Latest news with #Squirrels
Axios
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
John Oliver wants to rebrand the Flying Squirrels
Comedian and " Last Week Tonight" host John Oliver wants to rebrand the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Why it matters: The Emmy-winning show is offering to come up with a new mascot and name for the Squirrels, or any of the country's 120 minor league baseball teams, for free. Plus, they'd create (and cover) a theme night for fans. The big picture: The latest episode of "Last Week Tonight" dug into minor league baseball, from wacky team names (sorry, Squirrels) to bizarrely sexual rebrands (hey there, Chesapeake Oyster Catchers). Plus, the sometimes-absurd promos and gimmicks teams push to try to bring in money (apparently, you can sit on a toilet in the stands in Lake County, Ohio?). Yes, but: Some minor league teams, Oliver claims, are just phoning it in — using bland team names and focusing on baseball, of all things. So Oliver closed the segment with his pitch: "We are willing to use all of our resources and stupidity to give one minor league baseball team a total rebrand," he said. "It will be personalized and it will be bespoke." All the team has to do is shoot him an email ([email protected]) and hand over all creative control to him and the show. Flashback: Richmond had one of those bland team names before the Squirrels glided into town in 2010 and replaced the Richmond Braves. As part of their move from Connecticut to RVA, the team held a naming contest, in partnership with the Times-Dispatch. They got more than 6,000 submissions, but it was Prince George County resident Brad Mead's intentionally "crazy" suggestion that became the winner, the RTD reported. Much of Richmond did not love the name, says Todd "Parney" Parnell, the Squirrels' longtime CEO and now semi-retired team senior adviser and podcast host. During the Squirrels' first season, Parnell would regularly overhear people in bars complaining about the name and "those a--holes" that came up with it, he says. Anytime he did, he'd send over a round of drinks to the complainers and tell the server to say they were from "the a--hole who named the team." Eventually, Richmonders came around, and the rest of the country came calling, asking for advice on how to replicate the team's fun-loving in their own cities. The intrigue: It could be great timing, should the Squirrels decide to take Oliver up on his offer.
Axios
07-04-2025
- Sport
- Axios
Flying Squirrels sell out final opener at The Diamond
The Flying Squirrels' home opener is Friday night. Why it matters: It's their last one ever at The Diamond. The big picture: The baseball stadium, which has been around since 1985, is being replaced just in time for next year's season. That means you'll be catching the Squirrels at CarMax Park in 2026 — though knowing us, Richmonders will likely never call it that. Zoom in: Friday's opening game against the Akron RubberDucks has already sold out, as it has for the past 15 years.
BBC News
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Family art event in Bingley mill for Bradford 2025
Scouts have been making sculptures from recycled materials for an immersive art installation which is taking place as part of Bradford's year as UK City of Culture. Their artwork includes paper birds and cardboard masks which will form part of an enchanted landscape for the event called Grue, an ancient word for "shiver". Grue, which is aimed at primary school children and their families, is taking place at Damart Mill in Bingley between 8-18 February. The creations made by children from Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts across Bradford will be seen as visitors help solve the mysteries of Damart Mill. Their work will also form part of their City of Culture Scout badge. Grue will see visitors walk through secret doors, a fairy forest and go underwater on a quest for culture-lovers of all ages. It has been dreamed up by artist Steve Wintercoft, produced by community art charity Arcade and built entirely from recycled and repurposed can be brought via the City of Culture Hammond, county youth commissioner for the Scout Association, said: "Our young people are getting involved in City of Culture events, which is fantastic to see. "The young people are not only creating their masterpieces to go on public display but also learning valuable skills of recycling and reusing.""Scouts is all about learning skills for life, giving it a go and having fun. "I can't wait to go and see this event and of course all the artwork from the Scouts."One of the Cubs, aged nine, said: "It was great fun to make my bird. "I can't wait to go with my family to see it at the Grue event and try and spot my bird. "I also now have just one more thing to do to get my City of Culture badge."Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.
