Flying Squirrels rank among top MiLB teams with number of women on staff

RICHMOND, Va. -- The Richmond Flying Squirrels are making history, not just in their transition to the new CarMax Park, but also among the women on staff.

Squirrels officials say more than 20 women are currently employed with the team, ranking them among the top five for most women on staff in all of minor league baseball. Those women say the impact goes beyond statistics.

(Credit: Richmond Flying Squirrels)

"You're hearing a female voice in the stadium all the time. Between Megan, our on-field emcee, and Bianca, the PA, you're surrounded by female voices, and I think that's really impactful for young girls to see," said Sam McCloskey, director of partnership marketing and solutions.

Caroline Phipps-Erwin, director of entertainment and promotions, is the first person to have a baby on the Flying Squirrels staff. She returned from maternity leave less than a month ago. When Phipps-Erwin started with the team 10 years ago, she was one of just four women.

(Credit: Caroline Phipps-Erwin)

(Credit: Caroline Phipps-Erwin)

(Credit: Caroline Phipps-Erwin)

"I never thought that this would be possible when I started working here, I never had anyone to look up to that had done this. I never met anyone in the industry that had started a family that was a woman," Phipps-Erwin said.

A major women-led effort for the Squirrels is the launch of the new Nutasha brand. The pink and grey merchandise and jerseys feature the team's female mascot.

"We are the first minor league baseball team to showcase our female mascot character as an on-field brand," said Megan Angstadt, executive director of community and fan engagement.

The team is set to wear the Nutasha-branded jerseys during Mother's Day weekend.

"I remember when we created the character of Nutasha and our, Ben Rothrock, who's our CEO now, but he was our general manager at the time, and I remember fighting with him about her having pink accessories because I thought it was just a little too stereotypical," said Angstadt, "I'm so happy that I was in the wrong on that because I think it's just really brought out how feminine but strong and serious and sassy and fun of a character she is."

"For us to be able to just take it to the next level at CarMax Park is going to be amazing for the community, for our corporate partners, for our fans, for our staff, for everyone," McCloskey said.