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.....................
6
Concession Map..........................................
8
Kansas City Royals System.....................
10
Carolina League...........................................
11
Fireflies Coaching Staff............................
15
Fireflies Roster.............................................
16-17
MudCats Roster............................................
18
Ticket Information.......................................
20-21
24-25
Roommates Find Their Home Away from Home.......
Homestand Highlights...............................
26
Upcoming Homestand..............................
27
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 venuesafety@columbiafireflies.com .
CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
4
segra park map
5
6
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
8 88
99
kansas city royals minor league system
10
carolina league
11
12
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 EVENTS@COLUMBIAFIREFLIES.COM 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
15
2022 fireflies roster pitchers
25
32
28
27
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
6' 1" 167 R-R 12-06-1998 P - Delvin Capellan
6' 3" 165 R-R 09-07-1998
Caracas, VZ
David, Panama
Guayubin, DR
Sabana Grande de Palenquie, D.R.
45
31
33
34
6' 2" 175 L-L 02-13-1999 P - Shane Connolly
6' 0" 220 R-R 10-02-1999 P - Heribert Garcia
6' 0" 180 L-L 09-30-97 P - Ryan Hennen Cold Springs, MN
6' 1" 185 R-R 07-31-1996 P - Tim Holdgrafer
Huntersville, NC
Boliver, VZ
San Diego, CA
29
16
51
36
6' 2" 205 R-R 07-01-2001 P - Ben Hernandez
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
Chicago, IL
Hartford, CT
Spring Lake, NJ
18
26
19
P - Matt Stil
6' 2" 210 L-L 10-26-1997 P - Ben Wereski
P - Marlin Willis
6' 3" 190 R-R 07-05-2000
6' 4" 190 L-L 06-05-1998
Hartford, CT
Decatur, GA
Decatur, GA
16
catchers
38
12
24
11
6' 2" 205 R-R 10-14-1998 C - Felix Familia Santo Domingo, DR
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
13
6
4
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
2
1
8
6' 0" 150 R-R 12-15-2003 IF - Daniel Vazquez
IF - Josh Rivera
IF - Enrique Valdez
5' 11" 185 R-R 01-30-1999
6' 0" 185 L-R 05-15-2001 San Pedro de Macoris, DR
Villa Mella, DR
San Juan, PR
outfielders
21
15
9
23
6' 1" 157 R-R 07-05-2001 OF - Gary Camarillo Santa Barbara de Zulio, VZ
6' 2" 185 L-r 09-16-2001 OF - Darryl Collins
OF - Erick Pena
OF - River Town
6' 3" 205 L-R 02-20-2003 Santo Domingo, D.R.
5' 11" 181
L-R
07-08-1999 Zachary, LA
Spijkenisse, NL
17
2022 carolina mudcats
Pitchers: 30 Jakob Brustoski 22 38 Stiven Cruz 32 Jeferson Figueroa Alexander Cornielle 49 Edwin Jimenez 48 Brannon Jordan 46 Junior Montero 28 Karlos Morales 37 Fernando Olguin 44 Israel Puello 12 Carlos Rodriguez 18 Miguel Segura 16 Christian Tripp 11 Michele Vassalotti Catchers: 25 Jeferson Quero 20 Jose Sibrian 3 Luis Silva
Infielders: 29 Jesus Chirinos 13 Eduardo Garcia 4 Zack Raabe 6 Jheremy Vargas
Outfielders: 8
Jackson Chourio
34 Oswal Leones 9 Hendry Mendez 2 Hedbert Perez
CLICK FOR ROSTER DETAILS
18
19
fireflies tickets
106
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.
20
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 sales@columbiafireflies.com
21
Upcoming Community Organizations of the Game Please stop by their kiosks during the game and learn more about these important local organizations!
6/16 - Senior Resources Inc. 6/18 - All Kind 6/19 - Save the Children Action Network
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.
Roommates Find Their Home Away from Home By John Kocsis Jr.
Blue Valley Southwest High School and Park Hill High School are on opposite sides of the border, a rigid line that is separated by the Missouri River. Blue Valley Southwest is in Kansas. Park Hill is in Missouri. The difference is less than 40 miles North-to-South. Just a short trek from 635-to-69 to get from point a-to-point b. Needless to say, Royals’ second and third round picks Ben Kudrna and Carter Jensen had heard
of each other prior to the draft.
They played each other once their sophomore year of high school during the summer. “Unfortunately, we didn’t get to play each other during states in high school, but it’s really cool that we were both able to win the state tournament.” Kudrna said. “I knew he was a stud,” Jensen relays. “I had seen him enough. We were pretty familiar with each other.” The two never met in a state tournament, but both played on the Royals’ scout team, so they had faced each other and played together prior to the draft. Their connection runs a little deeper though. Both players had committed to play under Louisiana State University’s coach Jay Johnson. The Tigers’ skipper had brought together the nation’s top recruiting class in his first season at the helm and the two Kansas City-suburb teens were a part of that class.
Not only would they be in the same cohort of players, but the two Fireflies were supposed to be roommates their freshman year.
“Our junior and senior year, we got to play on the Royals’ scout team together,” Kudrna reminisces. “I got to play him once and I actually threw to him a few times while we were playing there.” Then Monday, July 12, in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft, Kudrna’s fate changed. After being selected 43rd overall, he was due for a large bonus, and after some negotiation, he elected to sign with Kansas City and forgo his commitment to LSU. Kudrna was in a haze. His phone was blowing up from people congratulating him on the news that he was going to be a professional baseball player. Later, one of his buddies texted him and asked if he saw that the Royals had also picked up Jensen. Despite everything else Ben had going on, he knew what he needed to do. He picked up the phone and called Carter to congratulate him.
“He was my next call. We were both really excited,” The righty tells. “Then I let him get back to his thing with his family, but it was super exciting.” Jensen was selected the next round, 78th overall by Kansas City. The pair really represents what the Royals tried to do with the top part of their draft class. Each of the first four players
picked by Kansas City in the 2021 draft, Frank Mozzicato, Kudrna, Jensen and Shane Panzini were all selected out of high school. While Jensen is a backstop, the other three represent 60% of the Fireflies current rotation. Royals’ fans certainly hope that in a few years the three of them can represent three viable starters at the big league level. For Kudrna and Jensen, they went from living 40 miles apart, to being slated to be roommates 750 miles away from Kansas City at LSU to being on the same professional team. The first four picks all lived together in Arizona, and now that Kudrna, Panzini and Mozzicato have joined Jensen with the Fireflies, they’re back to living together here in Columbia, about 1,000 miles away from Kudrna and Jensen’s hometown. Although the location they live in has changed a lot since last year, one thing has remained constant. All of these high school draftees are fierce competitors. One frequent point of contention is which of the four had the best high school team. They’ll bounce back with how many players are playing in college now from each team and who had the best stats, but they’ve even asked Vice President of Player Personnel Lonnie Goldberg and General Manager J.J. Piccolo which team was the best. “We were in Spring Training and we asked Lonnie and J.J. what they thought. We ask people all the time and it’s kind of funny because all four of our teams were really good,” Kudrna explains. After some prodding, Ben added: “They said that my high school was probably the best, but they were all really good and Frank and Shane had some really good young guys on their team too.” Now they all have the same goal though, to try to steer the Fireflies through to victory. We saw it first-hand Sunday afternoon when Panzini started on the bump and Jensen hit a two-run homer in the fifth and then a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth to give Columbia their second win of the series vs Augusta. Jensen had three extra-base hits in the first win of the series too. It doesn’t mean that they aren’t competitive and having fun with each other anymore. With young guys, competition is always present, and a tradition that started in Spring Training for the fab four continues today. They started an MLB The Show tournament together. Carter mentioned that it has slowed down a bit in the last few months, but he’s excited to kick it back into gear during the All-Star break in July. On the field or off the field, the one thing that is guaranteed with this group is that they are going to have a lot of fun and they’re going to play their hearts out for the organization. At the end of the day, isn’t that what we all should learn from?
26
27
/COLUMBIAFIREFLIES
@COLAFIREFLIES
@COLAFIREFLIES
(803) 726-4487 INFO@COLUMBIAFIREFLIES.COM
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker