SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive's "Green Day" to Celebrate Greenville's Birthday

Published on July 22, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - The Greenville Drive will mark the City of Greenville's 179th birthday on Tuesday, August 10th, with its fifth annual Green Day celebration, to be held during its 7:05 PM game against the Rome Braves at Fluor Field at the West End.

Drive players will pay tribute to the City by wearing their special green uniforms and caps, and fans are encouraged to create a "green out" by sporting green as well. The first 3,000 fans through the gates will receive a free commemorative Green Day t-shirt, and everyone will enjoy specials on green beverages throughout the evening.

As in years past, Green Day will also include a salute to an individual who has helped make Greenville and the surrounding area into the dynamic and desirable community it has become. This year's honoree will be Merl Code, a prominent Greenville attorney and civic leader.

Craig Brown, Drive Co-Owner and President, commented on Code's selection, noting, "Since Merl received his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina in 1979 he has distinguished himself as a lawyer, a municipal court judge in the City of Greenville, a businessman and a community leader whose commitment to public service is without peer," Brown added, "Merl has also been one of one of Greenville's most eloquent promoters and irresistible advocates ; a tremendous asset to this community in so many ways."

A former professional football player, Code never missed a beat once he was forced to hang up his cleats due to back problems. In addition to his work in the legal field and numerous business interests, he has served on an extensive list of prominent organizations' boards including Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, the Greater Greenville YMCA, the Phillis Wheatley Association, the Urban League of the Upstate, and the Palmetto Institute. In 1996 he received the distinguished Order of the Palmetto, the highest award given to a citizen by the State of South Carolina.

Along the way, Code has accomplished many "firsts." He is the first African American to chair the Greenville County United Way board of directors, the first African American Municipal Court judge, and the first African American to become chairman of the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce.

Brown added, "Without question Merl Code is a community leader who embodies Greenville's entrepreneurial spirit and drive to succeed. His accomplishments have been all the more meaningful as he has been a unifier who has repeatedly brought people with wide ranging interests together to strive for a greater common good." Brown concluded, "We hope the Upstate community will put on their green and come down to Fluor Field to salute Merl on Green Day, August 10th."

Code joins an illustrious group of previous Green Day honorees. In 2006, the Drive honored former Greenville Mayor Max Heller and his wife, Trudy. Green Day 2007 honorees were Greenville County Councilwomen Lillian Brock Flemming and Xanthene Norris. Former Greenville Technical College President Dr. Tom Barton was the honoree in 2008, and C. Dan Joyner was last season's Green Day honoree.

Seats are still available for the Drive's August 10th game against the Rome Braves, which concludes an eight-game home stand. Tickets start at just $5. For more information, visit www.greenvilledrive.com.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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