Kristina Shea

If you haven’t been to GoMart Ballpark in Charleston, you’re missing out on something special. Not only is it the home stadium of our 2024 Southern Division Champion Dirty Birds, but during the holiday season, it is the jolliest place in West Virginia. 

In August, an amazing addition was made to the ballpark – one which makes the excitement of live baseball and the holiday joy of the Light the Night spectacular more accessible to families whose members may need a calm place to take a break from all the noise and activity. And thus, our very own Charleston Dirty Birds have proudly joined nine other minor league teams to offer ballpark visitors the invaluable usage of a “Sensory Shed.”

Kristina Shea, designer of the Sensory Shed and wife of Dirty Bird’s owner Andy Shea, oversaw the project from start to finish. Two of the Shea’s children battle sensory issues, and it was those personal experiences which led to the family’s decision to install such a necessary resource at the ballpark. 

“It’s been a part of our life since we became parents, and it’s been a struggle,” Kristina said in August, moments after the ribbon was cut on the shed. “We know how hard it can be, and we don’t want that struggle to stop families from wanting to come out.”

For her efforts to make GoMart Ballpark, and the City of Charleston, a more inclusive and family-friendly place to visit, we are pleased to name Kristina Shea as the Certified Real West Virginian of the Week.

Have someone you’d like to nominate? Email us at news@therealwv.com.