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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
Hillcats Roster..............................................
22
Ticket Information.......................................
24-25
Sharing Joy Through Service With Blake Wolters ..........
26-27
Homestand Highlights...............................
30
Upcoming Homestand..............................
31
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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OUR secret has ! leaked Cool Care has officially opened OUR Plumbing Division!
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
36
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
12
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
41
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 LYNCHBURG HILLCATS Pitchers: 33 Reny Artiles 40 Jacob Bresnahan 13 Abel Brito 30 Alex Clemmey 47 Jogly Garcia 41 Yorman Gomez 29 Joshua Harlow 15 Jackson Humphries 45 Jack Jasiak 31 Deretd Parra 27 Alonzo Richardson 32 Kyle Scott Infielders: 7 Fran Alduey 2 Juan Benjamin 10 1 Jose Pastrano 6 Rafael Ramirez Jr. 24 Ralphy Velazquez Outfielders: 4 Wuilfredo Antunez 8 Jaison Chourio 5 Tommy Hawke 46 Lexer Saduy Christian Knapczyk
36 Wardquelin Vasquez 34 Kendeglys Virguez 37 Robert Wegielnik
Catchers: 12
Robert Lopez Manuel Mejias
11
25 Kevin Rivas
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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Sharing Joy Through Service With Blake Wolters By Patrick DeMarre
It’s been just over a year since Blake Wolters heard his name called during the MLB First-Year Player Draft. The Columbia, South Carolina air feels like an enveloping sauna compared to the refreshingly warm summer days of Mahomet, Illinois. Segra Park could accommodate most of the town’s 10,000 or so residents, albeit with standing- room tickets included. It’s a small, tight-knit community less than 20
minutes away from Champaign.
Faith, service and sports. Those are the pillars Blake Wolters grew up on. At an early age, his father, Doug, preached to him the importance of throwing strikes, playing with joy and sharing that joy with others. Blake picked up on the ‘throwing strikes’ part quickly. Exhibiting and spreading joy came naturally as well. Wolters was exposed to Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) camps and other service-related missions in his youth and still takes pride in his efforts within those spaces. “I loved to be involved in anything they did there (at FCA), especially summer camps and teaching kids how to play baseball and read the bible.” Wolters explained. “We helped pick up trash at parks and volunteer at nursing homes… you end up learning a lot more from those experiences than you end up giving.” In 2016, Wolters and his friends established the Mahomet Seymour Bulldog Baseball Club. It was the first travel baseball opportunity for most who joined the team. In order to raise money for travel and team expenses, Wolters and the other members of the team pledged to give one minute of community service to the Mahomet area for every dollar donated to the club. When funds began pouring in, the team began helping out at their local Salvation Army and running food drives. Wolters and his teammates also spent time with the Tom Jones Challenger League, an organization based in Urbana, Illinois that provides special needs youth with opportunities to play baseball. Wolters found an opportunity to get involved in a similar organization while in Surprise, Arizona during Royals Spring Training this year. He was even able to get a few teammates to tag along with him. The Royals’ prospect credits those experiences for helping him put his own life into perspective. “I remember seeing the smiles on their faces.” Wolters reflected. “You end up learning a lot about baseball and life and the kind of joy the game can bring. Sometimes we get so focused on the day to day work and perfection that we forget it's a fun game and it brings joy to our lives.”
The stakes are certainly different now than they were at Mahomet-Seymour High School. The path to the big leagues is not a guarantee for even the most talented prospects in the minors. Money, expectations and the pursuit of lifelong dreams blend together and can cloud the heads of some talented young athletes. For Wolters, however, the opportunities to do good and provide smiles to others away from the diamond help him with maintaining clarity on it. “There's so much more that’s bigger than yourself.” The prospect proclaimed. “I get caught up in having a selfish attitude and mindset when really we’re here and we should be loving others and giving back to others because that’s the biggest impact we can make.” Wolters was named the 2022-23 Gatorade Player Of The Year in Illinois, and led his alma mater to their winningest season in program history with a 31-6 record. It’s commonplace for Gatorade to pledge $1,000 to a charitable cause of each state’s award winner’s choice. Wolters chose the Illini Land FCA, the center of the FCA movement in the Champaign area. Gatorade also asked for video submissions from their select group of athletes to make their case for a $10,000 grant to a charitable cause of their choice. Wolters recorded a short video making his case for the Illini Land FCA and sent it through the proper channels. A few weeks later, Gatorade let Wolters know that they were choosing his cause. Even after leaving Mahomet, Wolters has continued his service efforts with his old high school through baseball and basketball camps for local youth athletes. He still holds a close relationship with his former teammates and coaches and gives baseball or life advice to his friends when asked. After the draft, the Wolters family established a foundation in their and Blake’s name – Wolters Foundation: The Way – to further his philanthropic efforts in his hometown. “My family set up a foundation after I was drafted that looked for opportunities for us to help out monetarily and with prayers or things around our community that were important to us or people who have poured a lot into my life and my family’s life.” The flamethrowing righty has the utmost respect for those who have helped him along his journey. Wolters shares a similar soft spot for the next crop of big-league hopefuls behind him. He exudes passion for providing youth with memories that can provide a lifetime’s worth of inspiration. “Whether it's with FCA or baseball camps, I was once that kid at all those camps trying to learn from the guys above me.” The Illinois-native remembered. “When I was that age I looked up to those guys a lot so it's a cool position to be in.” It’s not the norm for a teenage athlete who receives a seven-figure signing bonus to be so involved in charitable efforts. Most elect to invest in shiny new cars or other material items rather than dedicating a significant sum to philanthropy. Even still, Wolters continues to mull opportunities for service both in his hometown and beyond. “I’m always open to community service or ways to get involved.” Wolters noted. “Especially being in Columbia now, I feel like there could be some good opportunities that I should reach out and try to find but as of right now I have a pretty busy schedule.”
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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! 7/24 - Kershaw County Humane Society 7/25 - Midlands Foundation for Foster Children 7/26 - Midlands Fatherhood Coalition 7/27 - Save the Children Action Network 7/28 - International Student Exchange 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
30
CLICK TO BUY YOUR TICKETS UPCOMING HOMESTAND
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