Flying Squirrels announce finalists for #1 Fan Bobblehead 

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels revealed three finalists for their #1 Fan Bobblehead Contest presented by Pepsi on Friday afternoon.

The winner will be featured on a bobblehead to be given away at the Flying Squirrels' 2025 regular-season finale on Sunday, Sept. 14 at The Diamond.

Fans can vote for one of the three finalists now here and the voting will close on May 14.

"This is a promotion we have been excited about for a long time," Flying Squirrels General Manager Anthony Oppermann said. "Ray, Scott and Everleigh have wonderful stories and all three are great representatives of our tremendous fanbase. This is going to be a very difficult decision, and we're grateful to have your help in the process."

The winner of the #1 Fan Bobblehead Contest will be announced in the coming weeks.

Learn more about the three finalists from submissions written by fellow Flying Squirrels fans:

Scott: "Scott is a huge sports fan! He follows the Flying Squirrels closely and enjoys every aspect of the game. When he can't make the game or it is out of town, he listens to the game on his phone. He enjoys the themes, especially if it is a music theme. Scott is blind but that doesn't slow him down when learning about the Flying Squirrels. He goes to numerous games every year and especially loves the Audio Description games sponsored by Virginia Voice where they narrate everything that is going on at the game. He enjoys the walk up songs of the players and can usually tell who is coming up to bat by their song! He loves the smells at the game; hot dogs cooking and cotton candy are two of his favorites! He seeks out Nutzy and Nutasha and always enjoys when he can get a picture with them. Scott has become friends with the man that works at the handicapped elevator. They are both smiling so big when Scott is heading for the elevator. He loves all the games and to hear the excitement of the crowd. When a ball is hit in the crowd, he wants to know if it was caught. He enjoyed throwing out the first pitch at a game last summer on his birthday, it was definitely a highlight birthday memory! He practiced every night for several weeks before the game. Scott still talks about getting that ball and getting to meet Megs. He enjoys hearing her announce the games between innings."

Ray: "Ray has been a dedicated Flying Squirrels fan since the team arrived in 2010. If you’ve been to a Flying Squirrels game, chances are you’ve seen Ray. The first one through the gates every single home game - he has missed only 13 games in 14 years. He has autographed mini-helmets signed by all but three Flying Squirrels players, and every giveaway the team has ever done. He's not only a fan, but part of the family. Ray regularly houses players and coaches each season, creating a sense of home while they’re far from family. Ray says "I call the Flying Squirrels players and front office my family and have met so many great people that I also call my family." Ray has been a Giants fan his whole life and loves that the Flying Squirrels are affiliated with them. Ray follows the Squirrels far past their careers in Richmond and knows “Once a Squirrel Always a Squirrel." Have Funn, Go Nuts!"

Everleigh: "Everleigh isn’t just a fan of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, she is the heart and soul of the fanbase. From hosting her birthday party at the Diamond every year (with Nutzy and Nutasha, of course) to cheering from the stands in her signature glitter jacket to match Megs, Everleigh brings the energy every game day. She’s a familiar face at nearly every home game, where she proudly takes part in all the activities the Flying Squirrels offer, whether she’s the Play Ball Kid (which she’s been several times a season!), throwing out the first pitch or smashing a pie in her dad’s face to the crowd’s delight. Everleigh even made sure Nutzy and Nutasha were guests of honor at her parents’ wedding, because no celebration is complete without her favorite mascots. She’s memorized the Flying Squirrels Anthem, keeps a countdown to Opening Day, and has a full red-and-black Squirrels wardrobe ready for the season. What really makes Everleigh the #1 fan is her belief in the Flying Squirrels community. She loves how the team brings people together, makes space for every fan to feel welcome, and shows up for Richmond in big and small ways. To her, being a Flying Squirrels fan means being part of a family and she’s proud to cheer for a team that gives back and creates joy for everyone. For Everleigh, Flying Squirrels baseball isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. And that’s why she’s absolutely Richmond Flying Squirrels’ #1 fan."

The Flying Squirrels return to The Diamond April 29-May 4 for a six-game homestand against the Somerset Patriots, Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. Tickets are on sale online at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-FUNN (3866) or in person at the Flying Squirrels ticket office.