SAL1 Charleston RiverDogs

RiverDogs to Move Forward with Regularly-Scheduled Games in Wake of Local Tragedy

Published on June 18, 2015 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release


CHARLESTON, S.C. "" The Charleston RiverDogs, along with the entire Charleston community, mourn and grieve after Wednesday night's horrendous events at Emanuel AME Church that has the nation's attention.

"We all personally feel the grief of the horrifying tragedy that struck our community last night," said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. "Our hearts and prayers are with the families of the victims involved and with the law enforcement agencies working tirelessly in the wake of last night's appalling and shocking event."

Following consultation with city officials, the team has announced that their regularly-scheduled games at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park will continue as scheduled starting tonight (Thursday) at 7:05 p.m. against the West Virginia Power. The RiverDogs continue to work with Mayor Joseph Riley, local law enforcement agencies and leaders of the church. They have determined that proceeds from tonight's game will go into the Mother Emanuel Hope Fund, which was established by the city in the wake of this tragedy.

"We feel it is our duty not to let the acts of one radical human being dictate our lives," added Echols. "The RiverDogs will continue on as scheduled in hopes of providing a sense of normalcy and comfort to the Lowcountry. We understand the donation is a small gesture during this terrible time; one for the families of the victims, the church family, and the entire community."

Sports can serve as a necessary distraction in the days following tragic occurrences. In the wake of such tragic events like the Boston Marathon bombings and 9/11, sports, particularly baseball, brought communities and a nation together and helped to resurrect them in times of need. It is understood that sports take a back seat during times of tragedy. It's very hard to think about something as trivial as playing a game, when disastrous events that once seemed impossible become all too real. However, sports often return to cities affected by tragedy long before reality does.

It is with that in mind that the RiverDogs will continue with their games as originally scheduled. Prior to Thursday's game will be a moment of silence to remember the victims of this unspeakable tragedy. In addition to the remembrance of this week's tragic events, the RiverDogs will continue to honor the "Charleston 9," the nine firefighters who lost their lives on this date in 2007, with a bell ringing and moment of silence prior to the ballgame.

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