If fans thought Rapid was the only dog at the Springfield Drifters’ game vs. the NW Star Nighthawks on Friday night, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
The sponsor for this game was Greenhill Humane Society – the only life-saving animal shelter within the Eugene/Springfield area. Greenhill staff organized a paw-some event for Drifters Dog Day.
The first 100 pups to stroll into Hamlin got a free Drifters dog bandana, as well as the opportunity for $2 pup cups at the concession stand. Drifters’ doggies were granted entry with a $2 Drifter dog pass, which, along with the sales from the pup cups, all benefited Greenhill.
“This is just a perfect example that baseball can help support Greenhill and help support the services that we provide,” said Kelly Fleischmann, Greenhill community engagement manager. “We’re gearing up for a busy summer season as well, so we know that this is a huge thing that will help support us and continue the work that we do. We’re just excited.”
The Drifters brought out Greenhill’s ambassa-dogs, Jack and Phoebe, to chase the ball as the “first pitch.”
After the first pitch, fans and their pups got to watch the Drifters give the Nighthawks a ruff night, as Springfield won 7-5.
For Drifters’ assistant GM Jasmine Williams, the event was an ulti-mutt success. With fans and furry-friends alike leaving satisfied, she’s already thinking about how to get Greenhill involved with the organization more.
“It was so awesome to have them there, their staff is so wonderful. So in the future, that’s definitely a partnership we want to build,” Williams said. “… Obviously, our mascot is a dog, so that partnership kind of just makes sense for us; definitely something we’re looking to build in the future.”
The night before on Thursday the Drifters hosted FOOD for Lane County – encouraging fans to bring food for those who need it.
Drifters fans were granted tickets at half price if they brought in three cans, and free admission if they donated six or more.
Thanks to the ease of preparing and the success of that event, Williams and Caitlin Caldwell of FFLC already are finding ways for it to be held again – even as soon as this season.
“After that event, it was kind of both of us thinking, ‘This is a great idea, and it really doesn’t take that much effort. Hey, why don’t we just make this kind of a regular thing?’” Williams said. “So what we were thinking is doing that again but pairing it with one of our fireworks nights or something like that, where we know there’s going to be a lot of people here.”
The extra night for FFLC would help build on the Drifters’ already support of the organization. Thursday night, Drifters’ fans helped raise 148 pounds of food, as well as $124.
Caldwell said it will help provide roughly 370 meals to the community, which will be distributed through local pantries and meal boxes.
DRIFTERS DATA CENTER
RESULTS / SCHEDULES
RESULTS
Thursday, June 5
■ Drifters 10, Bend 9
Friday, June 6
■ Drifters 7, NW Stars 5
Saturday, June 7
■ Drifters 10, NW Stars 3
Monday, June 9
■ Drifters x, Medford x
SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 12
■ Drifters at Corvallis, 6:35 p.m.
Friday, June 13
■ Portland at Drifters, 6:35 p.m.
Saturday, June 14
■ Portland at Drifters, 6:35 p.m.
Sunday, June 15
■ Portland at Drifters, 4:05 p.m.
Monday, June 16
■ Drifters at Corvallis, 6:35 p.m.
Tuesday, June 17
■ Drifters at Bend, 6:35 p.m.
Wednesday, June 18
■ Drifters at Bend, 6:35 p.m.
Thursday, June 19
■ Drifters at Bend, 6:35 p.m.
