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Outlaws Ransome up in time in Batavia Feature

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- The pocket rocket, Outlaws Ransome, was up in time to win the featured $8,000 Open Handicap, Saturday night (Sept-19) at Batavia Downs Casino.

Recently claimed for $10,000 by Richey Edward Myers of Phoenix Arizona, Outlaws Ransome continues to pay back high dividends as he’s moved all the way up to the handicap ranks. Tom Agosti was in the sulky for trainer Alex Giuliani.

Getting away second behind the front running Robin of Locksley (Ron Beback Jr.), Outlaws Ransome simply bided his time in the 2-hole until the field of six turned for home. Down the lane Agosti guided Outlaws Ransome to the passing lane and they were able to reel in “Robin” by a head in 1:55.3. Arson Ant (Troy Boring) who finished fourth was placed third.

Outlaws Ransome ($9.70) notched his 8th win of the season and raised his 2009 earnings to over $33,000.

Batavia Downs Casino is currently racing Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday nights, post time is 7:05 p.m. In addition to live harness racing Batavia Downs Casino offers simulcast wagering from some of North America’s top tracks. The casino floor featuring over 600 slot machines is open 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.

Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Photo courtesy Paul White

Downs driver hurt during Friday training notches four wins that night

By Howard B. Owens

Tom Agosti had quite a Friday.

The Batavia Downs driver was thrown and dragged after the horse he was training broke his bit.

Agosti was taken to Erie County Medical Center for examination.

He returned to the Downs in time for the evening races.

And he he drove home FOUR winners that night.

Agosti suffered some minor scrapes and some back discomfort, but is fine according to Todd Haight, Downs spokesman.

The horse, according to Haight, is fine, too.

Alexander dominates Oakfield to notch win

By Howard B. Owens

Alexander continues to impress early in the 2009 football season.  Today, the team pushed its record to 2-1 with a dominating 42-17 when over Oakfield-Alabama.

It didn't take long for Alexander to get on the board today. On the third play of the game, Jay Schafer swept left while the Oakfield defense rushed right, giving Schafer open space all the way to the end zone.

The Hornets never closed the deficit.

On its first series, Oakfield was forced to punt, but it was blocked by Alexander's Troy Shelunt.

A few plays later, Lucas Czechowski scored on a pass and Shelunt crossed the goal line on a two-point conversion.

On the first play from scrimage in the second quarter, Alexander pushed the score to 21-0 with a pass to Stephen George.

During the second quarter, Oakfield got on the board with a field goal.

After the score, Oakfield attempted an on-side kick, but Alexander recovered on its own 40-yard line. Schafer carried it into the end zone on the next play.

When Oakfield got the ball back, Matt Smith fumbled, allowing the Trojans to mount another scoring drive.

On the subsequent kickoff, Oakfield's Matt Smith returned the kick for a TD, making the score 36-10.

On the next series, Oakfield forced Alexander to punt, but Brandon Topocrczky stripped the ball from the Oakfield returner and Alexander recovered the ball.

In the fourth quarter, Oakfield managed another TD on a rush by Matt Osmancickli, putting the score at 36-17.

Oakfield started to move the ball on the next series, but a fumble gave Alexander the ball back on its own 2-yard line. Alexander drove back down the field until Schafer scored again, making the score 42-17.

After the game, Schafer said, "It felt good to win because we haven't beaten them in a long time. We'll be taking it to Holley next week because they run the same type offense."

Oakfield's coach, Brian Palone told his team after the game "Don't get down.  Stay positive. We need to get better - and we will."

Alexander's coach said his team will work on "finishing the game."  He said they played well in the first three quarters.

Victor rolls past Batavia, 40-0

By Howard B. Owens

It was a tough night for the Batavia Blue Devils in Victor.

A Victor team that executed well on both sides of the ball held Batavia scoreless through four quarters while running up a 40-0 tally.

Batavia could never really get anything going on offense, while the Victor team (also nicknamed the Blue Devils) were able to both run and catch through most of the night.

Victor also benefited from four turnovers.

Coach Dan Geiger said after the game it was a tough, tough loss for his team, but that they will be ready to get right back to work preparing for the next game. He said as always, Batavia has tough schedule, but that's no excuse. Each game, he said, the Blue Devils are ready to snap on their chin straps and fight to win.

The Victor team (now 3-0) scored on its first possession on a 30-yard pass from Richie Chute to Matt Koval.

On the next position, after an interception, Josh Maves scored on a one-yard run.

Batavia was down 14-0 as the first quarter ended. Victor added 13 more points in the second quarter on a Sean Hackel 3-yard run and on a blocked punt, which Ray Ali recovered in the end zone.

On its first position of the third quarter -- following another Batavia turnover -- Chute hit Connor Kimball on a 38-yard TD strike. Victor's final score came in the fourth quarter when Tommy Wagner punch over a 1-yard TD run.

Batavia drops to 0-3.

(At about 2:30 minutes into the video, Victor is credited with a touchdown. I've watched several times, and I don't see how the RB got within a half yard of the goal line. See what you think.)

Alexander Hands Pembroke 1st Loss

By Chad Flint

After suffering their first loss of the season on Tuesday at home Alexander tightened the GR Division 1 race back up handing Pembroke their first loss of the season with a 2-0 win in Pembroke on Thursday.  Holley picked up a win over Attica meaning that both Holley and Alexander have 3-1 records and Pembroke is 2-1-1 (Pembroke beat Holley and tied Bergen earlier in the season).  Both Pembroke and Holley have beaten Kendall (who sits at 2-2) and Alexander will play Kendall next week.

Alexander came out quick in the 1st half and got on the board early as Junior Keeper Hannah Wilson hit a booming punt that landed past midfield, bounced over the head of the sweeper, and streaking Sophomore Midfielder Julia Pettys ran onto it, took a couple dribbles and beat the Pembroke keeper low into the left side of the net for the 1-0 lead.  Alexander nearly made it 2-0 when Senior Forward Anna Dominick hit an excellent shot that was stopped by a diving save.  Junior Midfielder Tessa Bigelow hit the cross bar on a shot just before halftime again nearly doubling the lead.

Alexander continued to attack in the 2nd half and again nearly found the net to make it 2-0 as Junior Forward Morgan Mattice found Dominick in front of the net but her first time shot was stopped by the keeper again.  Alexander had another cross that Dominick nearly got on the end of but the keeper punched it away.  Finally with 11 minutes left in the game Dominick found Mattice on a cross at the top of the 18 and Mattice finished with her first touch chipping the keeper who was out challenging the play.

Alexander's defense was strong and organized throughout the game with Senior Leah Johnson, Senior Jamie Neth, Freshman Gabby Kwiatek, and Junior Amber Finan doing most of the marking and Junior Sweeper Savannah VanSon keeping things organized in the back.  Junior Goal Keeper Hannah Wilson made 7 saves in picking up her 3rd shutout of the season.  Freshman Midfielder Abby Shilvock had a great game on the outside marking one of Pembroke's quickest and most dangerous attackers.

Alexander is off until next Wednesday when they are home against Notre Dame.

Elba-Byron Bergen Lancers Modified Football Season Starts

By Valerie Patrick

September 15, 2009:  Today at 4:15 P.M., the Elba-Byron Bergen Lancers
Modified Football Team began their season with an exciting scrimmage against Barker.

The team is made up of seventh and eighth graders from Elba and Byron-Bergen schools.  These kids have been working hard every day,  except
Sundays, practicing for hours and it looks like they are banding together as "A Force To Be Reckoned With."

The first touchdown of the year was made by #5, Chad Bobzin, a seventh grader from Byron-Bergen.  He plowed his way through a wall of gray jerseys to bring in the first score of the season.

Good Luck to our local boys and make sure you catch a game this year.

Alexander Falls to Holley

By Chad Flint

Alexander suffered their first loss of the season Tuesday at home 2-1 to Holley.  Alexander held a large advantage in shots (12 to 6) but the only thing the matters is the final score line and that was in favor of Holley.

Alexander got off to a quick start putting a large amount of pressure on the Holley net but was unable to get one in the back of the net.  Around the 10 minute mark Holley got their first good push down the field and Alexander Goalkeeper made an excellent diving save on the first shot that was hit, but a crashing Holley midfielder cleaned up the rebound and it was put in the net for a 1-0 Holley lead.

Alexander nearly tied it 5 minutes later as midfielder Autumn Atkinson hit a great direct kick from 19 yards but Holley keeper Julie Brooks made a great diving stop and the rebound was knocked away by Holley to keep it at 1-0.  Alexander looked strong possessing the ball throughout the remainder of the first half but couldn't put the final pass together or get the finish around the front of the net that they needed.

The 2nd half started in a similar fashion to the 1st half for Alexander as they immediately went down the field and put pressure on Holley.  However 3 minutes into the half Holley came down the field and had a quick give and go in the middle of the field that resulted in Holley's midfielder Emily Troup putting a ball in the net for the 2-0 lead.

Alexander continued to control the ball but still struggled to complete the final dangerous pass or get a shot on frame (several were sent over and wide) to get back in the game.  With 20 minutes left Forward Morgan Mattice found Forward Anna Dominick who beat 2 defenders and stuck the ball in the net to make it 2-1.  Alexander continued to push forward but the bad play in the final 3rd continued and they fell by a 2-1 score.

With the loss Alexander drops from 1st to 3rd in the GR standings.  Pembroke beat Kendall 1-0 and jumped to 1st while Holley moves into 2nd.  Alexander faces Pembroke on Thursday in Pembroke.

Notre Dame wins over Keshequa

By Eric Geitner

The Notre Dame Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams opened the regular season up on winning notes in beating Keshequa in a meet held at Avon High School.  Kevin Pawlak was the race winner in 17:39.  The Irish took the next four spots with Nate Flumerfeldt (18:23), Andrew Fischer (18:50), Nick Flumerfledt (19:38), and Luke Calla (19:57).  Jason Harasimowicz (20:37) and Matt Sausner (21:27) finished 9th and 10th respectively.  Conlan Edwards and Woody Clark (24:19) finished neck and neck with Conlan out-leaning Woody to take 12th and 13th in the race.  The final score was ND 15 and Keshequa 44.  The score of Cross Country is based on places so that the team with the low score wins.

The girl's had an easy day as the Keshequa girl's had an incomplete team.  The top four Irish ladies all finished within 15 seconds of each other.  Rachel Berggren was second in the race with a 24:30, with Bailee Welker in third (24:32), Meghan Zickl fourth (24.35) and Kristen Antolos fifth (24:45).  Teresa Jackson (30.19) placed 6th, Jenny Calarco (31:13) was 7th and Sydney Moag (41.28) placed 8th.

The Irish will be off this weekend and back in action on next Tuesday in Livonia.

Arm and a Leg does it again at Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- It was a special night in Western New York as the Downs honored former leading driver Gaston Guindon, and a special horse, Arm and a Leg won the featured $8,000 Open Handicap.

With 2009 leading reinsman Kevin Cummings in the bike, Arm and a Leg notched his fourth Open win of the 2009 Summer-Fall meet in 1:55.3, for owners Mark Jakubik and John Cummings Sr.

Arm and a Leg ($3.70) fired out of the gate from his assigned outside post and put up all the numbers, including a :30.2 second quarter breather, enroute to a neck victory over a  fast closing Triple Bars with Jimmy Whisman, Sparky and Tom Agosti wound up third.

The victory was the 11th of the season for Arm and a Leg who raised his seasonal earnings to almost $70,000. The 6 year-old altered son of Nobleland Sam is trained by John Cummings Sr. 

I had a great evening “The Gasser,” Gaston Guindon said, “I can’t believe how many of my friends came out to see me.” The French-Canadian raced in Western New York for 29 years. “The memories I have of this track are incredible, I want to thank all the people I drove for especially Dennis Cummings, I think we won about 700 races together.”

America’s oldest lighted harness track is currently racing every Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday nights, post time is 7:05p.m.

Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino 

Photo of Arm and a Leg with driver Kevin Cummings holding off Triple Bars to win Downs feature. Courtesy of Paul White

ND Harriers open up in Plattsburgh Invite

By Eric Geitner

The Notre Dame Cross Country Team opened up in great fashion over the weekend at the Pre-State Invitational held at SUNY Plattsburgh.  The girls finished in a tie for 7th place, but lost the tie breaker to North Warren.  Rachel Berggren finished in 33rd place on a great kick to the finish.  Meghan Zickl set the pace for the Irish early on to hold on to a 36th place finish with 8th grader Bailee Welker just ahead in 34th.  Kristen Antolos was just behind to finish 45th and Teresa Jackson rounded out the Irish top five in taking 66th.

The boy’s team also ended up in a tie for 8th place and won on the tie-breaker over Lake George.  Kevin Pawlak led the Irish with a 20th place finish with Nate Flumerfeldt close behind in 23rd place.  Andrew Fischer fought hard to finish 42nd, Nick Flumerfeldt held on to finish 56th and Luke Calla 59th.  Jason Harasimowicz was the deciding factor in the meet for the Irish and won the tie breaker over the sixth runner of Lake George.  Matt Sausner rounded out the top seven with a 77th place finish.  In the JV race, Woody Clark was 46th and Conlan Edwards 50th. 

The Irish Cross Country Team opens open its regular season tomorrow in Avon against Keshequa.

Razor Sharp Fessup Fred Win Batavia Feature

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- Lee Deyermand’s  Fessup Fred, a razor-sharp 7-year-old altered son of Super Freddie, made it three in a row winning Friday's (Sept. 11) featured $8,000 Open II Handicap Trot at Batavia Downs Casino.

With the summer-fall meet’s dash-leading driver Kevin Cummings in the sulky, Fessup Fred left enough from his rail post-position to string out A Work In Progress (Robert Verney) and a three-wide Jack Sparrow (Jim McNeight) as the field of seven clicked the first quarter beam in 28.2.

Moving up around the clubhouse turn on the payoff half and heading to three-quarters, Fessup Fred assumed command and trotted strongly to the wire for a 1-1/4 length score in 1:58.4.

Craiger with Jimmy Whisman closed from far back to be second while A Work In Progress finished third.
 
D J Millner is the conditioner of Fessup Fred ($5.20), who won for the sixth time season and raised his lifetime earnings to over $118,000.
Kevin Cummings was the driving star of the evening guiding home five winners. He also won with Shrewsbury Falcon, Midnight Jogger, Clay Hill King Pin and Educator. Jack Flanigen had three winners on the program while Ray Fisher had a double.
Racing resumes on Saturday night, post time is 7:05 p.m. The Downs will honor Gaston Guindon with a special night, he will be in track lobby from 6 until 7 p.m. to meet and greet his many friends and race fans. “The Gasser” was one of the leading drivers at the Genesee Country oval from 1969 until the early 90’s.

Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Alexander tops struggling Pembroke 21-0

By Howard B. Owens

Alexander put the ball into the end zone three times in the first half to spark a 21-0 win over Pembroke.

For the second-straight week, Pembroke struggled to move the ball. The offense managed only two first downs in the second half.

The first Trojan's first score came on an 80-yard run by Jay Schafer. 

On the next drive, Schafer again carried the load, capping the effort with a 19-yard run.

Ryan Piechocki scored the third and final touchdown of the game midway through the second quarter, crossing the goal line with a three-yard run.

Pembroke, along with Oakfield-Alabama, has dominated the Genesee Region League in recent years, but has opened this season with a 0-2 record. O-A is now 1-1 after losing to Holley today, 16-7.

Both Alexander is now 1-1.

Holley starts a season at 2-0 for the first time.


 

Fighting Irish defense shuts down Attica for second shut out to start season

By Howard B. Owens

Five Attica turnovers helped Notre Dame nail down a 14-0 victory Friday evening.

The Fighting Irish defense has put together eight straight quarters of shut out ball and running back Mike Pratt, with the help of a dominating offensive line, put together a second straight solid game.

Pratt carried the ball 24 times for 135 yards and scored two touchdowns.

The defense picked off three passes, in addition to two fumble recoveries.

Playing defense, Pratt recovered a fumble and made a key interception in the third quarter to stop an Attica drive.  After the interception, Pratt's 32-yard run followed by a five-yard burst put Notre Dame up 14-0.

Attica was shut down again late in the fourth quarter when Cam McDonald snatched a pass from the air, denying Attica one last chance to score.

Quarterback Nick Bochicchio put together another fine game, passing for 60 yards on nine attempts with only two incompletions.  Gianni Zambito led the Fighting Irish receivers with three catches for 51 yards.

GCC acknowledges recruiting violation by volleyball coach

By Howard B. Owens

GCC officials today acknowledged that popular volleyball coach Roger Majeski violated recruiting rules, but asserted that GCC officials brought the violation to the attention of the athletic governing board.

The National Junior Athletic Association suspended Majeski, as first reported in The Batavian, for a recruiting violation. The team was also forced to forfeit five games, and the freshman player is ineligible for the remainder of the season.

School officials today issued a press release that said the school was fully cooperative with the NJCAA and agreed the organization's response was appropriate.

Majeski reportedly personally paid for a visit to Batavia by a recruit from California, and in such circumstances, the player must return home within 48 hours. In this case, the player did not return home within the stipulated time.

Full press release after the jump:

Batavia, NY – In response to a recent inquiry, Genesee Community College Athletics Department has confirmed that the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has issued a statement of disciplinary action relating to Roger Majeski, Genesee’s Women’s Volleyball Coach. The action came about as a result of a single recruitment violation. Coach Majeski has been suspended from Genesee’s next seven volleyball matches. The action also required that the Women’s Volleyball team forfeit the first five games of this season. 

Coach Majeski personally funded a recruitment visit of a prospective volleyball player from California. NJCAA Guidelines stipulate that prospective players must either pay for their own transportation, or return to their home residence after a 48 hour period. The player did not meet the required time stipulation for returning home.

Coach Majeski took full responsibility for not staying within the guidelines. Both he and Margaret Sisson, Genesee’s Athletic Director, acknowledge the appropriateness of the NJCAA findings and their actions. Ms. Sisson was quick to point out that the action by the NJCAA came about only after the College found about the violation and the College self-reported the issue to the NCJAA. Ms. Sisson said that while it is regrettable, the College feels it must adhere to the spirit and the literal interpretation of the rules and regulations established by the NJCAA. ]

Freshman pacers in NYSS Late Closers at Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- The summer-fall meet continued on Wednesday (Sept. 9) at Batavia Downs Casino, with three divisions of New York Sire Stakes Late Closers for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers, each carrying a purse of $12,800.

Steel Rein was the fastest of the three divisional winners, going coast to coast in 1:58.2. William Bailey was in the sulky for trainer Ann Yurenka. The Teeth Of The Dog-Mindy’s Sister gelding had to withstand a serious challenge from Lislea Reardon (John Stark, Jr.) around the last turn before going on to a one length score. Steel Rein is now a three-time winner for owners Nancy Swede and New York Standardbreds LTD.

Talk To Tony, with Vernon Downs regular Jimmy Whittemore, did all the talking in the final Late Closer of the evening, as he held off odds-on favorite Park Lane Midnight and Stephane Bouchard to win by one length in 1:58.4, in wire-to-wire fashion. Talk To Tony, an Artiscape-Muggins Hanover gelding, is owned by Jay Sears and John Campagnuolo. Ray Van Dreason does the conditioning. The win was Talk To Tony’s third of the season.

Favorite Bullville Player kicked off the Late Closers as he was put right on the lead by Stephane Bouchard and they never had an anxious moment, winning by a comfortable three lenghts in 2:00.2. Breeder Crevani Farms owns the Bettor’s Delight-Bullville Gabettie gelding. Steve Crevani is the trainer. The victory was Bullville Player's third of the 2009 campaign.

NYSS Late Closers continue next Wednesday night, Sept. 16, as the 2-year-old trotting fillies will be in town.

Pauline Seelster, with Ray Fisher, Jr., won the $9,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace. She was well driven by Ray Fisher, Jr., who took advantage of post one and a speed bias that produced eight gate-to-wire winners on the Wednesday evening program.  Dennis and Paula Cummings own the 7-year-old daughter of Camluck. Dennis Cummings is also the trainer. The win raised Pauline Seelster's lifetime bankroll to more than $189,000.

America’s oldest lighted harness track is currently racing every Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday night, post time is 7:05 p.m.

Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino 

Photo: Talk to Tony with Jimmy Whittemore taking the final Late Closer of the evening.
Photo courtesty of Paul White.

Alexander Knocks off Attica

By Chad Flint

Alexander played at Attica Wednesday night and came away with a strong 7-0 victory.  Alexander took a bit to get going but once they took control of the game they didn't slow down.

In the 13th minute Senior Defender Jamie Neth took a pass from fellow Senior Defender Leah Johnson and sent a high shot over the keepers head for the 1-0 lead.  5 minutes later Senior Forward Anna Dominick headed a corner kick from Junior Defender Savannah Vanson to make it 2-0.  Junior Forward Megan Schmieder made it 3-0 in the 27th minute (assists to Junior midfielders Autumn Atkinson and Kylie Bank).  3 minutes later Freshman Forward Abby Shilvock made it 4-0 (assists to Dominck and Bank).  A mere 2 minutes later Neth had her 2nd of the game (unassisted) to make the halftime score 5-0.

In the 2nd half Alexander continued to control play but wasn't getting the ball to the front of the net until Junior Midfielder Claire Hartl won a 50/50 ball and scored in the 31st minute (unassisted).  With 90 seconds left in the game Dominick had her 2nd (assisted by Atkinson) making the final 7-0.

Junior Goalkeeper Hannah Wilson made 3 saves for her 2nd shutout of the season with a strong help from her defense of Neth, Johnson, VanSon, Freshman Gabby Kwaitek, Junior Taylor Antinore, and Junior Summer Bliss.

Alexander moves to 2-0 on the season and is off until they face Holley at home next Tuesday.

GCC's much-heralded volleyball coach suspended by NJCAA

By Howard B. Owens

GCC volleyball coach Roger Majeski has been suspended for an apparent recruitment violation, a spokesman for the National Junior College Athletic Association confirmed this evening.

The NJCAA is also forcing the team to forfeit its games played with the player in question, and the player will be ineligible to play with the team for the remainder of the season. The player is reportedly a freshman who joined the team this year from California.

Mark Krug, director of sports information and media relations for NJCAA, confirmed the details in an e-mail, but said he could not say more about the situation.

Calls late this afternoon to GCC have not yet been returned.

Majeski is a highly regarded coach, having led the GCC team since 1987 and notching more than 800 wins in his career. His teams have made 11 appearances at the national tournament, and he's been awarded Region III Coach of the Year nine times, as well as AVCA Northeast/Southeast Regional Coach of the Year three times.  He has coached 14 All-American athletes.

Photo above is a file photo provided to The Batavian in December.

Batavia Muckdogs 2009 Year in Review

By Mollie Radzinski

37-39 record, 4th place in Pinckney Division, 12 games behind division leader

Longest win streak: 5 games, August 8-August 13

 

NYPL STATS LEADERS:

  • Alan Ahmady:46 runs (4th), 71 hits (T-9th), 47 walks (3rd), .407 OBP (2nd),
  • Devin Goodwin:19 doubles (T-5th)
  • Kyle Conley:8 homeruns (T-2nd)
  • Santo Maertz:26 games (T-8th)
  • LaCurtis Mayes:26 games (T-8th)</li>
  •  
  • As a team…

    Hitting: .249 BA (5th), 333 runs (5th), 630 hits (4th), 125 doubles (5th), 37 homeruns (3rd), 264 walks (5th), .357 SLG (4th),

    Pitching: 233 walks (5th fewest), 626 strikeouts (3rd)

    PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:

  • Alan Ahmady (June 29-July 5)
  • Kyle Conley (August 3-9, August 31-September 7)

    Moved on up:

  • Matt Carpenter:.219 BA, 2 homeruns, 9 RBI with Palm Beach Cardinals

 

  • Eric Fornataro:0-5, 5.24 ERA, 11 strikeouts with Quad Cities River Bandits
  • Scott Schneider:1-3, 3.45 ERA, 29 strikeouts with Quad Cities River Bandits
  • Jack Cawley:.222 BA, 2 homeruns, 13 RBI with Quad Cities River Bandits
  • Xavier Scruggs:.295 BA, 7 homeruns, 33 RBI with Quad Cities River Bandits (Midwest League Player of the Week August 3-9)
  • D’Marcus Ingram:.246 BA, 8 doubles, 11 RBI, 7 stolen bases with Quad Cities River Bandits
  • Ryde Rodriguez:.222 BA, 9 doubles, 19 RBI with Quad Cities River Bandits

 

Wayne Fuller to exit press box for Muckdogs games

By Howard B. Owens

There was a standing ovation in Dwyer Stadium on Saturday night, but it wasn't for a great diving catch, or a rare triple play or a bomb hit over the dead center field fence -- it was for the stadium announcer, Wayne Fuller.

Fuller, the voice of Batavia baseball for 25 years, announced his retirement from the PA mic, and the crowd paid Fuller the ultimate sporting honor -- a Standing-O.

Fuller, who also served as the official scorer, has been positioned in the Dwyer press box -- dubbed "Wayne's World" -- calling out starting line-ups and determining hits and errors through the baseball eras of the Trojans, Clippers and Muckdogs.

"There is a trick to determine when you leave on your own or are asked to leave," Fuller told the crowd. "I have decided this is my time to retire and leave the two jobs. As I have gotten older it has become harder, as they say today, to multi-task, and that's the principle reason for my decision."

Fuller continues on in his afternoon shift with WBTA and will also remain in the booth for high school and college games.

Fuller told me this morning he's looking forward to a trip to Alaska next summer -- a dream he couldn't fulfill while obligated to the Muckdogs for home-game announcing.

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