La Parka to appear at first Friday home game for Richmond Flying Squirrels

The Richmond Flying Squirrels on Monday announced popular Mexican luchador La Parka will make an appearance at The Diamond on April 5 as part of the festivities celebrating the team’s inaugural game as Las Ardillas Voladoras de Richmond.

Fans will have the opportunity to climb inside a wrestling ring with La Parka and pose for photos as part of a public meet and greet from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on the Funnville Fan Zone Main Stage.

“We are thrilled to welcome La Parka to Richmond to celebrate the first of 11 games as the Ardillas Voladoras,” Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “How often do you get an opportunity to climb inside a wrestling ring with an authentic Mexican luchador? We think this experience is going to be another great memory-making opportunity for our fans.”

La Parka first debuted in Mexico’s Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide in 1992 and quickly became a popular figure in the sport, in part because of his skeleton-like attire which pays tribute to the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. He was introduced to American wrestling fans during WCW’s “When World’s Collide” pay-per-view event in 1994 and made his WCW debut two years later. He was known as “The Chariman” because of his propensity to smash his opponents with metal folding chairs.

Blue Demon Jr. had been previously scheduled to appear at the event but will not be attending due to unforeseen circumstances.

Additionally, kids 14 and younger can run the bases following the game presented by Richmond Family Magazine. Fridays also feature the Friday Happy Hour with drink specials from 6-8 p.m., including $2 12-ounce domestic beers in all concession stands, Beer Express carts and The Thirsty Acorn as well as $2 fountain sodas at the Pepsi Fountain.

The Ardillas Voladoras de Richmond initiative is part of Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión, or “Fun Cup,” a season-long event specifically designed to embrace the culture and values that resonate most with participating teams’ local Hispanic and Latino communities. The initiative aims to increase awareness, authentic engagements and amplify MiLB’s continuous effort to diversify the game and business of baseball nationwide.

The Flying Squirrels begin the 2019 season on Thursday, April 4 at The Diamond against the Hartford Yard Goats with LIT! Dueling Fireworks and a special appearance by former MLB star Ryan Klesko. Tickets are on sale now at the Flying Squirrels ticket office, online at squirrelsbaseball.com or by phone at 804-359-FUNN (3866).