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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.....................
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2024 Fireflies Schedule............................
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Kansas City Royals System.....................
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Carolina League...........................................
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Fireflies Coaching Staff............................
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Fireflies Roster.............................................
18-19
Salem Red Sox Roster...............................
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Ticket Information.......................................
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26-27
Inside the Fireflies Hottest Start Since 2017........
Homestand Highlights...............................
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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
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CLICK TO JOIN OUR K9 KLUB
CLICK TO JOIN OUR KIDS CLUB
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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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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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11
16
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6' 3" 185 R-R P - Felix Arronde
6' 2" 210 R-R P - Ethan Bosacker
6' 4" 225 R-R P - Connor Fenlong
5' 9" 179 S-R P - Eduardo Herrera
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33
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P - Josh Hansell
P - Chase Isbell
5' 11" 193 R-R P - Doug Kirkland
6' 1" 185 R-R P - Logan Martin
6' 6" 215 R-R
6' 3" 210 R-R
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28
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6' 4" 190 L-L P - Hunter Patteson
P - Luis Polanco
5' 11" 175 R-R P - Yimi Presinal
6' 2" 215 R-R P - Nicholas Regalado
6' 3" 225 R-R
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25
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6' 0" 180 R-R P - Emmanuel Reyes
6' 3" 215 R-R P - Jarold Rosado
6' 7" 235 L-L P - Jacob Widener
6' 4" 210 R-R P - Blake Wolters
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CATCHERS
3
9
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P - Blake Mitchell
5' 11" 215 R-R P - Dionmy Salon
P - Gabriel Silva
6' 1"
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L-R
5' 9" 218 R-R
INFIELDERS
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8
0
P - Chris Brito
6' 4" 225 R-R P - Austin Charles
6' 4" 215 L-R P - Derlin Figueroa
6' 2" 225 R-R
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2
P - Jhonny Perdomo
6' 1" 150 R-R P - Daniel Vazquez
P - Lizandro Rodriguez
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L-R
5' 11" 180 S-R
5' 10"
OUTFIELDERS
1
15
12
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P - Brennon McNair
P - Erick Peña
6' 0" 185 L-L P - Milo Rushford
P - Erick Torres
185 R-R
6' 3" 205 L-R
160 R-R
5' 10"
5' 10"
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2024 SALEM RED SOX
Pitchers: 25 Blanco, Royman 35 Carlson, Max 27 Cohen, Luis 39 Cruz, Nathanael 29 Dean, Noah 24 Duffy, Matt 23 Ehrlicher, Austin 20 Hernandez, Francis 48 Ingrassia, JoJo 26 Kerwin, Daniel 49 O'Donnell, Trennor 17 Paez, Jedixson 15 34 Sansone, Michael 45 Steinbaugh, Conor 38 Wehunt, Blake 33 Weins, CJ Catchers: 3 Garcia, Johanfran 44 McElveny, Daniel 8 Montero, Juan 13 Viloria, Diego
Infielders: 6
Alcantara, Marvin Anderson, Antonio De Leon, Fraymi Encarnacion, Freili
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12 18 14
Feliz, Albert Lugo, Andy
5 2
Zanetello, Nazzan
Outfielders: 1 Bleis, Miguel 28 Garcia, Jhostynxon 16 Taylor Jr, Nelly 10 Tucker, Stanley 22 Yuten, Natanael
Rodriguez-Cruz, Elmer
CLICK FOR ROSTER DETAILS
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Turbeville Insurance Agency COLUMBIA • 803.779.7666 tiasc.biz
Russell-Massey & Company COLUMBIA • 803.779.7854 russellmassey.com
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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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Inside the Fireflies Hottest Start Since 2017 By John Kocsis Jr.
The Fireflies came into Sunday, tied for first place in the South Division of the Carolina League with a 9-5 record as they head home for a six-game set with their in-state rival The Augusta GreenJackets. The club has bolted out to their best three week start in a long time, in fact, you have to journey back to 2017 to find a time Columbia started out of the gates more quickly than this year—and that was still under the old format where a team would play three or four games against an opponent and travel without off days. Today’s Minor League Baseball involves six-game series that are much more difficult to navigate sweeps of and pile up victories in. After their game with Charleston was postponed due to inclement weather and Fayetteville dropped their finale with the Fredericksburg Nationals, that meant Columbia owned the top spot in the South Division with a six-game homestand against the 7-8 Augusta GreenJackets forthcoming. The Fireflies have made a run for a playoff spot in each of their last two seasons. A run in the first half of the 2023 campaign and a good chance in the second half of the 2022 season, but the team is still searching for the Capital City’s first playoff berth in two decades. In the last year of the Capital City Bombers’ tenure in Columbia—prior to the team moving to Greenville, they went 89-47 and lost in the South Atlantic League finals Jack Lind pioneered the club as they triumphed over the Charleston RiverDogs in the first round of the playoffs before the Hickory Crawdads swept the team in their final series in Columbia. That roster included six future Major Leaguers including Carlos Muniz and Lastings Millege and we’ll focus on that 2004 team—and maybe the League winning 1998 team another time. First, let’s take a look at the 2017 Columbia Fireflies and where they are now and compare that roster make-up with the current Fireflies team. In 2017, there are already seven former Fireflies who made the Majors, a few who have had significant impacts for their big league clubs. Andres Gimenez, Ryan Ryder, Blake Taylor, Thomas Szapucki, Merandy Gonzalez, Colin Holderman and Ali Sanchez are the rostered members of 2017 who have gone on to play in the bigs. Let’s start with Merandy Gonzalez, who may not have had a long MLB career—he played in just eight games, but he is significant to the Fireflies franchise. When Gonzalez got the call to the show April 19, 2018, he became the first Fireflies player to make his Major League debut. Now, Blake Taylor is still floating around playing in the minors for the Texas Rangers, so he could still have more MLB time in the tank, but he has probably played the biggest game of any Fireflies player. Taylor was drafted in the second round of the 2013 draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates before getting traded to the Mets. Then in 2019, he was traded again, this time to the Houston Astros for Jake Marisnick. Then in 2021 he was able to pitch in Game 6 of the World Series against the Atlanta Braves. He was the first former Fireflies player to make it to the biggest series of any season.
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Finally, the member of that team who has had the most success in the bigs in Andres Gimenez. Gimenez started his Big League career with the Mets but was quickly traded to the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) in exchange for Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco. Since being traded to Cleveland, Gimenez moved to the other side of the bag and has become an All-Star (2022), two-time Gold Glover and most recently a Platinum Glove player in the American League. The young player’s success earned him a seven-year $106.5 million contract that runs through 2029 with a team option for the 2030 season as he has become one of the faces of the American League Central Division.
Gimenez led the Fireflies qualifying hitters that season with a .265 average, but Dash Winningham was the star with the power display, he hit 13 homers, giving him a still team-record 25 blasts on his career. The real star of this 2017 Fireflies team was pitching. Jordan Humphreys accumulated a single-season record 10 wins for the Fireflies to pair with a stunning 1.42 ERA in 11 starts. The club also had a ridiculous bullpen tandem with Adam Atkins and Adonis Uceta combining for 40 appearances and a 1.30 ERA to go along with a 0.92 WHIP while in the Soda City. The squad had the talent, but after a few call-ups, they were unable to make a post-season push. So what have we seen in the early parts of the 2024 campaign that shows this club could be a playoff contender? How about starting with an incredible similarity between the two teams. This 2024 Fireflies bullpen is absolutely loaded. As a team across the first 14 games, the pen has a 2.60 ERA with 65 punchouts in 55.1 innings. Jacob Widener has yet to allow an earned run and there are four separate pitchers who have recorded a save in the team’s first nine wins. Talk about depth beyond the starters! Offensively, there are two streaks to look out for. First, Austin Charles is riding a nine- game hitting streak since his last game Friday. It’s the second-longest hitting streak in the Carolina League this year and he is hitting .419 with a ridiculous 12 RBI on the run. After a slow start, the 20-year-old third baseman has been the hottest player in the League. If that weren’t enough for you, Blake Mitchell has been an on-base machine since April 6. He has reached safely in 12-straight, including his first-career three-hit game Saturday. While his hitting has been impressive, the tell-tale sign that he was ready for this jump is that he has 15 walks in that 12-game span. His careful eye at the plate has given him a .500 on-base percentage since the opening series. Yeah, 15 games out of 66 is still a long way from the finish line, but nearly a quarter of the way through the first half of the season, this Fireflies team looks as prepared as any since 2016 to make a big splash. There’s only one way to find out though. Follow along at Segra Park and online at ColumbiaFireflies.com to see if this is the club that can accomplish something that hasn’t been done for exactly 20 years in the Soda City.
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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! 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 5/7 - ALS Association 5/8 - SC Speech Language Hearing Association 5/9 - SC Nurses Association 5/10 - Connie Maxwell Children's Ministries 5/11 - YMCA
CLICK TO BUY YOUR TICKETS HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS
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CLICK TO BUY YOUR TICKETS UPCOMING HOMESTAND
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