Flying Squirrels Nominated For Pair of Prestigious Awards

RVA - The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, are honored to be the Eastern League's nominee for two prestigious postseason awards. The Flying Squirrels organization has been nominated for the John H. Johnson President's Award, presented annually by Minor League Baseball to recognize the "complete" baseball franchise that has demonstrated franchise stability while making significant contributions to its community, its league and to the baseball industry. Additionally, Flying Squirrels Director of Community Relations and Flying Squirrels Charities, Megan Angstadt, is the Eastern League's nominee for the Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year. The award is given annually to one woman who has made an outstanding contribution to her club, league or to baseball.u5:p
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The winners of these awards are selected by Minor League Baseball and will be honored at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 10-14. u5:p
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"We are honored on behalf of our ownership group, staff, players, San Francisco Giants and our wonderful fans to be nominated by the Eastern League for this extremely prestigious award," said Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd "Parney" Parnell. "Non-stop work 12 months a year and a passion for RVA and minor league baseball here in Richmond is why we have bonded so well with the community and this is such a special place to us."  u5:p
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Johnson Awardu5:p
The Richmond Flying Squirrels are the Eastern League nominee for the John H. Johnson President's Award, which is used to honor a "complete" baseball franchise that has demonstrated franchise stability while making significant contributions to its community, its league, and to the baseball industry. Under the guidance of the ownership group led by managing partner Lou DiBella, Chief Executive Chuck Domino, and Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Todd "Parney" Parnell, the Flying Squirrels have become one of the top organizations in all of Minor League Baseball. The Flying Squirrels welcomed a total of 386,185 fans to The Diamond in 64 openings during the 2017 season, good for an average attendance of 6,034 fans per game, which ranked second in the Eastern League. Since their inception in 2010, the Flying Squirrels have ranked first or second in the league in average attendance every season, including four seasons in which they have led the league in both average and total attendance. The franchise has also averaged more than 6,000 fans per game in seven of their eight seasons. The fans keep flocking to the ballpark in Richmond thanks to the fun, family friendly atmosphere the Flying Squirrels have created at The Diamond with a jam packed promotional schedule that provides something new for fans every day during the season. The success of the franchise can also be tied to the relationship the Flying Squirrels have created with their community. Since day one the Flying Squirrels have had a strong presence in the city of Richmond and have made giving back to their community a top priority. In 2017 alone the Flying Squirrels raised more than $330,000 in donations and gifts in kind for over 900 different organizations. That was in addition to team executives, players, coaches, and mascot making over 600 appearances within the community.u5:p
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"I am incredibly humbled to be considered the Eastern League nominee for the Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year award," said Flying Squirrels Director of Community Relations Megan Angstadt. "This industry is filled with successful, talented women and it is an honor to work alongside and learn from many of them. I have had the opportunity to be a part of amazing teams, from my start with the Reading Fightin Phils, to my time here in Richmond; and the overwhelming support of these clubs as well as the Eastern League has allowed me to grow. I look forward to continuing that growth and providing mentorship for young women within the industry."u5:p
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Rawlings Awardu5:p
The Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year award is given out annually to one woman who has made an outstanding contribution to her club, league or to baseball. For this award the Eastern League is pleased to nominate Megan Angstadt of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Megan, who just completed her sixth season with the Richmond organization and her eighth in Minor League Baseball, is the Director of Community Relations for the club and is also the Director of Flying Squirrels Charities, the 501(c)3 charitable organization of the franchise. In her role as Director of Community Relations Megan oversees all aspects of community involvement for the team, including over 600 mascot, player, and staff appearances. For the 2017 season Megan also took over as the on field emcee for every Flying Squirrels home game. She also is an important member of the Flying Squirrels sales staff, leading the sales effort for more than 15 youth baseball camps hosted at The Diamond as well as working with groups to generate revenue for the franchise.u5:p
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The Flying Squirrels ninth season of affordable-family funn begins on Friday, April 13, 2018. Season tickets and group packages are on sale now. The Flying Squirrels will host the 2019 Eastern League All-Star game at The Diamond. Additional details can be found at www.squirrelsbaseball.com u5:p
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