In the world of the Charleston Riverdogs, fun is good.
Thats the mantra of the South Atlantic League teams president and co-owner Mike Veeck and his director of fun, Bill Murray.
So with the arrival of former Arizona Wildcat outfielder Robert Refsnyder he of the infamous anti-South Carolina tweet its no surprise to hear there already have been discussions on how to deal with the potential hoopla.
The College World Series MVP signed with the New York Yankees this week for a $205,000 signing bonus after being selected in the fifth round of last months draft. He was scheduled to make his debut Tuesday night.
Well, when we heard last week that he might be coming here, we had a short promotion meeting about it, said David Echols, the teams executive vice president and general manager.
Refsnyder ruffled the feathers of Gamecock fans last month with a series of Twitter statements following Arizonas victory against USC in the CWS.
Born in South Korea and adopted by a California couple when he was 3 months old, Refsnyder said he could hear fans in Omaha making racial slurs and going so far as to issue death threats against his parents. That led him to tweet, I will never live in South Carolina because they cant accept Asians playing baseball.
Refsnyder, who is affable and easy-going by nature, was surprised by the subsequent response of USC fans and quickly deleted the comment and offered an apology.
Poor judgment on my part, Refsnyder said in a later tweet. I apologize, nothing but respect for South Carolina and Ray Tanner.
Echols said he and his Riverdogs staff will take some time to get to know Refsnyder. If hes up to it, the team might have a little good-natured fun.
Well get a sense for how things are developing, Echols said with a laugh. Well probably chew on it and see if something comes out of it, but for now, nothings on the table.


Blythewood teen making a name for himself in long-drive competitions

