Riverdogs Open 2022 Season in Championship Style

Second Year Manager Butera Feels Good About Team, Fans, & City

By: Jeff Walker, Entertainment Writer

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, Friday night fireworks, the sun going down over the Ashley River, and the occasional Bill Murray sighting all adds up to another Charleston Riverdogs season. And what makes 2022 even more special are two reasons, home games without pandemic restrictions and the fact the Riverdogs return to ‘the Joe’ as the 2021 Low-A East Champions.

Perhaps more importantly Blake Butera returns in his second year as manager. “I’m just so proud to come back to Charleston in 2022. We have a great group of young talent and an all-star staff of coaches. The front office, the fans, and the city made last year such an incredible experience, and I can’t wait to see what this season will bring.”

Does Butera feel they can repeat. “Absolutely. We have several players back with us and some exciting new talent. Are coaching staff is strong. I like to think I’m optimistic, so I believe we can compete as strong or stronger than we did last season.” He adds, “One thing for certain it feels good to return as the league champions.”

Even with the pandemic over-shadowing games last season Butera felt the excitement that emerges from Joe Riley Stadium. “Charleston fans love their baseball and they love the Riverdogs. I found that out early when I came here. This stadium and this city have a lot of energy.”

Even Butera gets pumped at ‘the Joe’. “There’s a lot of excitement in this place. There is just something about baseball that’s hard to describe. I’m hoping now that we are the defending champs the fans will get even more enthused about the games this season, and it’s nice that there are no restrictions this time around. Let’s focus on having fun and playing baseball.”

Your Charleston Riverdogs return to ‘the Joe’ this weekend as they open their season hosting in-state rivals the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Championship Celebration Weekend presented by Nucor Steel will feature a different giveaway each night as well as fireworks and Kids Opening Day.

Friday fans will receive a 2022 magnet schedule at the gate and have the opportunity to take pictures with the championship trophy. The evening kicks off with parachuters flying in the American flag capped off by fireworks after the game. Saturday the first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a replica championship ring, presented by Nucor Steel. Sundays are always Family Day at the Joe. Children under the age of 12 will receive a special championship card set presented by Nucor Steel. Parking is free on all Sundays.

Tickets for each game are still available! Visit https://www.milb.com/charleston to secure your seats now. Season tickets, Dog-E Coin plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are already available at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS).

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