Greenville Honors Craig Brown with Order of the Palmetto

News Summary

On April 4, 2025, Craig Brown, the visionary behind the Greenville Drive and Fluor Field, received the prestigious Order of the Palmetto award. This honor, awarded for exceptional contributions to the community, reflects Brown’s dedication to enhancing Greenville through minor league baseball and community initiatives. His substantial impact includes financial generosity and volunteer efforts across various sectors, positioning him as a pivotal figure in the city’s revitalization and community spirit.

Greenville Celebrates Craig Brown’s Exceptional Contributions with Prestigious Award

In a heartwarming ceremony that took place on April 4, 2025, the vibrant city of Greenville witnessed a momentous occasion as Craig Brown, owner and chairman of the beloved Greenville Drive and the iconic Fluor Field, was awarded the esteemed Order of the Palmetto. This honor represents South Carolina’s highest civilian accolade, established back in 1971 by Governor John C. West, aimed at recognizing those who have made lifetime commitments to excellence, service, and significant contributions both on state and national levels.

A Nomination that Speaks Volumes

The honor came following a heartfelt nomination by State Representative Bruce Bannister, who took the time to shine a light on Brown’s remarkable leadership and unwavering dedication to the Greenville community. Brown’s journey began in 2005 when he made a pledge to bring a minor league baseball team to the city and followed through by financing the construction of Fluor Field himself, turning what could have been just a dream into a reality. Despite other cities offering funding for a stadium, Brown’s vision for Greenville never wavered.

Fluor Field: A Community Treasure

Fluor Field, affectionately dubbed “Greenville’s front porch,” quickly earned a reputation of excellence—having been named “Ballpark of the Year” in its inaugural season. Since its opening, the stadium has evolved into a vibrant hub for community gatherings, hosting everything from local festivals and educational programs to essential fundraisers. The drive and determination that Brown showcased in revitalizing the West End of downtown Greenville prior to the stadium’s completion have continued to discharge positive energy throughout the community.

Making Economic Waves

Brown’s contributions don’t stop there; his influence is felt across multiple sectors in Greenville. He played a pivotal role on the Board of Directors for the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and co-chaired the ACCELERATE! Greenville initiative, which aimed to boost the Upstate’s per capita income. His commitment to public health was also evident through his involvement with the Strategic Coordinating Organization Board at Greenville Health System (now known as Prisma Health), where he pushed for initiatives such as the Medical Experience Academy.

A Legacy of Generosity

Over the past two decades, Brown has generously donated resources to numerous organizations in the Upstate, including the United Way of Greenville and the stunning Unity Park. Not content to confine his impact to financial contributions, Brown is also a dedicated volunteer, actively participating on several boards, including the Upstate Warrior Solution and Furman University’s Advisory Board.

Community Recognition and Presence

Mayor Knox White acknowledged the significant partnership that Brown has forged with the community throughout his impressive 29-year tenure. Fluor Field has welcomed over 500,000 fans annually since 2006 for Drive games and various community events—a testament to Brown’s vision and the goodwill he has cultivated over the years.

A Celebrated Impact

In recognition of their efforts, the Drive itself received the prestigious John H. Johnson President’s Award in 2017, a nod to the team’s operational excellence and their real impact in the community. Additionally, accolades like the Freitas Award from “Baseball America” further affirmed the Drive’s status as the nation’s top Single-A Minor League Baseball franchise in both 2012 and 2020.

A Humble Honoree

As the state celebrated the opening of the Drive’s 20th season, Governor Henry McMaster proudly presented the Order of the Palmetto to Craig Brown. Brown’s response was one of heartfelt gratitude, humbly acknowledging the significant influence South Carolina has had on his life and viewing his community work as a way to reciprocate those blessings.

In sum, the award conferred upon Craig Brown not only recognizes his remarkable contributions but also underscores how one person’s vision can catalyze a community, turning dreams into celebrated realities. Greenville is indeed lucky to have such a dedicated and compassionate leader in their midst.

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Additional Resources

• Greenville Business Magazine
• Greenville Journal
• WYFF4 News
• Greenville Online
• Upstate Business Journal
• Wikipedia: Craig Brown
• Google Search: Greenville Drive
• Google Scholar: Greenville Drive
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Order of the Palmetto
• Google News: Greenville Drive news