As the Richmond Flying Squirrels leave spring training in Scottsdale, Ariz., later this week and fly to Richmond on Sunday to prepare for their new Eastern League baseball season, their roster will include two players who are former first round draft picks, a third flame-throwing closer who consistently throws 100 mph fastballs and a new manager who spent the past three seasons at the helm of the Diablos Rojos in the Mexican League, leading the team to the 2014 league championship.

They will be among the people to watch when the Flying Squirrels open their season at The Diamond 1:05 p.m. Thursday, April 7, against the Hartford Yard Goats.

“There’s always the energy and enthusiasm that being undefeated and in first place at this time of the year generates for the fans,” Todd “Parney” Parnell, the Squirrels COO and vice president, told the Free Press on Tuesday.

“We believe we are putting a first-rate team on the field that the fans will be proud of.”

The Flying Squirrels missed the playoffs by one game last season after finishing with a record of 72-68.

The team will appear together for the first time this season 3 p.m. Monday, April 4, in a free, open-to-the-public Media Day event at The Diamond, 3001 N. Boulevard.

Top players to watch this season include shortstop Christian Arroyo, who was drafted in the first round in 2013 by the Squirrels’ parent organization, the San Francisco Giants, and is considered a top prospect. He hit .304 with 28 doubles in 90 games last year with the Class A San Jose Giants.

Another first round pick, pitcher Tyler Beede, was taken in the first round in 2014. He came to the Flying Squirrels in the second half of last season and notched a disappointing 3-8 record, with a 5.23 earned-run average.

Another player sure to catch the fans’ attention is closer Ray Black, who struck out 51 batters in 25 innings last year in San Jose.

Mexican-born manager Miguel Ojeda comes highly recommended by current San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy, who managed him as a backup catcher with the San Diego Padres.

Fulfilling their mission as a developmental team for San Francisco since coming to Richmond in 2010, the team has produced 34 players that have gone on to play for San Francisco, which has won three of the past six World Series.

The Flying Squirrels are scheduled to play their first road games Monday, April 11, through Wednesday, April 13, at the Reading (Pa.) Phillies. The Squirrels return to Richmond to celebrate Opening Night 6:35 p.m. Thursday, April 14, against the Altoona (Pa.) Curve.

NFL Hall of Famer and former Pittsburgh Steelers star running back Jerome Bettis, aka “The Bus,” will toss out the first pitch at the game. Gov. Terry McAuliffe also will be there to celebrate Opening Night, where the Flying Squirrels plan to reveal the fan-chosen name for their new female mascot that will join fan favorite Nutzy the Squirrel. A fireworks show will follow the game.

Parney said he became friends with Bettis after meeting in 2002 when Parney was the general manager of the Altoona Curve and “The Bus” was a part owner of Altoona while still playing with the Steelers.

“While we were playing golf together the day after New Year’s Day (2016) in Arizona, he (Bettis) asked me when our opening day was scheduled and said he’d like to come and throw out the first pitch,” Parney recalled. “We’re thrilled to have him coming here.”

On Friday, April 15, the team will give away Jackie Robinson shirts to the first 1,000 fans ages 15 and up who attend the 7:05 p.m. game against Altoona. The giveaway is to commemorate Robinson, the trailblazing Hall of Fame second baseman who was the first African-American to play in the major leagues with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.

Even as the Flying Squirrels’ ownership continues to press for a new stadium on the Boulevard, San Francisco showed confidence in the team recently when it signed a four-year deal to remain its parent club.

“This has been a very positive place for the Giants to send their players and we work very hard in the front office to make the fan experience and player experience the best it can be,” Parney said.

“For our players, our goal is to make this the very best stop they will have in minor league baseball,” he said.

This season, fans will be allowed to bring their dogs to all Sunday home games, which will start at 12:05 p.m.

As for new ballpark amenities, Parney said fans should enjoy new digital menu boards on the concourse and a bar deck overlooking the bullpen in right field.

Tickets to Flying Squirrels games are $8 for general admission in advance, $9 the day of the game and $12 for field-level seats.

For ticket information or to learn of more promotional events, call (804) 359-3866 or go online to www.squirrelsbaseball.com.