Gov. Ralph Northam to throw first pitch at Richmond Flying Squirrels home opener

Gov. Ralph Northam will throw out tonight’s first pitch at the home opener for the Richmond Flying Squirrels. The Governor will also be joined by MLB All-Star and World Series Champion Fred McGriff, whose baseball career spanned from 1986 to 2004 with teams including the Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs and L.A. Dodgers.

The Governor’s appearance at tonight’s Squirrels game will kick off the “Summer of Baseball,” a series of visits to each of the Commonwealth’s nine minor league team stadiums to tout the importance of baseball in Virginia communities.

In addition to throwing out the first pitch, Governor Northam will present an official proclamation to the players and leadership of the Richmond-based baseball team, proclaiming April 13, 2018as Flying Squirrels Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“Baseball is known as America’s national pastime, and that certainly rings true for the people of Virginia, as well,” said Governor Northam. “Our nine minor league baseball teams are important contributors to communities across the Commonwealth, uniting friends and family and bringing Virginians of all ages together to enjoy a night out at the ballpark. Tonight’s home opener is the perfect opportunity to celebrate baseball in Virginia. I encourage all Virginians to attend baseball games in their own communities and across the Commonwealth, and discover for yourselves why Virginia is for Baseball Lovers.”

“The Richmond Flying Squirrels’ home opener has become a centerpiece event in our capital city, and the entire organization is excited to have Governor Northam in attendance to deliver the first pitch of the 2018 season,” said Flying Squirrels Vice President & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell.

Virginia boasts nine Minor League Baseball teams, with seasons traditionally running from April through September. For more information on baseball in Virginia, visit www.virginia.org/baseball.

Governor Northam’s “Summer of Baseball”

• April 13^th – Richmond Flying Squirrels
• April 27^th—Salem Red Sox
• May 19^th—Norfolk Tides
• May 26^th—Potomac Nationals
• June 23^rd—Lynchburg Hillcats
• June 30^th—Danville Braves
• July 21^st—Bristol Pirates
• August 4^th—Bluefield Blue Jays
• August 18^th – Pulaski Yankees