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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
Nationals Roster..........................................
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Ticket Information.......................................
24-25
A Call to Serve Beyond the Diamond.
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.
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
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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
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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
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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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25
21
40
P - Mason Miller
P - Elvis Novas
6' 0" 180 R-R P - Emmanuel Reyes
6' 2" 215 R-R P - Nicholas Regalado
6' 3" 205 L-L
6' 0" 205 R-R
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32
18
51
P - Jesus Rios
6' 1" 205 R-R P - Julio Rosario
P - Mauricio Veliz
P - Hiro Wyatt
6' 1" 190 R-R
6' 2"
220
R-R
6' 1" 190 R-R
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CATCHERS
3
9
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C - Blake Mitchell
5' 11" 215 R-R C - Dionmy Salon
6' 1" 190 R-R C - Hyungchan Um
6' 1"
202
L-R
INFIELDERS
12
8
0
IN - Colton Becker
6' 4" 225 R-R IN - Austin Charles
6' 4" 215 L-R IN - Derlin Figueroa
195 R-R
6' 2"
4
2
6
IN - Jhonny Perdomo
6' 1" 150 R-R IN - Daniel Vazquez
IN -Callan Moss
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L-R
5' 10"
6' 3" 225 R-R
OUTFIELDERS
1
15
41
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OF - Brennon McNair
OF - Erick Peña
OF - Erick Torres
6' 4" 195 R-R OF - Carter Frederick
185 R-R
6' 3" 205 L-R
160 R-R
5' 10"
5' 10"
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2024 FREDERICKSBURG NATIONALS
CLICK FOR ROSTER DETAILS
22
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 Call to Serve Beyond the Diamond By John Kocsis Jr.
Sam Kulasingam’s time in the Soda City was brief, but memorable. When the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers came to town August 6-11, fans got their first taste of the Royals’ 2024 draft class. Some of those players, like Colton Becker, Carter Frederick and Zachary Cawyer are still in Columbia, but Kulasingam has already been moved up to Quad Cities.
For those who know Sam, it isn’t surprising that he impressed the Royals brass enough to earn a quick call to High-A, but for those who don’t, here’s a little background into the utility player. Kulasingam attended the Air Force Academy and won back-to-back Tony Gwynn Mountain West Player of the Year Awards before the Royals scooped him in the 13th round of this year’s draft. There aren’t a lot of players who have won the Tony Gwynn Award multiple times. In fact, Kulasingam is just the fourth player to do it, joining C.J. Cron, Mitch Garver and DJ Peterson. Cron had a 10-year Major League career that peaked with an All- Star appearance, Garver helped win the 2023 World Series and DJ Peterson climbed his way through Independent and Minor League Baseball to play 418 games in Triple-A before he retired. Sam took a path that isn’t very common for professional players. He enrolled in a military academy rather than playing at a big-name school to get more scout’s attention. “I chose Air Force Academy because the opportunities that it would give to me, both on and off the baseball field.” The Royals’ prospect relayed. The Holly Springs, North Carolina native does plan to serve after he finishes his baseball career. After graduation, a student in the Air Force Academy becomes a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Air Force or the Space Force. After school, graduates must serve eight years with five of those years being active-duty years. There are certain exceptions and certain students who have longer commitments after graduating additional secondary schools for medical or flight. Kulasingam does plan on honoring his service requirement after baseball is over. “At the end of the day, baseball is just a game. No one is going to die, but in war people can die,” he said. “But at the end of the day, this is a game, whereas war is the next game after this.” Sam has a flight slot in the Air Force after his baseball career wraps up. His path won’t be very clear for him until he gets started. “Everyone starts flying Cessnas and prop planes. Then once you do that for awhile, you will track to T-1s and T-38s.” Sam explained. “One is a heavy track and the other is a jet track. From there, how you score and do in your pilot class determines the route that you would go.”
For the short-term, Sam’s plan is to climb the rungs and try to make it to the Majors. He had three RBI in four games with the Fireflies—all in the first inning of two separate games, but he finished his four-year career with the Falcons with a .377 batting average over 206 games. In that time he slapped 77 doubles and drove in 162 RBI. Sam attributes a lot of that success to how you’re trained in the Air Force. “They teach you how to be disciplined and they emphasize attention to detail.” He said. While at Air Force, Kulasingam walked 118 times and he only struck out 102 times. There aren’t too many people who have played 200 college games and ended their career with more walks than punchouts. He did have a teammate that he was able to look up to while he was an underclassman. Paul Skenes played with Kulasingam at Air Force the first two seasons he was there. Skenes is currently the ace for the Pittsburgh Pirates staff. While at Air Force, he had a 2.72 ERA and had great numbers that allowed him to transfer to LSU and later end up as a top pick in the MLB Draft. Skenes has faired even better in his first season in The Bigs. He has started 16 games to the tune of a 2.30 ERA with 121 strikeouts in just under 100 innings pitched. Kulasingam was able to catch a game in St. Louis in person, but an even cooler moment for Sam was when Air Force was on the road May 11 and they got the opportunity to watch Skenes make his debut from the hotel room. The whole team that was still at Air Force from when Skenes was there put a group chat together to talk about the game. Of course, Skenes looks a bit different as a pitcher now then he did back at Air Force. “He was good while he was at Air Force, but the shape his pitches have with the added velo and movement has made his pitches profile a lot differently.” Sam mentioned. “You have a fastball topping out over 100 at the top of the zone, a splinker at 94, a change-up that plays off that and a sweeper that’s gross.” All of us progress as we advance and the path that Kulasingam hopes to go towards is flying the fighter jets after baseball is over. “Fighters are the coolest. It’s very team orientated like competitive sports. You have to trust your wingmen next to you; you need great communication, and it requires a lot of hard work. Plus, you’re surrounded by a lot of driven people in that environment.” Sam explains. Until he gets to that stage though, he’ll finish his baseball career. The Fireflies had opportunity to watch Sam salute the flag four times at Segra Park and it was special for the fans. It’s still special for the prospect too. “It honestly still gives me chills every time I salute for the National Anthem,” Kulasingam reflects. “I’ve done it a couple hundred times for baseball games and for everything else I’ve saluted it for. It’s special because every time that anthem plays, I realize that my purpose is bigger than baseball and at some point I will serve to defend our country and defend our freedom.”
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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! 8/22 - Serve & Connect 8/23 - SC Law Enforcement Officers Association 8/24 - Transitions 8/25 - Girls on the Run Columbia
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
31
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