The Richmond Flying Squirrels introduced their new mascot "Nutzy" and modeled their four different uniform designs during a press event spectacle which included music, light and visual effects at the historic Byrd Theatre on Thursday afternoon. The club also featured artwork, created by Richmond area elementary school students, which will adorn the concourse at The Diamond.

The Flying Squirrels introduced Nutzy to Richmond during a dramatic curtain-raising, complete with fog and light effects. The boisterous mascot then raced into the crowd and began entertaining the audience after being showered in confetti.

The name Nutzy was entered by Terry Guevara of Richmond and was selected from nearly 3,500 entries which were received during the Flying Squirrels "Name the Mascot" contest held through the Richmond Times Dispatch's website, www.TimesDispatch.com. The contest ran December 14th through December 20th. For entering the winning name, Guevara will receive a visit from Nutzy at her home as well as a 20-person picnic in the Holiday Inn I-64 West End Picnic Zone during a Flying Squirrels home game.

"We really felt the name Nutzy fit the fun, playful personality we expect our mascot to have," said Flying Squirrels VP and COO Todd "Parney" Parnell. "With that said, he's still a sleek squirrel and we think kids are really going to see him as the superhero type."

The Flying Squirrels also showed off the four uniform designs for the 2010 season. Local sports media personalities Greg Burton of ESPN 950, Wes McElroy of Sports Radio 910, Chip Tarkenton of WRIC, and Lane Casadonte of WTVR, served as celebrity models for the uniform fashion show.

Richmond's home white uniform features "Flying Squirrels" across the chest in black and scarlet razor-script with scarlet and black piping around the collar and down the jersey front. Scarlet and black piping circumferences the jersey sleeves. The left sleeve is emblazoned with the "Red-R Acorn" logo. Black numerals trimmed in red sit on the left side of the jersey, just below the script. The back of the jersey features a black name plate and scarlet numerals trimmed in black. The home white pants are trimmed with scarlet and black piping down the seams and are accented with a scarlet belt. Scarlet socks complete the jersey ensemble. The black, fitted home cap features the Flying Squirrels' "Primary" logo on the crown, outlined in radiant red.

The Flying Squirrels' road grey uniform features "Richmond" across the chest in scarlet and black razor-script with scarlet and black piping around the collar and down the jersey front. Scarlet and black piping circumferences the jersey sleeves. The left sleeve is emblazoned with the "Red-R Acorn" logo. Red numerals trimmed in black sit on the left side of the jersey, just below the script. The back of the jersey features scarlet numerals trimmed in black. The road grey pants are trimmed with scarlet and black piping down the seams and are accented with a scarlet belt. Scarlet socks complete the jersey ensemble. The scarlet, fitted road cap features the Flying Squirrels' "Primary" logo on the crown, outlined in radiant red.

The club will also have a white, sleeveless alternate jersey featuring the "Red-R Acorn" logo on the left chest. Black and scarlet piping circles the collar of the jersey and goes down the jersey front. Black and scarlet piping circumferences the sleeveless portion of the jersey. Black numerals trimmed in red sit on the right side of the jersey. A black undershirt will be worn under the sleeveless jersey top. The alternate jersey will be worn with the home white pants. The scarlet, fitted alternate cap has a black bill and features the white "R-Tail" logo on the crown, outlined in black.

The Flying Squirrels scarlet batting practice jersey is made out of a breathable nylon mesh and features the white "R-Tail" logo on the left chest trimmed in black. White and black piping circles the collar of the jersey and goes down the jersey front. White and black piping circumferences the jersey sleeves. The back of the jersey features a white name plate and black numerals trimmed in white. The batting practice jersey will be worn with either the home white or road grey pants. The batting practice cap is a black flex-fit mesh with the "Squirrel Head" logo on the crown outlined in radiant red.

Click here to view the complete Uniform Guide PDF.

"We really think the team is going to look sharp, both home and away," said Flying Squirrels General Manager Bill Papierniak. "The uniforms have a very athletic look with the sleek lettering and numbering. We expect to see a lot of Flying Squirrels jerseys being worn in the stands."

Finally, the team recognized the winners of its official Baseball is Funn Because art contest whose art work will be permanently displayed at The Diamond.

Art Contest Winners:
Noah Leech, Bettie Weaver Elementary
Jackson Holt, Alberta Smith Elementary
Eli Solis, A.M. Davis Elementary
Lexy Nester, Enon Elementary
Kevin Kelley, Jacobs Road Elementary
Karen Santoyo Vargas, Marguerite Christian Elementary
Hailey Couch, Swift Creek Elementary
Chyna Hicks, Robious Elementary
Sarah Wimbish, Evergreen Elementary
Anderson Huband, Cool Springs Elementary
Mason Ferguson, Kersey Creek Elementary
Parker Smith, Battlefield Park Elementary
Jalaj Sawhney, R.C. Longan Elementary
Peyton Crawford, Crestview Elementary
Emily Elmore , Nuckols Farm Elementary
Lindsey Lamb, Walnut Hill Elementary
Kyra Gilchrist, Ginter Park Elementary
Gregory Jones, J.E.B. Stuart Elementary
Kiana Branch, Miles Jones Elementary
D'eTrell Williams, Holton Elementary

The press event also featured a special performance of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" by the first grade students at Bon Air Elementary as well as award-winning, local singer and songwriter Susan Greenbaum who performed the "Flight Song" inspired by the Flying Squirrels.

Flying Squirrels jerseys are available at both the Squirrels Nest Merchandise Store at The Diamond and on-line at the Squirrels Pro Shop at SquirrelsBaseball.com. The Squirrels Nest hours are Monday-Friday 9 AM - 6 PM and Saturday from 10 AM - 4 PM. For more information or to purchase ticket packages, call the Flying Squirrels at (804) 359-FUNN (3866) or visit the Flying Squirrels offices at The Diamond.