The Offseason: Philanthropic Squirrel
RICHMOND, VA - It is true that October is a relatively quiet month for most minor league baseball teams. While the only baseball activity taking place at The Diamond is VCU fall practice, one member of the Flying Squirrels staff remains in mid-season form: Nutzy.
The Squirrels' mascot and the heroic face of the franchise has been a man about town ever since he was introduced at the Byrd Theater February 11, 2010. From October 2010 to September 2011, the muscled squirrel made over 400 appearances throughout Central Virginia. When it comes to being in the community, Nutzy always starts at "yes," and works his way from there. It helps that Nutzy has an incredibly organized confidant in the Community Relations department keeping track of his appearances and managing his schedule.
Not only does Nutzy spread good will throughout the River City, but he also has a soft spot in his tough-guy physique for attending events going to benefit a good cause. The man in tights has become the face of most charitable events and functions throughout Richmond. From Autism Walks to Down Syndrome 5Ks to anti-bullying campaigns, Nutzy is seemingly everywhere as the primary representative of the Flying Squirrels' ambassador of good will.
One doesn't need to look any further than the week of October 17th to fully understand Nutzy's omnipresence in RVA. As mentioned, the supreme squirrel is a man with a cause. Wednesday, October 19th, saw him going to death-defying heights to prove his point. For the second straight year, Nutzy was one of the participants to go "Over the Edge" of the SunTrust building in downtown Richmond to help raise money for the Special Olympics. In so doing, he tallied roughly $600 for the Special Olympics.
On Saturday, October 19th, Nutzy turned his attention to the fight against breast cancer. In the morning, he partnered with Q94 and swapped out his ruby-red kicks for a pair of glittery pink pumps and took part in the inaugural "Hunks in Pumps" run/walk at West Broad Village. Even with his propensity to stop and mingle with fans, Nutzy finished eighth in the race. Afterward, showing no signs of being out of breath, he delivered water to the race participants and then posed for pictures with men, women, children, and even a dog. Later that night, Nutzy again showed his support for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, attending the Pink Tie Gala for a second year. Instead of his pump-disguised PF Flyers, Nutzy cleaned up for his night on the town and on the dance floor.
The next day, Nutzy polished off his seven-day work week, supporting the incredible athletes of the Miracle League in Chesterfield. Attending kid-themed events gives one an appreciation for just how popular Nutzy is. Among the 14 and under age demographic, he tops the charts - instantly recognizable even from a distance. On Sunday, there were no shortage of high-fives, hugs, and inspiration. The event, which included live music and a softball exhibition featuring the King of Diamonds, helped to raise money for the league that provides children with special needs an opportunity to play baseball.
Mixed in Nutzy's busy week were appearances at the Flying Squirrels World Series Party at the Torque Club at Richmond International Raceway, the City of Richmond's Health Fair, the Chamber of Commerce Hob Nob at The Diamond, and Tuckahoe Library's Birthday Celebration.
Recently Nutzy jumped on the Rally Squirrel bandwagon and added to his superhero persona, traveling to the World Series in St. Louis to experience the Rally Squirrel phenomenon first hand. While Game 6 was rained out and postponed for a day, Nutzy wasted little time becoming a celebrity in the Midwest city, attracting the attention of local TV stations, ESPN personalities, and even the New York Times.
As the Flying Squirrels begin to prepare for year three in Richmond, one thing is evident: Nutzy has firmly entrenched himself as perhaps the most recognizable Richmonder in the city. Such popularity might cause some to consider a run at a political career. We'll see if Nutzy has enough time.