RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels are set to give away 2,500 Mixed Nut Widget Trucker Hats on Aug. 25, during it's game against the Portland Sea Dogs. First Pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Richmond’s Mixed Nut race has been a staple of Flying Squirrels baseball since the beginning of the franchise. Running their first race in 2010, the team’s inaugural year, the Mixed Nuts have provided memories for Richmond fans for 16 seasons.
In the beginning, there were only three Mixed Nuts. Johnny Cashew, John Wall-Nut and Peanut were the sole competitors for the first four seasons.
(From Left: Peanut, John Wall-Nut, Johnny Cashew and Anthony Oppermann)
While they may not look like the Mixed Nuts fans know and love today, these three Eastern League icons provided an entertaining, and sometimes physical, performance for thousands of fans.
In the early days, the Mixed Nuts had open faces and cargo shorts, and they brought heavy-hitting physicality to the racetrack. Then racing from the visitor’s bullpen (located in left field) to the home bullpen (in right field) at The Diamond, seeing all three Mixed Nuts reach the finish line untouched was almost as rare as seeing Peanut win a race today.
A Richmond tradition unlike any other, Peanut losing the Mixed Nut Race is a constant sight. Outside of a double-digit win season in 2012, Peanut consistently falls behind in all but one race each year, Peanut Day, where the Flying Squirrels celebrate one of Virginia’s biggest industries.
In 2014, two new racers took centerstage at The Diamond. Gregg and Duane Almond joined the collective, honoring the jam-band legends Gregg and Duane Allman.
Those five Mixed Nuts raced around The Diamond for 12 seasons, taking many different forms.
(From Left: Johnny Cashew, The Almond Brothers and John Wall-Nut. Circa 2017)
Now, the Mixed Nuts wardrobe is made by Chicago Mascot Co., the same company who designed the Pop-Tarts Mascot Costumes used in the annual college football bowl game, the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
It took until the 2026 season, the inaugural year at CarMax Park, for there to be newcomers to the Mixed Nut Race. With John Wall-Nut’s retirement, Shelly Clarkson and Pablo Pistachio joined the Mixed Nut Race in 2026.
Baseball fans flock to CarMax Park to take in the iconic Mixed Nut Race, now featuring six competitors.
(From Left: Pablo Pistachio, Johhny Cashew, Duane Almond and Shelly Clarkson)
Johnny Cashew (16th season)
One of only two original nuts still racing. The man in black is the devious one of the bunch, always looking for a leg up. It doesn’t matter who he is running next to, Cashew will do anything he can to make sure he wins.
Johnny Cashew’s favorite Flying Squirrel: Greg Farone
Wins in 2026: 14
Shelly Clarkson (First season)
Richmond’s newest superstar, Shelly has taken the Mixed Nut Race by storm in her first season. Despite speculation, Miss Independent is a hazelnut, matching the color of her eyes. Shelly has said her biggest goal is not to win races, but to be acknowledged by her hero, Kelly Clarkson.
Shelly Clarkson’s favorite Flying Squirrel: Maui Ahuna
Wins in 2026: 15
The Almond Brothers (Gregg & Duane) (12th season)
The dynamic duo. The ramblin’ men are in it together, when one wins, they both win. Despite the brothers having a numbers advantage, they are the most susceptible to Johnny Cashew’s trickery, which is their cross to bear.
The Almond Brothers’ favorite Flying Squirrel(s): Sabin Ceballos and Diego Velasquez
Wins in 2026: 17 (Duane: 9, Gregg:8)
Pablo Pistachio (First season)
By far the most sophisticated mixed nut, Pablo Pistachio exudes elegance. Not always concerned with the shenanigans between three musicians, the old guitarist and a peanut, Pablo has his eyes on the prize. Easily identifiable with his green hue, Pablo is the brightest of the bunch in more ways than one.
Pablo Pistachio’s favorite Flying Squirrel: Dennis Pelfrey
Wins in 2026: 8
Peanut (16th season)
Described by many as “Richmond’s favorite loser,” Peanut can usually be found in the back of the pack. One of the three original mixed nuts, Peanut has been bringing up the rear for 16 seasons. While not every day can be his, Peanut is just happy to be there. He looks forward to celebrating National Peanut Day at CarMax Park on September 13.
Peanut’s favorite Flying Squirrel: All of them
Wins in 2026: 0