Richmond Flying Squirrels
- Location: Richmond, VA
- League: Eastern League 2010-2019; Double-A Northeast 2021; Eastern League 2022-
- Affiliation: San Francisco Giants 2010-present
- Ballpark: The Diamond
Team History[edit]
The Richmond Flying Squirrels, of the Double-A Eastern League and briefly in Double-A Northeast, attract not only large crowds but some of the highest-energy fans in professional baseball - to an outdated stadium. The San Francisco Giants farmhands play their home games at The Diamond in Richmond, VA.
After years of effort, a new stadium appears to be on the horizon to replace the dilapidated ballpark. Although the Giants have expressed concern about The Diamond, they did not take a perfect opportunity to leave it to get a better one or a geographically closer Double-A club. Proximity was a major focus of MLB's 2021 Minor League Reorganization, but the Giants stood pat with the Squirrels.
However, a new stadium could indirectly end the partnership. In a good playpen, Richmond had proven itself as a Triple-A market - and lost that distinction solely because of what The Diamond had become. If no new stadium is built, Richmond might lose the team - but a large enough, high-quality enough stadium could bring renewed interest from Triple-A.
The Connecticut Defenders answered Richmond's calls to replace the Richmond Braves, whose parent Atlanta Braves pulled them south after the 2008 season because of the stadium's condition, in 2009. The Defenders became the Flying Squirrels, per a "Name the Team" contest, in 2010. The other finalists were Rock Hoppers, Flatheads, Rhinos and Hush Puppies. A sixth option, Hambones, was eliminated after the NAACP raised some negative connotations. The team says the option was intended to be an homage to the famous Virginia Hams.
The Squirrels play Copa de la Diversión Hispanic engagement campaign games as Ardillas Voladoras de Richmond, a straight translation of their name.
Year-by-Year Record[edit]
Related Sites[edit]
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