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Today's Muckdogs game is canceled

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Today’s game between the Batavia Muckdogs and Lowell Spinners has been canceled due to wet and unsafe field conditions.

As the two teams do not meet again this season, this game will not be made up at any time during the season. Any person with tickets to today’s game can exchange their tickets for any other regular season game, subject to availability.

Blue Devils getting ready to go after another winning season in 2017

By Howard B. Owens

It's the middle of summer, but it's not too soon to start thinking about high school football -- the players are getting ready.

Batavia Head Coach Brennan Briggs sent in this picture of some of his team who participated yesterday in 7-on-7 drills yesterday as they get ready to defend three straight Section V championships this season.

Also participating in the drills were Elba/Oakfield-Alabama, Gates, Churchville, Alden and Albion.

The 7-on-7s take place every Tuesday.

There are 11 versus 11 drills on Thursday at Cal-Mum.

Former standout Batavia High baseball player signs with Division I school

By Howard B. Owens

Alex Canty, who excelled in baseball at Batavia High School, through his senior season in 2016, announced on Twitter yesterday that he has committed to Southeast Missouri State.

That gives the infielder a shot at playing Division I baseball.

Canty played his 2017 season at Monroe Community College, where he hit .357, with eight home runs, 53 RBIs, 11 stolen bases and 18 walks. His on-base percentage was .418.

'Encompass Genesee' - new social group for developmentally disabled - meets tomorrow evening in Williams Park

By Billie Owens
(This information is from an email we received from group organizer Trina Goodman.)
 
I have had an idea to start a social group for people with developmental disabilities. I'm excited to say we have formed our group! We hope to file not-for-profit status in the near future.
 
Encompass Genesee is a newly formed social club for people with developmental disabilities who are 15 years of age or older, their families and the people who support them.
 
We will be meeting at Williams Park on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the pavilion. Our next meeting is tomorrow, July 12. Williams Park is located at 101 Pearl St. in the City of Batavia.
 
We will have a brief meet-and-greet and then will be playing baseball until 8 p.m. Bring your baseball gear!
 
Anyone who needs support personnel will need to provide it. We want family members to participate actively in this group. That is why we chose the name Encompass, because the group encompasses all who are involved.
 
We hope to do some future activities on Saturdays like barbecues, day trips, park days, sporting events and other fun functions for the whole family.
 
We decided to form this group because the social opportunities available for our loved ones are practically non-existent in Genesee County. Our first meeting was held on June 28th we had six families attend.
 
We are a grassroots club. All families and individuals need to provide support staff if needed during our activities and meetings.
 
We would appreciate any support or ideas people could offer, such as fun activities you might have information on. If anyone needs more information they can call me or e-mail me. 
 
Thanks,
Trina Goodman

Kibbe Park softball league starts playoffs

By Howard B. Owens
The New Batavia Softball League's Wednesday Night Coed Final Regular Season Standings with playoff matchups scheduled for Wednesday July 12th at Kibbe Park...
 
1. TF Browns Blind Squirrels (7-3) will play lowest remaining seed after round 1 at 8pm.
 
2. Wii Not Fit (6-4) will play highest remaining seed after round 1 at 9pm.
 
3. The Gallaghers (6-4) will play T.N.B.S.L Slapnut Magoos at 6pm round 1.
 
4. Andrew Steinbrenner's Allstate (6-4) will play 97 Rock at 7pm round 1.
 
5. 97 Rock (5-5) will play Andrew Steinbrenner's Allstate at 7pm round 1.
 
6. T.N.B.S.L Slapnut Magoos (4-6) will play The Gallaghers at 6pm round 1.
 
7. The Misfits (1-9) Good learning experience. Officially eliminated....
 
 
The New Batavia Softball League's Thursday Night Men's League Final Regular Season Standings and Playoff Matchups for Thursday July 13th at Kibbe Park...
 
Thursday Night Men's League Final Standings and Playoff Schedule plus scenarios. Crazy how tight this league also was. Tie Breakers head to head literally were all by 1 run between the top 5 teams including a tie head to head between Cummings/Lee and TF Browns Master Batters who both defeated each other by 10 runs during the season and had to go to Run Differential to determine who even had that tie breaker had it came down to both of them finishing at 6-4. U.S.P.S narrowly defeated Cummings/Lee and the head to head split between Fava Brothers Lawn Care and TF Browns Beers N Bombs was by 1 run. Game 1 TF Browns Beers N Bombs won by 2 and Game 2, Fava Brothers Lawn Care won by 1. The 3 seed has been a curse in recent history both nights Wednesdays and Thursdays. The reigning champs are praying that continues.
 
1. U.S.P.S (7-3) (Runs For 115, Runs Against 93) Clinched the #1 seed because they won the tie breaker head to head against Cummings/Lee. Will be home team through out playoffs. Earned first dibs on time of 2nd round game and selected 8pm. Will play the lowest remaining seed at 8pm.
 
2. Cummings/Lee (7-3) (Runs For 181, Runs Against 114)  Will play highest remaining seed at 9pm.
 
3. TF Browns Beers N Bombs (6-4) (Runs For 130, Runs Against 101) three way tie which they won the head to head tie breaker against Fava Brothers Lawn Care although they lost the head to head tie to TF Browns Master Batters. Because Fava Brothers Lawn Care owns the tie breaker head to head against TF Browns Master Batters which own the head to head tie breaker on TF Browns Beers N Bombs. Since head to head cannot determine this combination at a three way tie we go to the next tie breaker which is Run Differential. They win this tie breaker with a run differential of +29. (For the newbies to sports and don't understand how tie breakers are designed to work lol) Earned first dibs for time selection round 1 and selected 7pm. Will be home team against TF Browns Commisioners Crew at 7pm first round. If they win will play at 9pm against Cummings/Lee.
 
4. Fava Brothers Lawn Care (6-4) (Runs For 121, Runs Against 116) Read above how they finished 4th. Lost Run Differential to TF Browns Beers N Bombs but won Run Differential to TF Browns Master Batters with a +5 to -15. Will play at 6pm home team vs TF Browns Master Batters. If they win could play at 8pm against U.S.P.S if TF Browns Beers N Bombs wins round 1. Can play at 9pm against Cummings/Lee if TF Browns Beers N Bombs loses to TF Browns Commissioner's Crew.
 
5. TF Browns Master Batters (6-4) (Runs For 107, Runs Against 122) Again read above how they claimed the 5 seed with the three way tie. Lost Run Differential to both TF Browns Beers N Bombs and Fava Brothers Lawn Care with a -15. Will play at 6pm as the away team against Fava Brothers Lawn Care. If they win and TF Browns Beers N Bombs win they will play at 8pm against U.S.P.S. If they win and TF Browns Commissioner's Crew wins, they will play at 9pm against Cummings/Lee.
 
6. TF Browns Commissioner's Crew aka 2 time reigning champions (3-7) (Runs For 120, Runs Against 138) Will play at 7pm as the away team against TF Browns Beers N Bombs since they didn't do themselves any favors the last 2 weeks and neither did the other teams lol. If they win will play at 8pm in a rematch of the title game last season against U.S.P.S
 
7. Balls Deep (0-10) (Runs For 71, Runs Against 157) Eliminated

Results: Lady Irish Summer League, week #2

By Howard B. Owens

Lady Irish Summer Mens League Week #2

 
Fagan Drops 61en route to huge win!!
 
Trigger Happy Old Timers 94
D'S Unit 52
 
Trigger Happy - Justice Fagan 61, Parker - 11
 
DA Unit - Jonathan Wilson Jr - 15, Joe Watts- 15, Roderrick Griffen - 10
 
Hickory 66
J's For Days 53
 
Hickory- Ben Schawnybraten 22, Joe Rebzie 18, Tom McCulley 10
 
J's for Days - Colden George 16, Troy Shelnut 13
 
585 Showtime 48
To much Sauce 40
 
585- Adam Brasky 14, Ballard Maye- 9
 
To much Sauce- Mitch Lewter 9, Richie Ambramskie 9, Austin Cansdale 9
 
Monstars 42
Blue Devils 38
 
Monstars- Jeff Red band 17, Tim Worton 9
 
Blue Devils- Andrew Fisher 8, Steve Stefaniak 
 
Standings:
 
Hickory 2-0
Monstars 2-0
585 Showtime 1-0
To much Sauce 1-1
Trigger Happy Old Timers 1-1
DA UNIT 1-1
Waka Flaka Flames 0-1
J's For Days 0-2
Blue Devils 0-2

Photos: Baseball and fireworks in Batavia on 4th of July

By Howard B. Owens

More than 2,000 fans enjoyed a 3-2 Muckdogs win over the Auburn Doubledays at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia on Tuesday night and then a July 4 fireworks display after the game.

Four Batavia pitchers scattered eight hits over nine innings. Kenny Koplove (1-1), pitching one and a third innings, got the win. Starter Alejandro Mateo went four and two-thirds innings, giving up four hits and a run and getting five strikeouts. Travis Neubeck tossed two innings and picked up his first save of the season. 

Jhonny Santos had two hits. Samuel Castro and Marcos Rivera each had an RBI.

The Muckdogs are now 7-8 on the season and in fourth place, three games back in the Pinckney Division standings, behind the West Virginia Black Bears (10-5).

Committee selects 2017 inductees into Blue Devil's Hall of Fame

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame committee has recently chosen the Class of 2017. They are:

  • Bruce Dedman, 1973
  • Jason Bibler, 1991
  • Ice Devils Hockey Team, 1986-87
  • Nate Hicks, 1998
  • Joe Amico, 1987
  • Brian Herdlein, 1999

On Saturday, Sept. 30th, we will be hosting the Hall of Fame Dinner at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility. A social hour will begin at 5 p.m. with dinner being served at 6 and the ceremony immediately following dinner. Tickets will be available in the Batavia HS Athletic Director's office after Aug. 15th.

Results for first week of games for new men's basketball league

By Howard B. Owens

Submitted by Otis Thomas for the Lady Irish Men's Basketball League:

Game #1

Hickory 57
Tirgger Happy Old Timers 53
 
Hickory was led by Ben Schawenybraten who had 17, Terry George and Tom McCulley each had 10, Otis Thomas rounded out the scoring with 9.
 
Trigger Happy Old Timers was led by Justice Fagan who had 26
 
Game #2
Da Unit 60
J's for Days 54
 
Joe Watts led the way for DA Unit with 25 followed by Mikey Rapone who had 14 and Johnathan Wilson who had 10
 
J's for Days was led by Jared Quin who had 26
 
Game#3
To much Sauce 47
Blue Devils  41
 
To much Sauce was led by Ryan Cansdale who had 14 and Jay Jackson who had 9, Jason Neth rounded out the scoring with 7.
 
Game #4
Monstars 72
Waka Flaka Flames 61
Monstars were led by Jeff Redband who had 27, Malachi Chenault had 9 Jameison Etinene had 9 and Nasheem Harris had 8.
 
Waka Flaka Flames were led by Grant Beyer who had 20.
 
This Sundays games are as followed
Hickory vs J's For Days at 12:00pm
585 Showtime vs To much Sauce at 1:00pm
Da Unit vs Trigger Happy Old Timers at 2:00pm
Blue Devils vs Monstars at 3:00pm 
Waka Flaka Flames are on a Bye
All games are played at Notre Dame.

Five area athletes make first team for All-Greater Rochester

By Howard B. Owens

The All-Greater Rochester spring sports standouts were announced today and five Genesee County athletes made first team in their respective sports:

  • Anthony Ray Jr., Batavia, Track and Field
  • Brandon Burke, Byron-Bergen, Track and Field
  • Kilian Lewis, Pembroke, Track and Field
  • Kiaya Franklin, Batavia, Track and Field
  • Casey Radka, Batavia, Baseball

For more information on the athletes and a list of honorable mentions in each league, visit the Democrat and Chronicle's website.

Muckdogs even up doubleheader against West Virginia

By Steve Ognibene

Batavia Muckdogs played a doubleheader this afternoon and split the wins with West Virginia, losing the first game 6-4 and winning the second game 4-1.

Muckdogs led 3-1 after the fifth inning until the eighth when the Black Bears had two men on base. Then Deon Stafford gave West Virginia a 5-4 lead and capped a three-run inning for the team. They added another run in the ninth to finish the game that was suspended yesterday.

In the second game, during the first inning both teams scored a run and remained tied. Bottom of the ninth bases loaded for Batavia, Marcos Rivera hit a walk-off three-run homer as the Batavia Muckdogs beat the West Virginia Black Bears 4-1.

Muckdogs' record improves to 4-3 and they are in a three-way tie for second place in the Pinckney Division with Mahoney and State College.

Next game is tomorrow night to finish the series with West Virginia, game time is 7:05 at Dwyer Stadium. There is a pre-game chicken wing eating contest sponsored by Batavia’s Original Pizza. Email Travis Sick at tsick@muckdogs.com before 4 p.m.

Photo: Dark clouds over Dwyer

By Howard B. Owens

A reader sent in this picture from this afternoon suggesting the cloud looked pretty ominous with a ball game scheduled. 

The Muckdogs did get the game underway, but it was later suspended and will be resumed on Sunday. 

Muckdogs Dominate In Home Opener

By James Burns

At 5:55 pm the line to get into Dwyer Stadium was out to the street and down the block. The gates to the park opened at 6 pm for the Muckdogs season opener. The fans were excited for the game and festivities to begin. I am sure they were not disappointed. 

The Auburn Doubledays scored first with a single run in the third. The Muckdogs answered that run with 4 of their own in the bottom of the 3rd and were in control for the rest for the game. It was an action packed game with some good hits, a squeeze play and some impressive field work from this young team. The final score was Auburn 2 Batavia 8

John Kennedy Intermediate School 3rd and 4th graders sung the national anthem before the game with the Viet Nam War Veterans Color Guard presenting the Flag.

Western NY Skydiving put on a show by dropping in with the game ball. 

Hawley passes bill authorizing three weeks of big game hunting annually in Genesee County

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is pleased to announce passage of a bill which will authorize Orleans County and Genesee County residents to hunt big game from Nov. 15 till Dec. 7. The bill allows residents to hunt using pistols, shotguns, muzzle-loaded firearms, long bows, crossbows or rifles.

“Hunting is an important part of our history, it is how our forefathers survived and provided for their families,” Hawley said. “As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I am proud to announce that citizens of Orleans and Genesee counties will be able to continue this centuries-old tradition that is such a huge part of our Western New York culture.

"As a proud outdoorsman myself, I will continue to work tirelessly to protect our constitutional rights from special interests attempting to restrict them. The passage of this bill is a step in the right direction toward maintaining our freedom and right to own firearms.”

GC softball programs signs seven student athletes, five are local

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Community College softball program announced several additions to its recruiting class, signing seven local student athletes to letters of intent.

Grace Zandrowicz (Attica), Tatiana Draper (Elba), Mikayla Bush (Perry), Kennedy Lampart (Batavia), Samantha Tatarski (Pembroke), Katie Haefele (Pembroke) and Jaclyn Guzdek (Oakfield) will all join the Cougars beginning in the fall after recently committing to Genesee.

Tatarski earned a place on this spring's All-Genesee Region All-Star team and helped lead the Pembroke High School softball team to the sectional semifinals. She won 11 games on the mound and batted over .400 for the Dragons. Fellow Dragon Haefele will add to Genesee's corner infield, joining the Cougars as a third baseman after a season that garnered her All-GR Honorable Mention.

Guzdek, Draper and Zandrowicz were also named All-GR Honorable mention and will bolster the GCC offense and defense. Guzdek, also committed to the Genesee CC women's soccer program, played shortstop for Oakfield-Alabama High School on the diamond and goalkeeper on the pitch. Draper joins the Cougars outfield after playing right field for Elba's sectional championship team this spring and Zandrowicz, who was a member of the Attica High School volleyball team, played third base for the Blue Devils.

Bush was selected an All-Livingston County Athletic Association (LCAA) Division III All-Star as a catcher for Perry High School and also participated in the Exceptional Senior girls soccer game. Fellow catcher Kennedy Lampart will join GCC after helping the Batavia High School softball team to the sectional finals and 12 wins this spring.

Genesee graduates five sophomores from a team that advanced to the Region III-A Finals series this spring. The Cougars won 19 games and set the school record for most home runs (23) in a season and tied the mark for most doubles (66).

Genesee Community College athletics program endeavors to provide a quality and competitive intercollegiate athletics program consistent with the National Junior Collegiate Athletics Association (NJCAA) philosophy and the overall educational mission of Genesee Community College. Participation in collegiate athletics should be an extension of the total educational experience for the student athlete. The inherent philosophy emphasizes the athletic setting as a classroom used to teach character, commitment, work ethic, respect for differences, and the importance of sacrifice, teamwork, and cooperation.

For further information and pictures go to Genesee's Athletic webpage, which is updated regularly with game results, team rosters, photographs and information about Genesee's overall athletic program.  http://www.geneseeathletics.com.

Skydivers will deliver and throw out the first pitch for the Muckdogs on opening day

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs announced today that skydivers from Western New York Skydiving will deliver and throw the Ceremonial First Pitch on Opening Day, Monday, June 19th.

Prior to throwing out the first pitch, an elite group from Western New York Skydiving will perform an aerial show, including banners and smoke, before landing in centerfield. The jump and demonstration are weather dependent and Western New York Skydiving reserves the right to cancel the event if they feel conditions are unsafe for both the jumpers and spectators.

The game between the Muckdogs and Auburn Doubledays will begin at 7:05 p.m. with the gates opening at 6 p.m. Opening Day tickets, as well as all season tickets and ticket packages, are all on sale now at the Dwyer Stadium box office, on Muckdogs.com or by calling 585-343-5454.

Photos: Special Olympics Torch Run

By Howard B. Owens

More than a dozen members of local law enforcement carried the Special Olympics torch on a run from Elba to Batavia this morning, starting at the Arc of Genesee Orleans center in Elba to the facility on Walnut Street, with a stop at the Arc Community Center on Woodrow Road.

Pembroke discus thrower picks up medals at state championships

By Howard B. Owens

Pembroke senior Kilian Lewis, captain of the track and field team, earned third place in the Class D2 state championship this past Friday with a discus throw of 159' 8". The finish earned him a spot in the Federation Games on Saturday, and he earned third, among all schools, large and small, with a throw of 161'.

Lewis, who holds the school record with a throw of 164' 6.5", will compete for St. John Fisher College next year.

Photos and info submitted by Aaron Burch.

The inaugural Summer Kickoff Classic Horse Show starts Sunday at the GC Fairgrounds

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
Terrific prizes, top-notch judges, excellent footing and a wide array of classes await exhibitors at the horse shows being held at the Genesee County Fairgrounds in Batavia this summer. It is located at 5056 E. Main Street Road (Route 5).
 
A series of three shows will be held on June 18th, July 1-2. The series will culminate with the awarding of four Grand Champion belt buckles and a very special Super Horse Award.
 
Start time is 9 a.m. Office opens at 8 a.m.
 
Organizers have a great show planned for exhibitors at an affordable price.
 
Ranch Riding will be offered in addition to a full selection of English and Western classes.  Sweepstakes classes, with 100-percent payback, will be offered as well. Full divisions are being offered for both English and Western exhibitors, with both youth and open divisions. In addition, there are separate divisions for both youth and open walk jog/trot exhibitors. Sweepstakes classes will be held for Showmanship, Hunter Under Saddle, Trail, and Pleasure.
 
The Genesee County Fairgrounds, conveniently located on Route 5, in Batavia, is a little-known location with big opportunities for the horse community. It is easy to access and has lots of nearby restaurants, hotels, and shopping (including horse supplies right next door).
 
Ample and convenient parking, camper hookups, box stalls, and a spacious, well-maintained outdoor arena await exhibitors. The Genesee County Agricultural Society just completed the building of a new horse barn that is 66 x 135 and will house 48 brand NEW  stalls and a second arena to accommodate the increasing amount of horse events that will be held at the fairgrounds.  
 
Highlights of the show:
 
Event:  Summer Kickoff Classic Horse Show
 
Classes:  Sweepstakes, English, Western, Ranch Riding
 
Prizes:  Eight championships at each show, four Grand Champion belt buckles, Super Horse Award
 
Dates:  June 18, July 1, July 2
 
Judges:  Bill Skellet, Melissa Shetler, Jeff Steer
 
 
On the Web:  www.gcfair.com

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