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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
Woodpeckers Roster.................................
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Ticket Information.......................................
24-25
26-27
A Winding Road Sets Up Record Opportunities.......
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.
CATCHTHECOMETSC.GOV • 803-255-7100 •
@CATCHTHECOMET
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
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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
8
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
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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
36
24
33
22
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
26
21
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
40
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25
45
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
23
P - Blake Mitchell
5' 11" 215 R-R P - Dionmy Salon
P - Gabriel Silva
6' 1"
202
L-R
5' 9" 218 R-R
INFIELDERS
6
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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19
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
41
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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WATCH EVERY MILB GAME FOR FREE
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2024 FAYETTEVILLE WOODPECKERS Pitchers: 4 Almonte, Dawill Infielders: 16 Casserilla, Xavier
30 Chirinos, Amilcar 23 Langford, Colby 48 Leach, Hudson 47 Marte, Julio 18 Mejia, Sandy 38 Mercedes, Abel 35 Nezuh, Jackson 22 Pecko, Ethan 66 Pena, Alain 29 Petschke, Ben 15 Rodriguez, Raimy 36 Sanchez, Wilmy 39 Santa, Alimber 8 Santos, Yeriel 99 Tredwell, Alonzo
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Hernandez, Alberto Jaworsky, Chase Luciano, Waner Nunez, Alejandro
1
13 10
Outfielders: 0
Encarnacion, Yamal
14
Gomez, Kenni
6 Hernandez, Cesar 27 Ochoa Jr., Nehomar
Catchers: 31
Bush, Will 20 Caldera, Fernando 21 Diaz, Victor 50 Santander, Juan
CLICK FOR ROSTER DETAILS
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Irmo Insurance Agency IRMO • 803.781.4700 irmoins.com
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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A Special Father’s Day Gift By John Kocsis Jr.
To many, they see their dad as Superman. He’s often a child’s first hero and a forever role model. There are three 2024 Fireflies who have taken after their fathers in more ways than just how they look or act. Chris Brito, Josh Hansell and Milo Rushford are all following in their father’s footsteps in their careers.
While Chris, Josh and Milo were too young to remember most of their father’s playing days in the Majors or in independent and Minor League Baseball, they still have been able to learn from and take their next steps in the game after watching and playing with their dads. Milo’s dad, Jim Rushford, may have set a special example to his son and others who watched, about not giving up on a dream. Jim was a kid from the suburbs of Chicago who had a one-track mind that he was going to be a professional baseball player. Some die-hard fans may remember his story. He made his Major League debut with the Milwaukee Brewers at 28 years old, a year after he signed his first affiliated contract. Jim writes in-depth about how he went from a Division I college player to taking a gap from playing independent baseball while delivering pizzas to making his debut with Milwaukee in his book, The Pizza Man Delivers. It’s an inspirational story that any baseball fan can enjoy, but within the pages there’s also a great message as a parent: Work hard and you will be rewarded. Never give up on your dreams. But don’t just listen to Jim, listen to R.C. Lichtenstein. He’s the pitching coach for the Charlotte Knights and Fireflies fans may recognize him from his days as the Charleston RiverDogs pitching coach in 2021-22. R.C. has been in and around the game for over 30 years, and near the beginning of his career, his path overlapped with Jim’s. In 1996, Jim tried out to play for the Dubois County Dragons. Rushford made it to the show as a first baseman and corner outfielder but was primarily a left-handed pitcher when he started in professional baseball. That was his pinhole when he started under Lichtenstein. He tossed 66 innings and collected a little over 40 at-bats in a Dragons uniform that year, but his hard work stood out. “We had key cards to a 24-hour fitness center, and I would go in after games to work out and Jim would always be there,” Lichtenstein remembers. “That’s one thing, but then you’d watch him in pre-game at 3 o’clock, sprinting down balls in center field and taking big swings at the plate. He was always drenched in sweat, and he was always one of the hardest working guys I had ever seen.” After that year, Jim and R.C. parted ways for a few years, but that impression of hard work and the want to be in the League left the door open for a future opportunity. Lichtenstein found himself working in the Brewers instructional facilities in 2001. Jim wrote in his book that the Brewers were cleaning house and wanted to get a few veterans to help set the tone in the minors. “It’s obviously easy to root for him, but what made it easy for me was that it was easy to recommend him,” Lichtenstein relayed. “The one thing I knew even if he fell on his face was that I knew his work ethic and I knew he was never going to do anything that would embarrass me for was that I knew his work ethic and I knew he was never going to do anything that would embarrass me for recommending him. In other words, I knew that by recommending him, he was going to make me look good and that was whether he performed well or not.”
Once Jim got the chance, he didn’t disappoint. In 2001, he won the Minor League Baseball hitting title, hitting .354 over 122 games between High-A and Double-A with a career-best 21 homers. Then in 2002, after six years of working as a pizza delivery driver and a roofer and plenty of other side hustles to make ends meet, Jim got a call he would never forget. A call that told him he would make his Major League debut for the Milwaukee Brewers in front of his hometown at Wrigley Field. After his cup of coffee, Jim played at the highest level for a handful of years, sticking around in Triple-A and mentoring younger players, but it was time for a new journey—fatherhood. He traded in the glove and cleats—and plenty of summers of odd jobs for working, first driving a truck and now doing medical coding to spend more time with his family. Jim has three kids, two daughters, Kelly and Mia and his son, Milo. He named Milo after the owner of the San Diego pizza shop that he used to work at, Milo’s Pizza. “I worked a lot of odd jobs, but the pizza delivery job was the one that worked out the best for me and that I did the longest. The owner at Milo’s was just a really cool guy and I really liked him. He treated me really well—plus, you know, I don’t know anyone that doesn’t like a Milo,” the elder Rushford laughs. “I gave him my name as a middle name just in case.” And yes—the family heads back to San Diego about once a year and they get to enjoy Milo’s Pizza. One year, the owner even let Kelly, Milo and Mia in the back so they could learn how to make their own pizza. Jim has loved watching Milo go through his own journey—and from an early age, he wasn’t one to pressure Milo to go after baseball. It turned out that the younger Rushford was determined to play on his own, but his journey started in soccer. Jim recalls one of the first times Milo got on the baseball diamond. “He said he wanted to play soccer, but we ended up signing up for baseball. He had struck out and ended up swinging his bat around and he broke it,” Jim recalls. “He marched over to his mom and said, ‘I told you I wanted to play soccer!’ He was pretty upset after the first game, but then we told him that it was a doubleheader and he had to pitch the second game. He ended up pitching a seven-inning complete game shutout and did great. It was funny to see, even at that young age, the ups and downs of baseball.” Milo will tell you, it’s awesome having someone so close who has gone through the same process as him. “Our relationship is great. We talk every day. He watches all the games. Even when I was in Australia, he would stay up until 2 am watching my games and he always has feedback, so we talk constantly about baseball,” The younger Rushford explains. “I think it helps a lot because you have someone who’s personally there for you and always rooting for you. And it’s someone who has a lot of knowledge because he played for a long time and has a lot of different things he went through, so he’s seen it all and figured it all out.” This has been Milo’s first season in full-season baseball and with that has come some adjustments that he’s had to make for the first time. Last year, the outfielder hit .333 with three round trippers in 32 games. And while those numbers look a lot like Jim’s did when he made his affiliated debut, Milo will tell you that it’s his work ethic that he takes from his dad.
“I definitely think determination is a Rushford gene,” Milo says. “That’s something I’ve definitely picked up from watching him—but he’s definitely taught me that.”
The determination goes back to even Milo’s grandfather, who reached the heights of being a first-chair trumpet for the Chicago Symphony.
“He practiced all day everyday and played scales and through the musical drills over and over and over,” Jim said. “I took what he did as a professional musician, and I transferred that to baseball.” Milo was transferred to the ACL Royals prior to the start of this series, but if there’s one thing that the Rushfords do best is they drive to compete and get better each day. If there’s anything Milo can learn from his father, it’s that the journey is far from over today. And for all those who have served as role models to those younger than them. Happy Father’s Day! Hopefully you can enjoy a day with those who look up to you—and maybe we’ll see you soon at Segra Park!
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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! 6/6 - Lions Vision Services 6/7 - SC Career Development Association 6/8 - Ezekiel Ministries 6/9 - Thornwell
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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