RiverDogs RunDown June 7-12

LEADING OFF

5 8 19

SERIES PREVIEW

FIELDS MAKES DIFFERENCE ON AND OFF THE FIELD

BY THE NUMBER

The RiverDogs are back at home this week for a six-game series with the Salem Red Sox. This is the second and final meeting between the teams this season and the first at The Joe. The RiverDogs went to Salem back in April and took five out of six games from the Red Sox. Salem, an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, is coming into this series with a 28-23 record. They currently sit a half-game out of first place in the Carolina League North Division and are riding a six-game winning streak after sweeping Columbia. Manager Luke Montz returns for his second year in the Blue Ridge Mountains, after leading the Red Sox to a 71-49 record in 2021. Montz has been a coach in the Red Sox organization since 2018. Prior to his managerial career, he was selected by the then-Montreal Expos in the 2003 MLB Draft and spent 12 years playing in five different organizations. The Red Sox come into this series hitting .247 as a team, which is fourth in the Carolina League and ninth in all of Single-A baseball. They lead Single-A baseball in doubles with 108. Offensively, they are led by Niko Kavadas, who has a .255 average and is leading the team in home runs with six and is tied for the team lead in RBI with 27. On the mound, the Sox have struggled this season. Coming into this series, they have a team ERA of 4.98, which is third-highest in the Carolina League and fifth -highest in all of Single-A baseball. Among the staff, Angel Bastardo has been the most consistent pitcher.

He is 1-0 with a 2.56 ERA in eight starts this season.

The RiverDogs begin their first of two homestands during the month of June this week. After splitting a six-game series last week with the Down East Wood Ducks, they come into this set with a 34-17 record and sit just two games behind Myrtle Beach for the top spot in the Carolina League South Division. Defensively, the RiverDogs .970 fielding percentage is the best in the Carolina League. Offensively, they are second in the Carolina League with a .255 batting average and lead all of minor league baseball with 113 steals. They are led at the plate by outfielder Mason Auer, who has a .314 batting average and is 18 of 20 in the stolen base department. On the mound, the RiverDogs have a 3.50 ERA. They are led by Austin Vernon, who is 6-0 with a 1.47 ERA and was named Carolina League Pitcher of the Month for the month of May, giving up only one earned run in five appearances.

Tuesday, June 7, 7:05 p.m.: Dog Day presented by Twisted Tea: We hope to see you and your dog at the game on this night! The RiverDogs invite you to bring your pup to The Joe for each Tuesday home game this season. This week we will highlight French bulldogs! In addition, enjoy $2 hot dogs and beer as Twisted Tea adds a new twist to Tuesdays this season with goofy on-field games and fan-oriented fun throughout the game. Tuesday games are presented by 96.9 The Wolf.

Wednesday, June 8, 7:05 p.m.: CCSD Educator Night/Wicked Wednesday presented by Wicked Weed: During this midweek contest, the RiverDogs will celebrate local teachers who were nominated for Charleston County School District Teacher of the Year. Also, make sure to keep an eye out every Wednesday for a new wicked ticket deal. This week, buy one Upper Reserved ticket and get another for free with the code: WD0608.

Thursday, June 9, 7:05 p.m.: Thirsty Thursday presented by Budweiser: There is a reason that Thursday nights at The Joe provide one of the best atmospheres in Minor League Baseball. As always, $1 beers are available throughout the ballpark all night long. $4 well cocktails will also be available during “happy hour” from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A lucky fan will leave with a pair of High Tide Festival VIP tickets valued at $400. Enjoy live music in the Ashley View Pub courtesy of DJ DollaMenu or feel free to play a game of cornhole on the concourse. Bottoms up! Thursdays are presented by 95sx.

Friday, June 10, 7:05 p.m.: Friday Fireworks presented by REV Federal Credit Union/Boeing Red Shirt Friday: The RiverDogs will shine a spotlight on active duty and retired military members and their families, while the team wears their new red alternate jerseys on the field. The red jerseys will be auctioned to fans at the end of the season. Following every Friday night contest make sure to stick around for the best fireworks show in the Lowcountry! Enjoy this week’s fireworks to a soundtrack of halftime show hits. Fridays are presented by 103.5 WEZL and Live 5 News.

Saturday, June 11, 6:05 p.m.: Larry Doby Weekend presented by MUSC Health/RiverDogs Pitch, Hit and Run Event/Larry Doby Charity Softball Game/Saturdays Live at The Joe presented by Breeze Airways/Post-Game Light Show: The RiverDogs and their opponent, the Salem Red Sox, will wear Negro League jerseys for this contest as the organization holds its annual celebration of Larry Doby presented by MUSC Health. Doby was the first African-American player to play in the American League. The team will also honor the 2022 recipient of the Gus Holt Memorial scholarship. Early in the day, as part of MLB’s Play Ball Weekend, the team will welcome young baseball players from the Lowcountry to compete in a Pitch, Hit and Run Event. Registration is available here! Make sure to arrive early for the RiverDogs game as The Joe will also host a Larry Doby Charity Softball Game from 4:00-5:00 p.m. The contest will feature prominent black business owners from the Charleston area and benefit the North Charleston RBI Program. You never know what kind of fun is in store when you walk into the ballpark on a Saturday Live at The Joe! After the game, stick around for a light show featuring our LED ballpark lights! Saturdays are presented by 92.5 Kickin’ Country, 101.7 Chuck FM and FOX 24.

Sunday, June 12, 5:05 p.m.: Larry Doby Weekend presented by MUSC Health/Cannon Street All-Stars/ MUSC Health Family Sunday: Larry Doby Weekend continues with a day of recognition for the Cannon Street All-Stars, a select group of players from the first sanctioned African-American Little League in South Carolina back in 1955. Members of that team will be in attendance at the game and the RiverDogs will take the field in replica Cannon Street All-Star jerseys, which will be auctioned throughout the evening. Parking is free! Before, during and after each Sunday home game, we will make it all about the kids. From the video board, to between innings contests, and even the opportunity to run the bases, Sundays are sure to be a memorable day for the whole family. Sundays are presented by Mix 95.9, Star 99.7 and ABC News 4.

Kamron Fields is a relief pitcher for this year’s RiverDogs team. He is from Garland, TX, which is just outside of Dallas.

Growing up in Garland, Fields described it as a typical city that is not out of the ordinary. He went to a big high school, a 6A school that was one of five in his city alone.

Like a lot of professional athletes, Fields played multiple sports growing up. Specifically, baseball and football, where he was the best athlete on the field. “I was the only kid that could throw,” he said.

Being a relief pitcher can be a lot of pressure, but Fields learn to deal with pressure at a young age. Being a quarterback in the state of Texas as a high schooler will certainly prepare you for anything.

When most people think of Texas, they think of football, and there is not a lot that comes close to high school football in the state of Texas.

“Nothing compares to it,” said Fields when talking about football in Texas. I have never felt the adrenaline rush that I felt on Friday nights.”

Fields had a goal in mind when he got to Lakeview Centennial High School. That goal was to get the Patriots to the state playoffs for the first time in 20 years. He did just that in his senior year, leading the Patriots to the second round of the state playoffs, and winning District MVP unanimously as the starting quarterback.

Not only was Fields getting it done on the football field, but on the baseball diamond as well. In his senior season at Lakeview Centennial, he received numerous accolades, including District 6A MVP, a Texas All-Region First Team selection, and a Rawlings-Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mention.

His efforts would earn him a scholarship to the University of Texas in Austin, where he would play for three seasons for the Longhorns. In 2018, his freshman year, he made 15 appearances and went 1-0 with a 1.82 ERA, while also making an appearance in the College World Series.

2020 was a difficult time for a lot of people, including Fields. As a junior at UT, there was a lot going on with the world and inside Fields mind. While it was a difficult time, he wanted to make a difference.

“The world just hit me all at once,” he said. “A lot went on with me personally, the pandemic hit, and police brutality was plaguing the country.”

During this time, Fields made two big decisions. The first decision was to transfer from Texas to Texas Southern, an HBCU school in Houston, TX. This move surprised a lot of people, but it was a decision that Fields says “was more than baseball.”

“They did not treat me any different when I got there,” said Fields. “Coach Robertson was a great

coach that gave it to you straight.”

In his one year with the Tigers, Fields went 4-6 with a 5.03 ERA in 13 appearances. While the COVID year would allow him to have an extra year of eligibility, Fields would look to the Major League Baseball Draft that summer.

In the 20th round of the 2021 MLB Draft, Fields was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays. He was the only HBCU player to be selected in the draft, which is something that he holds dear to his heart.

While he feels a great deal of pride for being drafted, Fields knows that there is more that can be done and would like to see more HBCU players have the same accomplishment.

“I want this to become the norm,” said Fields. “I do not want this to happen every three or four years. I want this to be an annual thing.”

After signing with the Rays, Fields reported to the FCL Rays to begin his major league career. In three games with the club last year, he picked up a save. This year, coming into the homestand, he is 1-0 with a 3.48 ERA in 15 appearances.

The second big decision that Fields made during the 2020 pandemic was to start a nonprofit organization for the youth in his hometown. He calls it More to Life.

Fields said his biggest influence in life is the youth. Because of this, he had a youth center built in Garland and is doing everything he can to give back to his hometown. More to Life provides children with the resources as well as the direction to be successful.

During the holidays in 2020, Fields raised over one thousand dollars and provided toys to 15 families in the city of Garland.

That is where you will find him during the offseason, working out at Lakeview Centennial and giving back to his community. Fields hopes to continue to grow More to Life and eventually expand past the city of Garland.

Charleston RiverDogs 2022 Roster Single-A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays No. 20 24 33 16 22 25 26 21 30 12 11 34 23 38 29 No. 28 10 35 No. 15 2 9 31 13 7 No. 32 19 17 6 5 No.

Pitchers (15) Catalina, Neraldo Cortorreal, Aneudy Cuevas, Jonny Fernandez, Christian Fields, Kamron Galue, Over Gaston, Sandy Goss, JJ Jimenez, Antonio Munoz, Victor Peoples, Ben Snyder, Jack Vernon, Austin Whitten, Kyle Whittle, Daiveyon Catchers (3) Dimon, Dawson Leon, Luis Piper, Kenny Infielders (6) Barragan, Edwin Marte, Jelfry Ramirez, Abiezel Seymour, Bobby Vasquez, Willy Williams, Carson Outfielders (5) Allen, Logan Auer, Mason Manzueta, Oneill Sasaki, Shane Schnell, Nick Injured List (4) Spikes, Ryan Theriot, Brayden Turner, Gionti Wiles, Nathan

June 3 B R R R R R R R R L R L R R R R B R S R B R L S L R R B R R R R L B R R R R

T R R R R R R R R L R R R R R R T R R R T R R R R R R T R R R R R T R R R R

Ht 6'6 6'3 6'2 6'3 6'3 6'2 6'3 6'3 5'10 6'3 6'1 6'2 6'6 6'3 6'1 Ht 6'1 6'0 6'0 Ht 5'7 5'11 5'11 6'4 6'2 6'2 Ht 5'10 6'0 5'11 6'0 6'3 Ht 5'9 6'2 6'2 6'5

Wt Birthplace 205 El Seibo, DR 260 Santo Domingo, DR 200 Indio, CA 216 Cabimas, VEN 202 Dallas, TX 227 Santa Barbara, VEN 230 Matanzas, Cuba 202 Houston, TX 158 San Pedro de Macoris, DR 230 Mao, DR 185 Columbia, TN 205 Chicago, IL 262 Raleigh, NC 198 Manassas, VA 235 Fresno, CA Wt Birthplace 208 Lancaster, CA 218 Maracay, VEN 190 Florissant, MO Wt Birthplace 160 Valencia, VEN 189 La Vega, DR 160 Azua, DR 275 Harvey, IL 201 Santo Domingo, DR 185 San Diego, CA Wt Birthplace 190 Bryant, AR 199 Joplin, MO 221 Santo Domingo, DR 168 Honolulu, HI 180 Indianapolis, IN Wt Birthplace 198 Conyers, GA 210 Houston, TX 177 Pine Bluff, AR 225 Overland Park, KS

Birthdate 06/21/00 12/13/99 11/20/00 08/11/99 09/24/98 07/31/01 12/16/01 12/25/00 05/06/01 12/25/00 05/01/01 08/04/98 02/08/99 09/22/98 11/11/99 Birthdate 05/17/99 09/10/98 07/12/98 Birthdate 07/02/03 03/27/01 01/26/00 10/07/98 09/06/01 06/25/03 Birthdate 08/13/98 03/01/21 02/07/01 07/01/00 03/27/00 Birthdate 03/13/03 12/19/96 08/17/00 07/02/98

2021 Club(s) FCL Rays/Charleston FCL Rays FCL Rays DNP - Injury FCL Rays FCL Rays FCL Rays/Charleston FCL Rays FCL Rays/Charleston FCL Rays/Charleston FCL Rays Schaumburg (Frontier League) FCL Rays FCL Rays DNP - Injury 2021 Club(s) FCL Rays FCL Rays/Charleston FCL Rays 2021 Club(s) DSL Rays 2 FCL Rays/Charleston Charleston FCL Rays FCL Rays FCL Rays 2021 Club(s) FCL Rays FCL Rays FCL Rays FCL Rays Charleston 2021 Club(s) FCL Rays FCL Rays/Charleston FCL Rays/Bowling Green DNP - Injury

College None None Southern Nevada None Texas Southern None None None None None None Western Carolina NC Central Virginia

Acquired Trade/2019 Int. FA/2018 12th/2021 Int. FA/2016 20th/2021 Int. FA/2017 Int. FA/2018 CBA/2019 Int. FA/2018 Int. FA/2017 22nd/2019 UDFA/2022 10th/2021 UDFA/2021 Fresno City College 23rd/2018 College Acquired None 34th/2018 None Int. FA/2015 Columbia College 18th/2021 College Acquired None Int. FA/2019 None Int. FA/2017 None Int. FA/2016 Wake Forest 13th/2021 None Int. FA/2019 None 1st/2021 College Acquired Arkansas-Fort Smith 14th/2019 San Jacinto 5th/2021 None Int. FA/2018 None 3rd/2019 None 1st/2018 College Acquired None 3rd/2021 Texas State UDFA/2019 None Trade/2018 Oklahoma 8th/2019

3 • Blake Butera - Manager 18 • R.C. Lichtenstein - Pitching Coach 4 • Perry Roth - Hitting Coach 36 • Frank Jagoda - Bench Coach Ruben Santiago - Athletic Trainer Mia Salvemini - Strength and Conditioning Coach Steve Berhalter - Clubhouse Manager

Pronunciation Guide

Mason Auer (our) Edwin Barragan (BAR-uh-gahn) Aneudy Cortorreal (ahn-YOO-dee cort-OH-ree-ahl) Dawson Dimon (die-min) Kamron Fields (Cameron) Over Galue (oh-VAIR GAHL-oo-way) Sandy Gaston (SAHN-dee GAH-stone) Luis Leon (LOO-ees lee-OWN) R.C. Lichtenstein (lick-tin-stine) Oneill Manzueta (OH-kneel MAHN-zway-tuh) Jelfry Marte (Jeffrey) Victor Munoz (MOON-yoze) Abiezel Ramirez (AH-bee-uh-zell) Gionti Turner (jee-ON-tee) Charleston RiverDogs 360 Fishburne St. • Charleston, SC 29403 Phone: 843.723.7241 • Fax: 843-723-2641 Email: admin@riverdogs.com

Salem Red Sox

2022 Roster (As of 6/5/22) # 34 41 23 39 37* 45 18 17 40 29 38 31 21* 26 18* * 5* 28 22 36 2 46

Pitchers Bastardo, Angel Bautista, Adenys Campbell, Maceo Cepeda, Felix Cruz, Nathanael De La Rosa, Osvaldo Dobbins, Hunter Encarnacion, Juan Felix, Jhonny Gonzalez, Wikelman Hoffman, Graham Jackson, Gabriel Loubier, Blake Mata, Bryan Montero, Alexander Pinero, Barbaro Sena, Reidis Stock, Joey Suero, Miguel Troye, Christopher Uberstine, Tyler Webb, Jacob

B/T

#

Catchers Garcia, Jose Hickey, Nathan Diaz, Jonathan Mejicano, Yorberto

B/T

3 11 25& 13 # 19 24 12 10 14 9 16

Infielders Bonaci, Brainer Jordan, Blaze Kavadas, Niko Mayer, Marcelo Miller, Tyler Paulino, Eddinson Simas, Karson

B/T

#

Outfielders

B/T

44 15 1 27 8*

Belen, Darel Lopez, Eduardo Meredith, Kier Sikes, Phillip Ugueto, Miguel

# 30 20 33

Coaches & Staff Luke Montz Nick Green Nelson Paulino Ako Thomas Jacob Loughman Omar Porras Juan Rivera

R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R S/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R L/R R/R L/R L/R R/R

Ht 6-1 6-3 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-0 5-10 5-10 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-5

Ht 5-11 6-0 5-11 5-11

Ht

Wt 175 170 230 210 190 210 185 185 180 180 220 205 205 225 180 190 160 208 185 225 200 250

Wt 225 210 170 185

Wt

S/R R/R L/R L/R L/R L/R

5-10 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-2 5-10

140 220 235 190 195 155

R/R

6-0

175

Ht

Wt

R/R

6-4

195

S/R L/L R/R R/R

6-0 5-10 6-2 6-2

170 200 190 185

Position

Manager Pitching Coach Hitting Coach Coach Athletic Trainer Strengh & Cond Development

DOB

Acq/Yr

6/18/2002 8/6/1998 6/17/1999 7/15/2000 2/4/2003 10/28/1997 8/30/1999 3/30/2001 9/4/1998 3/25/2002 12/26/1998 9/7/2001 10/13/2001 5/3/1999 9/21/1997 6/18/1999 7/7/2001 9/8/1997 1/4/1997 2/8/1999 6/1/1999 3/23/1999 DOB

IFA/2018 Trade CLE FA/2020 IFA/2017 IFA/2019 IFA/2018 8th/2021 IFA/2018 FA/2021 IFA/2018 FA/2020 IFA/2018 13th/2019 IFA/2016 IFA/2017 IFA/2019 IFA/2018 FA/2020 IFA/2017 12th/2021 19th/2021 14th/2021

Acq/Yr

5/3/1998 11/23/1999 7/7/1999 11/21/2000 DOB

FA/2020 5th/2021 IFA/2017 10th/2019

Acq/Yr

7/9/2002 12/19/2002 10/27/1998 12/12/2002 12/17/1999 7/2/2002 6/1/2001 DOB

Injured List Reidis Sena Barbaro Pinero Nathanael Cruz Miguel Ugueto Alexander Montero Blake Loubier

Bryan, TX

San Pedro de Macoris, DR San Pedro de Macoris, DR Maracay, VZ Tampa, FL Samana, DR Orlando, FL Maracay, VZ Yaguate, DR Nueva Gerona, Cuba Neiba, DR Cold Spring, MN San Juan de la Maguana, DR Hayward, CA Santa Monica, CA Fairborn, OH

Hometown Miami, FL Jacksonville, FL Santo Domingo, DR Caracas, Venezuela

Hometown

IFA/2018 3rd/2020 11th/2021 1st/2021 9th/2021 IFA/2018

Catia La Mar, Venezuela Southhaven, MS South Bend, IN Chula Vista, CA Spanish Fort, AL Santiago, DR

25th/2019

Fresno, CA

Acq/Yr 5/21/2000 5/8/2002 9/12/1999 4/27/1999 9/3/2003

Hometown Moron, Venezuela Bonao, DR Washington, DC Bonao, DR Santo Domingo, DR Banica, DR

Hometown

IFA/2019

Santo Domingo, DR

IFA/2018 FA/2021 18th/2021 IFA/2019

Tamboril, DR Winston-Salem, NC Paris, TX La Guaira, Venezuela Development List Jonathan Diaz

Temporarily Inactive List

% - MLB rehab assignment | * - Injured List | ** - Temporarily Inactive List | & Development List

GET TO KNOW WILLY VASQUEZ Hometown – Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic College – None Acquired – Signed by the Tampa Bay Rays as an international free agent in 2019

Willy Vasquez is one of the most exciting players to watch on the 2022 Charleston RiverDogs’ roster. The six-foot middle infielder has a sure-handed glove and an incredible amount of pop in his bat. Signed by the Tampa Bay Rays as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2019, Vasquez quickly jumped onto the scene with the Dominican Summer League Rays 2. With the DSL Rays2, he hit .364 with five RBI and three extra-base hits in 44 at bats. After the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the 2020 minor league baseball season, Vasquez came back in 2021 and hit .288 with two home runs and 31 RBI in 40 games with the FCL Rays. He also swiped 14 bags. After a slow start this season, Vasquez has been seeing the ball much better recently. In the month of May, he posted an eight-game hitting streak. Coming into the homestand, he is hitting .205 with a home run, 23 RBI (third on the team) and has stolen eight bases. A consensus top 10 prospect in the Rays farm system, Vasquez has a bright future in and will be a name to keep an eye on as he rises through the system.

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Hit streaks of at least eight games posted by outfielder Mason Auer this season. He enters this week with an eight-game streak intact.

Stolen bases this year for the RiverDogs entering the week, the most of any Minor League Baseball team. The team is on pace to smash the franchise single-season record of 255 stolen bases.

Triples the RiverDogs have collected already this season, also the most in Minor League Baseball. They enter the week with nine more than the next closest team.