With every Opening Day it marks the start of a new beginning. This season is no different for the Greenville Drive, especially for Zach Sprunger who is officials enters into his first full season as emcee. Recently we were lucky enough hang out with Zach at Fluor Field, chat about his past, the new gig and more. So let’s go ahead meet the voice behind the mic, Zach Sprunger.
360: How did the opportunity of being the official emcee of the Greenville Drive become a reality?
Zach: It actually started a while back with a story that could begin for me in 8th grade. Jeremiah Dew, aka Jdew, was my late stay leader and became a mentor in my life. After hours of teather-ball we became friends and he became someone I looked up to. I started working for the Drive as a clubhouse assistant the first two seasons they were in Greenville. From there I was able to be our loveable and timeless mascot Reedy Ripit for about 4 seasons. Getting to work closely with Jdew helped me shape my ideas about entertainment and crowd prompts. 2016 Jdew was on his farewell tour and I stepped into a majority of the games. I’ve been on the mic for about 5 years now with different teams and working with the Drive was something I wanted to do for a while. The mic was passed to me last summer and it’s been a blast getting to entertain Greenville at three major sporting venues in the upstate.
360: What are you looking forward to the most this season?
Zach: I’m most excited to meet everyone! All the fans that come through Fluor Field are part of the Greenville family. Our theme for this season is “It’s Better Than Home” and that is something I definitely resonate with. Everyone at the ballpark helps make my job easier. I love getting to get to know them, take crazy pictures, fall from the dizzy bat race, and make unforgettable memories every night.
360: What is your favorite part of being an emcee?
Zach: My favorite part of being an emcee is tough to narrow down to just one thing. I would have to say it’s the ability to help people have an unforgettable time while they are at an event I am hosting. If it’s a baseball game I want to help enhance what is happening on the field to make it come to life for them and the kids to go home and have great family memories. Being on the field, ice, or court and looking up to see everyone smiling and laughing is something that you can’t put a price tag on.
360: Do you have any pregame rituals to get you ready for games?
Zach: I don’t have any crazy pre-game rituals like putting my left sock on first but one thing I like to do is grab some coffee and walk the concourse where the fans are. It’s nice to be able to have time to talk to people before the craziness of the game kicks in. I love being able to enjoy the game and the stadium I’m at.
Pregame continued…
If I’m on the road at a stadium for a guest appearance, it’s so nice to get to see how they operate and what things they do to engage fans. I was at a game in Biloxi, MS for the Shuckers and it was such a cool experience to see all the different things they do! Different teams have different markets and it helps get a feel for what I need to on the field to play to them.
360: Once the game is over and it’s postgame… where do you go?
Zach: Great question! Greenville is loaded with so many great places to go! I’m a huge fan of POUR. I love tacos and they just have an awesome vibe! I think there are some great spots right by the stadium too like MACS Speedshop. Those wings are amazing and I’m a sucker for some good wings. If I’m feeling like saving some money I’m all about Cookout. Let’s be honest, nothing really beats a baseball game and then having downtown nightlife right down the sidewalk.
Favorite Greenville Drive experience. Go!
Zach: Last season we did a promotion with Chic Fil A of Pelham road called the Milk Shake – Shake. It was a dance off on the field and we had a guy absolutely bring the house down. He was an older gentleman that busted out some crazy dance moves. It was so much fun that even the Drive players got into it and were cheering him on! I was laughing on the microphone trying to get the words out and the fans erupted with a standing ovation for him! I can’t remember his name but I will never forget that moment!
360: Thanks Zach. Good luck this season! We’ll see you at Fluor Field again real soon.
You can follow Zach’s daily emcee adventures on Instagram. To purchase tickets for tonight’s Opening Day or an upcoming Greenville Drive game simply click here. Play Ball!
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