The Charleston RiverDogs recognized two outstanding members of their staff on Sunday following the team’s regular-season finale, naming Haley Blevins and Cheri Searle-Hamilton as the organization’s 2026 Gameday Employees of the Year. The recognition ispresented by Sysco, as part of the inaugural Behind the Plate program, which recognizes and supports hospitality employees in Charleston.
Blevins was recognized as the RiverDogs’ Employee of the Year for her contributions in In-Game Entertainment and Production, while Searle-Hamilton earned the honor for her work with the Club’s food and beverage operation.
Blevins joined the RiverDogs at the beginning of the 2026 season as a member of the game-day media production staff and quickly established herself as a valuable and versatile member of the team, primarily operating the video board in the press box.
Throughout the season, Blevins consistently arrived early and demonstrated an eagerness to contribute to and innovate the RiverDogs’ in-game presentation. She developed expertise across several technical facets of the press box while continually challenging herself to learn new skills and find additional ways to contribute on a nightly basis.
Her versatility allowed her to work in several different roles throughout the season, making her a dependable presence within the RiverDogs’ production team.
“Haley made an immediate impact on our game-day production team this season,” said RiverDogs Assistant General Manager Lance Fletcher. “She came in with a great attitude, a willingness to learn and a desire to make our in-game presentation better. She quickly took on new responsibilities, learned different aspects of the operation, and became someone we could count on in a variety of roles. Her initiative and consistency made a real difference throughout the season, and she is very deserving of this recognition.”
Prior to joining the RiverDogs, Blevins spent four years at the College of Charleston as a media assistant in the athletic department’s multimedia department. She is currently a junior at the College of Charleston, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies with a concentration in communications.
Searle-Hamilton was honored as the RiverDogs’ Employee of the Year for Food and Beverage, recognizing her exceptional commitment, versatility and positive attitude throughout the 2026 season.
Searle-Hamilton has been a RiverDogs employee for three years after volunteering with the organization for several years prior to joining the staff. She began this season as a member of the alcohol staff before quickly transitioning into a hybrid role, willingly stepping in wherever she was needed, sometimes filling multiple roles during a single game.
Earlier this season, Searle-Hamilton stepped into a supervisor role following the departure of another member of the Food and Beverage leadership team. She embraced the additional responsibility and continued to provide invaluable support to the department through the remainder of the season.
“Cheri has been an invaluable part of our Food and Beverage team this season,” said RiverDogs Vice President of Food and Beverage Josh Shea. “She consistently stepped in wherever she was needed, taking on new roles and responsibilities with a positive attitude and a willingness to help. When our department needed someone to step up into a supervisory role, Cheri answered the call without hesitation. Her impact this season has been immeasurable, and she is incredibly deserving of this recognition.”
The RiverDogs congratulate Blevins and Searle-Hamilton on being named the organization’s 2026 Employees of the Year and thank them for their dedication and contributions throughout the season.
The two were chosen from a list of 10 finalists across the RiverDogs’ gameday staff corps of more than 200 team members. All of the finalists were presented with a plaque and will be recognized at the team’s home playoff game on Thursday.
About the RiverDogs
The Charleston RiverDogs are the Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and three-time Carolina League Champions. The RiverDogs play their home games at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, a Charleston staple since 1997. 2026 single game tickets are on sale now at RiverDogs.com. Beyond baseball, the RiverDogs host year-round events in the climate-controlled Segra Club.
Active members of the Lowcountry community, the RiverDogs were named the winner of the 2025 'MiLB Together Award,' which recognizes a team for outstanding commitment to charitable service in their community.
Team merchandise is always available at the RiverDogs Team Store. Store hours are Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Contact the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS) for more information.