FREITAS AWARD: CLASS A COLUMBIA FIREFLIES

The Columbia Fireflies light the way for a community redevelopment project that benefits an entire city

- MIKE ASHMORE

The list of things to be proud of in looking back at the 2024 season was a lengthy one for Columbia Fireflies president Brad Shank.

Sure, there was success on the field with a franchise-best .519 winning percentage and record-tying 68 wins in the Low-A Carolina League as an affiliate of the Royals.

And yes, there’s plenty of tangible evidence of off-field success as well, whether that’s drawing 217,809 fans to beautiful Segra Park last year, exceptional turnouts for non-baseball events or even a record-setting turnout for the early-March Clemson-South Carolina college game that helps make up the Palmetto Series.

But what stands out the most for Shank was working hard to create a culture where his staff genuinely wants to go to work every day and can express their creativity.

That in turn creates a positive atmosphere at the ballpark for a dedicated fanbase, as well as a willingness to integrate the franchise into a community that continues to embrace it helped earn the Fireflies this year’s Class A Freitas Award.