RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – For years, Todd “Parney” Parnell’s iconic pants, persona, and fervour for the Richmond Flying Squirrels have been a fan favourite on the Diamond in Richmond.
“Richmond is a particular place, filled with particular individuals, doing particular issues,” Parney advised NBC12. “I really feel just like the Squirrels have turn out to be the signature factor in my 34-year profession.”
A ardour for the franchise, Parney mentioned, will keep within the ballpark as he transitions from his CEO position to a senior advisor for the crew.
Parney additionally desires to make clear that he’s not leaving and might be working with the Flying Squirrels in a special capability.
“I’m not retiring. I’m nonetheless with the Squirrels,” mentioned Parney. “I’m not stopping, however I’m slowing down and nonetheless have the ability to be with the crew that I really like and the town that I really like.”
Parney has over three many years of expertise with Minor League Baseball and has been with the Squirrels because the crew got here to Richmond in 2010.
“I got here to a time in my profession the place the 16-hour days, the 18-hour days, which for me over 34 years have been simply regular factor, however simply wanted to return to an finish, and wished it to return to an finish,” mentioned Parney.
Parney mentioned his resolution to transition to the senior advisor position opens up extra alternatives to spend time together with his household.
“I used to be on Sandbridge Seaside with my daughters, Lindsay and Sammy, in November and I simply sort of blurted out I believe I must make some modifications,” he advised NBC12. “In my complete grownup life, from the time I used to be 22 years previous when any individual requested me to do one thing at residence, the reply has been, let me verify the house schedule, let me verify the Squirrels schedule, let me verify the crew schedule and I wanted and wished to maneuver previous that time in my life.”
As a senior advisor for the Squirrels, Parney mentioned his focus might be making the brand new ballpark a actuality and serving to his teammates.
“It’s a totally optimistic factor not just for me and my household but additionally only for different individuals personally and professionally,” mentioned Parney. “It’s a extremely nice state of affairs. I’ve by no means felt this a lot peace in my skilled life earlier than.”
Parney additionally mentioned he’ll nonetheless come out to signature features, occasions and video games, together with opening night time.
“I’m going to nonetheless be at video games sometimes like I’ll be at opening day as a result of that’s my favourite day of the yr,” mentioned Parney. “I’m completely satisfied to nonetheless be in any respect of these and might be in any respect these.”
It is a transfer Parney is grateful for as he appears ahead to persevering with his work alongside the Richmond Flying Squirrels.
“It’s a extremely particular alternative to have the ability to make an enormous change like this however nonetheless be concerned within the factor that you just love,” he advised NBC12.
As for who will take over as CEO, Parney mentioned extra info concerning the completely different place strikes might be introduced in “the very close to future.”
“I simply need individuals to actually notice Richmond is a particular place filled with particular individuals doing particular issues,” Parney advised NBC12. “Not solely have I been honored to be part of it, however I’m trying ahead to persevering with to be part of it with the Squirrels.”
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