an A Ticket Program and the United Health Care Home Run for life.

Visit the Squirrels Nest Holiday Store at the Diamond for that special Squirrels Fan in your life. There are many great gift ideas and new gear arriving just in time for the Holidays. The Flying Squirrels operate year round at The Diamond and the team store will have extended hours through the Holiday season. The store will be open 9:00 AM -6:00 PM Monday through Friday and 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM on Saturdays (November 28th-December 3rd). The Squirrels will also be hosting their 6th annual Hot Stove Banquet on January 21st at the Siegal Center. Tickets for the Hot Stove event as well as Season Tickets for the 2016 season are on sale and available by contacting the box office at 804-359-FUNN

 

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