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Welcome to Segra Park, home of the Columbia Fireflies!
Thank you for choosing to join us at the ballpark for some fun during the 2024 season! We are excited for what promises to be another great season of memories being made at the ballpark. Since 2016 we have welcomed over 1.4 million fans to the ballpark for Fireflies games and over 250,000 guests for other events. Without you, the best fans in all Minor League Baseball, none of this would be possible. We are so grateful for your loyal support of the Columbia Fireflies. The 2022 season was a return to normalcy for us in many ways. We moved into the new normal with a 132-game season and 66 home games. It was also our first season as a member of the Carolina League and our young team continually improved throughout the season and after a tough first half of the season was able to finish in second place of the South Division in the second half. We are excited to see these young Kansas City Royals prospects compete again in 2024! Our “off-season” was full of excitement as well with our second year of Fireflies Holiday Lights. Over one million lights decorated Segra Park for the holiday season and over 20,000 guests joined us to enjoy the show. Fireflies Holiday Lights is an event that we will host annually and will get bigger and better every year. If you didn’t get a chance to join us last year, please stay tuned for tickets to go on sale this fall! No matter what happens on the field, we strive to make sure that every Fireflies game is a great experience from the moment you park your car until you drive away at the end of a great night. We have a fantastic team of full-time staff and gameday employees who are here to serve you while you are spending time with us at the ballpark. Please don’t hesitate to let one of our team members know if there is something that we can do to enhance your experience at the ballpark. In 2024 we have a great lineup of promotions that will add to your enjoyment at Segra Park. Whether it is a Budweiser Thirsty Thursday, a Karaoke Theme Night or one of our bobbleheads, we have something for everyone! Be sure to check out our promotional calendar and pick out your favorite games today! Buy Early, Save Money and Have Fun this season!
On behalf of our entire team, we hope that you will have an unforgettable experience at Segra Park. Please come back and visit us again soon for another Fireflies game, Fireflies Holiday Lights 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.....................
6
2024 Fireflies Schedule............................
8
Kansas City Royals System.....................
10
Carolina League...........................................
11
Fireflies Coaching Staff............................
15
Fireflies Roster.............................................
18-19
Cannon Ballers Roster...............................
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Ticket Information.......................................
24-25
An In-Depth Look at the Royals 2024 Draft Class ...
26-27
Homestand Highlights...............................
30
Upcoming Homestand..............................
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THE
COMET
The Soda Cap Connector provides safe and affordable transportation around Columbia. Only $1.00 to ride with stops in the Vista, Five Points, West Columbia, the BullStreet district and more.
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SUPPORTING LOCAL RESTAURANTS. SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY.
US Foods® is one of America’s great food companies and a leading supplier to restaurants and foodservice operators. Working with food people and the communities they serve is our passion, and we understand the importance of making a positive impact where we live and work. US Foods is proud to help chefs and restaurateurs in communities across the country make it every day.
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 venuesafety@columbiafireflies.com.
CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
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SEGRA PARK MAP
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CLICK FOR FULL PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE
5
CLICK TO JOIN OUR K9 KLUB
CLICK TO JOIN OUR KIDS CLUB
6
GET STARTED!
SAFE Federal Credit Union’s PowerUp Checking Account pays a blockbuster 4.25% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) * on qualified balances up to $20,000 and it’s totally free! Free checking. Huge APY. They just don’t make double features like this anymore. * APY= Annual Percentage Yield. Membership eligibility required. Available for personal accounts only; not available to custodial or personal representative accounts. One account per member. As of 8/15/23, accounts meeting qualifications during a monthly statement cycle will earn 4.25% APY on balances up to $20,000 and 0.05% APY on balances over $20,000. To qualify during any given statement cycle, the following conditions must be met: 1) Be enrolled in online banking; 2) Receive your monthly eStatement at a valid email address; 3) Have a minimum cumulative deposit of $800 into your PowerUp Checking account. If all requirements are not met during a given cycle, the entire account balance will earn 0.05% APY for that cycle. Qualification cycle means the full calendar month beginning on the 1st and through last calendar day of the month. $25 opening deposit required. Rates subject to change monthly. FEDERALLY INSURED BY NCUA
CLICK FOR FULL PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE
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CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
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9
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 EVENTS@COLUMBIAFIREFLIES.COM SEGRAPARK.COM
MUSC HEALTH CONFERENCE ROOM
THE MASON JAR COLUMBIA FIREFLIES TEAM STORE Non-Game Days: Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM Saturday & Sunday CLOSED Game Days Monday - Saturday 10AM-4PM Gates open - 30 Minutes After Game Sundays Gates Open - 30 Minutes After Game
CLICK TO START SHOPPING!
2024 FIREFLIES COACHING STAFF
Ari Adut
Jesus Azuaje
John Habyan
Hitting Coach
Manager
Pitching Coach
Kyle MacKinnon
Sam Freeman
Bench Coach
Asst. Pitching Coach
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803.772.7715 CoolCareHVAC.com
WE KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A WINNING TEAM
2024 FIREFLIES ROSTER
CLICK FOR UP-TO-DATE ROSTER AND STATS
PITCHERS
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33
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P - Josh Hansell
5' 11" 193 R-R P - Doug Kirkland
6' 3" 185 R-R P - Felix Arronde
6' 1" 194 R-R P- Jonatan Bernal
6' 6" 215 R-R
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21
24
22
5' 11" 195 R-R P - Juan Martinez
P - Henson Leal
6' 3" 175 R-R P - Ismael Michel
6' 1" 185 R-R P - Logan Martin
6' 1" 176 R-R
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28
21
40
P - Elvis Novas
P - Luis Polanco
6' 0" 180 R-R P - Emmanuel Reyes
6' 2" 215 R-R P - Nicholas Regalado
6' 0" 205 R-R
6' 3" 225 R-R
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32
18
45
P - Jesus Rios
6' 3" 215 R-R P - Jarold Rosado
P - Mauricio Veliz
6' 4" 210 R-R P - Blake Wolters
6' 1" 190 R-R
6' 2"
220
R-R
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CATCHERS
7
3
9
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C - Aldrin Lucas
C - Blake Mitchell
5' 11" 215 R-R C - Dionmy Salon
6' 1" 190 R-R C - Hyungchan Um
6' 1"
202
L-R
6' 1"
202
L-R
INFIELDERS
2
8
0
IN - Ryan Cepero
6' 4" 225 R-R IN - Austin Charles
6' 4" 215 L-R IN - Derlin Figueroa
180 R-R
5' 10"
4
19
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IN - Jhonny Perdomo
IN - Lizandro Rodriguez
6' 1" 150 R-R IN - Diego Guzman
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L-R
5' 11" 180 S-R
5' 10"
OUTFIELDERS
1
15
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P - Brennon McNair
P - Erick Peña
P - Erick Torres
185 R-R
6' 3" 205 L-R
160 R-R
5' 10"
5' 10"
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2024 KANNAPOLIS CANNON BALLERS
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FIREFLIES TICKETS
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INDIVIDUAL GAME TICKETS
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
$630/seat*
$2,995/table
$540/seat
$1,050/seat*
$330/seat
$775/seat*
*Multi-year commitment required
Half Season (33 Games) HALF SEASON TICKETS
$330/seat
$299/seat
7 TH INNING STRETCH PLANS
10 GAME PLANS Start at $110/seat
20 GAME PLANS Start at $205/seat
7 GAME PLANS Start at $77/seat
CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
Individual Tickets
Group Tickets
Season Tickets
Interested in Group Outings or Memberships? Call 803-726-4487 ext 2 or email sales@columbiafireflies.com
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An In-Depth Look at the R By John K
The Kansas City Royals are in a vastly different place than they were when the Columbia Fireflies became affiliated with the team in 2020. The Royals were ready to lose 100 games as the Fireflies took the field for the first time as a Royals’ affiliate, and the farm was very top- heavy. The Royals farm system was going to be ranked in the bottom five in baseball while the team was struggling on the field night-after- night.
Fast forward to 2024. Kansas City is battling for a wild card spot and sits more than 10 games over .500 with just over 50 games left in the season. Meanwhile, the Royals farm has a top-five winning percentage in all of baseball among their full-season teams. That makes attacking the draft a little easier than it has been in the past for J.J. Piccolo, Mitch Maier and the advanced scouts and executives of the Kansas City Royals office. The Royals strength top-to-bottom in the system is pitching and this year they drafted 15 pitchers and a two-way player. In other words, with Salvador Perez signed for a few more years, Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino and Michael Massey all under team control for awhile, the club wanted to see if they could bolster pitching. As the adage goes, you can never have too much pitching available. Look at the reigning World Series Champion Texas Rangers, who are welcoming a few starters off the injured list and they used that surplus to acquire a host of good players at the trade deadline this season. The first pick seemed to be a great case of: it doesn’t matter what the position is, just draft the best player available near the top of the draft. Kansas City selected Jack Caglianone with the sixth selection in the 2024 draft. MLB Pipeline ranked Caglianone as the third-best prospect in this draft. Caglianone is a two-way player from Florida who stands in at 6’5” and displayed some of the best power from the left-hand side in this draft class. It also helps that he can pump a fastball in the zone in the mid-upper 90s. It remains to be seen how the Royals will use Caglianone through his Minor League career, but some have called him the next Shohei Ohtani and he may head to Columbia for a tune-up before the end of the season. He has already started playing in Arizona. Kansas City’s second selection was David Shields. Shields is a stud high school arm, which has been the route Kansas City has walked with their second- round pick in three-consecutive draft classes. They knabbed Ben Kudrna in 2022, Blake Wolters in 2023 and now Shields in 2024. They’ve had success with the last two high school draftees, but even now, Shields feels like a different pitcher. He’s significantly younger than the other pitchers mentioned. He won’t turn 19 until September 9, 2025. He currently throws in the mid-90s and offers a plus slider. It may be awhile before Shields reaches Columbia, but
once he does, he’s bound to impress quite a few fans. Royals 2024 Draft Class Kocsis Jr.
After that, Kansas City looked at a lot of college arms. The next six picks from Kansas City were college pitchers who had played four seasons collegiately. Kansas City snagged two pitchers from Tennessee’s College World Series rotation, including A.J. Clausey who led the NCAA with 13 wins this year. A Jacksonville State transfer, Clausey worked as the Vols Friday night starter for much of the year. They also grabbed Drew Beam. Beam throws a mid-90s fastball, cutter and change-up in his arsenal. They picked up L.P Langevin in that list, who had one of the best strikeout rates in college baseball. He lived and died with a 97 MPH fastball, but he also mixed in a slider and changeup for about 20% of his pitches while at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. The first sole-position player Kansas City drafted was catcher Canyon Brown out of North Carolina A&T. The Florida-native hit .322 with 13 double and six homers in 54 games for the Aggies this season. That started a trend where the Royals were looking for high-contact position players. The next position player they selected was first baseman Sam Kulasigam from Air Force. He hit .323 with 16 doubles and six homers in 55 games on the way to his second Tony Gwynn Award in college. This year was the first year he didn’t hit over .400 since his freshman season. The final college position player that Kansas City drafted was Carter Frederick out of the University of Oklahoma. Frederick only played 13 games for the Sooners in 2024. He hit .343 and smacked a pair of homers, but he also played in the draft league this summer and impressed a lot of scouts. Frederick hit .462 for Portland while drawing eight walks compared to three strikeouts and drove in seven RBI. The sample size is small, but Frederick is a high-upside 20th round selection like likely would not have been available had the Royals waited to try to sign him as an undrafted free agent like they’ve had success with each of the last two years with Brett Squires and Chris Brito who are in Northwest Arkansas and Quad Cities, respectively. While there’s no guarantee that any of these players make an impact with the Columbia Fireflies before the end of the 2024 season because they all played in college or high school baseball this year, the draftees who made their way to Columbia in 2023 started their arrival when the team visited the Augusta GreenJackets August 3-6 last season. There’s a decent chance that at least one of these names will find their way to Columbia’s roster in 2024, and maybe they’ll make it here before the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers leave town August 11. Regardless, it’s safe to say that the Royals have acquired a ton of talent that will be making its way up the ladder the next few years before you see them in a Major League uniform.
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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! 8/8 - SC Law Enforcement Officers Association
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 Matt Chernesky at mchernesky@columbiafireflies.com
CLICK TO BUY YOUR TICKETS HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS
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CLICK TO BUY YOUR TICKETS UPCOMING HOMESTAND
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