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Fan Favorite Michael Scores again at Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- There have been many popular racehorses that have graced the Downs throughout the years, horses like Baron Too and Patrick Will quickly come to mind, but no sentence can be compete when referring to Batavia Downs racing without including the iron horse, Michael Scores.

Like he has done so many times throughout his 207 race career, Michael Scores was victorious in Saturday nights Downs featured Open pace.

With a purse of $8,500 and a field of six behind the starting gate for the 7th race, Michael Scores exploded down the lane to win by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:55 to notch his 6th win of the season and his 76th lifetime. His career earnings are over $593,000.

Michael, with Tom Agosti at the controls, was perfectly spotted following second-over cover, but there were a few anxious moments when Arm and a Leg with Kevin Cummings tipped three-wide putting Michael Scores in a blindswitch heading to three-quarters.

Around the final turn, the underrated Agosti, was able to maneuver Michael out of their jackpot and angle him out 4-deep at the top of the lane. Once clear Michael kicked it into another gear and drew off as a much the best winner.

Cry for Cash with Ken Holliday, 5-wide at the top of the stretch, stormed down the center to narrowly get second over the front running Compass Connection and Ron Beback Jr.

Jim Compton trains and co-owns Michael Scores along with wife Sandra.

The Pick-6 was not hit on Saturday night which means the carryover pool when racing resumes on Monday night, the final Monday night of the 2010 season is over $4,400. Post time is 6:40 p.m.

Five Muckdogs played in this week's All-Star game

By Billie Owens

Here's a news release from the Muckdogs.

The 2010 New York-Penn League All-Star roster included five players from Batavia. They were catcher Audry Perez, infielder Joey Bergman, outfielder Nicholas Longmire and pitchers Justin Edwards and Chase Reid. They played in the All-Star game Tuesday at Richmond County Ballpark in Staten Island.

Perez was an undrafted free agent signing in 2006 and has started 30 games at catcher for the Muckdogs this season. He is currently batting .333 with 44 RBI’s, which is good for 7th best in the league.

Perez has also been solid behind the plate this year and has helped guide the pitching staff to a team ERA of 3.77.

Bergman, a 33rd round pick in the 2010 draft, has been among the league leaders in hitting all season. Bergman currently ranks tenth in the league in hitting, with a .313 batting average, to go along with 8 doubles and 17 RBI’s.

Bergman primarily plays infield for the Muckdogs but was selected as the designated hitter for this year’s All-Star team.

The Cardinals selected Longmire in the 5th round of the 2010 draft out of Pacific University. As the team’s everyday centerfielder, Longmire has enjoyed a stellar rookie season. He is currently batting .286 and his 39 RBI’s is second most in the league. He also ranks in the top ten in both home runs (8) and slugging percentage (.503).

Justin Edwards is in his second year of professional baseball and was a 28th round pick in the 2009 draft. The left-hander is 3-2 with an ERA of 2.57, which puts him in the top 10 of starting pitchers this year. He has also recorded 42 strikeouts in his 49 innings of work.

St. Louis drafted Reid out of Vanderbilt University in the 41st round of the 2010 draft. Pitching primarily as a set up man, Reid is 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA. He has helped opposing batters to a .125 average, and has recorded 30 strikeouts in just 18 innings of work.

Batavia holds the third place spot in the Pinckney Division with a record of 28-21. This marks the second time in three years that the Muckdogs have sent five players to the All-Star game. The Muckdogs sent five players to the 2008 All-Star game and sent three in 2009.

Blue Devil Hall of Fame Induction Dinner on tap

By Billie Owens

The ninth annual Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame dinner is set for Saturday, Sept. 25th at Terry Hills Restaurant & Banquet Facility. This year's inductees include a contingent of former standouts reading like a who's who from the annals of Blue Devil sports.

The inductees include:

Don Cerefin                    1947

Sharon Leising               1964

Barry Sheldon                1967

James Briggs                 1969

James Dzierzanowski    1969

Bruce Beswick               1970

Ernest Found Jr.            1970

Matthew Doward            1986

Teal Fowler                     1989  

Social hour for the event will begin at 5 p.m. followed by a dinner at 6. The cost of tickets is $30 and are available at the athletic director's office at Batavia High School. For more information please call 585-343-2480, ext. 2003.

NY-Penn League celebrates 72nd season and names All-Time Team

By Billie Owens

Here's a news release frome the Muckdogs.

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA – The New York-Penn League, a Class-A Short Season league established in 1939, is celebrating its 72nd consecutive season with the naming of their All-Time Team. The players, selected by an online fan ballot, represent more than 70 years of baseball greats.

Sponsored by the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), voting got under way April 20 and concluded Aug. 1, with fans and experts from all 14 current NYPL clubs, as well as baseball fans around the world.

Most noteworthy is the inclusion of Major League Baseball’s all-time hits leader, Pete Rose, a member of the 1960 Geneva Redlegs, as the team’s second baseman. This is one of the first All-Time teams Rose has been named to after he was barred from entering the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

While Rose is not in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the team does feature several alumni now featured in Cooperstown including Robin Yount, a member of the 1973 Newark Co-Pilots, Jim Rice, from the 1971 Williamsport Red Sox, and Wade Boggs, a member of the 1976 Elmira Pioneers, at third base.

“It’s truly an honor and something I will cherish,” said Boggs of the selection. “It was my first year in professional baseball, straight out of high school, and I celebrated my 18th birthday in Elmira, New York. The entire year was a remarkable experience…a super honor.”

Representing the current stars are perennial All-Stars teammates with the New York Yankees, who started their careers together in 1991 with the Oneonta Yankees: Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte. They are joined by a pair of shutdown closers: 2003 Lowell Spinners pitcher Jonathan Papelbon and Atlanta Braves closer and 1993 Auburn Astros pitcher Billy Wagner.

“It’s a huge honor and a special honor to be named to the NYPL All-Time team, especially being named along with so many National Baseball Hall of Fame players,” said Papelbon. “[The NYPL] will always be special to me as it was my very first stop in professional baseball. I loved playing in Lowell…as it gave me a real taste of what Red Sox Nation was like. This is definitely an honor I will cherish.”

The New York-Penn League represents the first professional stop in the careers of many players. With teams in Vermont, Connecticut, Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, Maryland and Pennsylvania, the NYPL is the oldest continually-operated Class-A league in Minor League Baseball. The All-Time Team was unveiled prior to the sixth annual New York-Penn League All-Star Game on Tuesday.

“CSEA is proud to support the New York-Penn League’s All-Time team in the same year that we mark our centennial anniversary,” said CSEA President Danny Donohue. “Whether they’re all-time greats or fan favorites, these are players whose accomplishments stand the test of time.”

A complete listing of the team, along with their New York-Penn League and Major League teams, can be found by visiting CSEA at www.csealocal1000.org. For more information on the NYPL, visit www.newyork-pennleague.com.

Dejarmbro sets Track Record in NYSS action

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- Batavia Downs hosted its second New York Sire Stakes events of the season and for the second time a new track record was set in the process. In town were the 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters, vying for $128,940 in purse money, split up in four divisions.

The new record came in the second division, race four, when Dejarmbro, with Jeff Gregory at the lines, trotted to a 3-1/2 length victory in 1:58.4, easily lowering Donttellmywife’s (also with Gregory) 1:59.3 mark set in 2008.

Starting from post two Gregory sent Dejarmbro out of the gate but quickly realized that Jim Morrill, Jr., leaving from the rail behind the front running New Identity, wanted to cut the mile so he took back to sit in the pocket.

New Identity got down to the half in a speedy :57.3 but was unable to shake Dejarmbro who was right there in second. It was obvious it was going to be a match race as the two talented freshmen opened up daylight on the rest of the field.

Midway on the final turn Gregory decided it was time to go and pulled Dejarmbro to the outside. Down the lane it was all Dejarmbro, under a very confident Gregory, as they trotted to command and wrote their names in the Downs' record books.

A modest Jeff Gregory made the record breaking mile sound easy: “I just let him do his own thing. He’s a very nice 2-year-old,” said Gregory.

Dejarmbro, a colt by Credit Winner-Armbro Déjà Vu, is trained by Jessica Okusko for the Purple Haze Stables.

The final stakes race of the evening went to Typical Newyorker with Jim Morrill, Jr. in the sulky, winning by 4-1/2 lengths in 2:02.3.

Typical Newyorker, a Conway Hall-Striking Sybil colt, moved to the front just before the quarter pole and showed the way throughout for his fifth win in a row. The only serious challenge came around the last turn when Proud Accolade and Jeff Gregory made a mild bid but Typical NewYorker, benefiting from soft early fractions, was up to it and went on to the much the best score. Proud Accolade held the second spot while Surface Tension, who sat in the pocket throughout but made a miscue in the stretch, had to settle for third. The modest fractions were :30.1, 1:02.1 and 1:33.2.

Typical Newyorker is trained by part owner John Hallett. He is also owned by Michelle Oglesby and Roger Doire.

“I really didn’t want to cut the mile but we were going so slow I had to come back out or I was afraid I was going to lose him,” Morrill commented. “As you can see we were going a very slow half and if I would have stayed in I think we would have been in trouble. He’s a nice little horse, Johnny’s done a nice job with him. He always gives 150 percent and is a pleasure to drive.”

Wednesday night’s other NYSS contests, worth $31,935 and $32,535, respectively, were won by:

2- Petruchio (Plesac-Portia); owner: Richard Balog; trainer: Linda Toscano; driver: Morrill Jr.; 2:00.2.

9- Whitewater Rapids (Credit Winner-Rapid Rail); owner/driver/trainer Ray Schnittker; Also owned by Hero Stables and Charles Iannazzo; 2:02.1. Batavia Downs Casino is currently racing Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Post time is 6:40 p.m.

Freshman Trotters in NYSS Action on Wednesday

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- Twenty-six New York bred square-gaiters will go at it in four New York Sire Stakes for purse money in excess of $31,000, each, when racing resumes on Wednesday night at Batavia Downs Casino.

The most anticipated of the four is the final division, carded as race 11 on the 12-race program. This event will feature a pair of colts that appear to have a very bright future.

Starting from the rail will be Typical New Yorker, a Conway Hall--Striking Sibyl colt who will put his four-race winning streak on the line after a measured, 1:58.3 victory on a “good” racetrack at Vernon Downs with Hall of Famer Wally Hennessey in the sulky. Jim Morrill, Jr. picked up the catch-drive for trainer John Hallett.

Surface Tension, a Cash Hall--Hopeful Gigi colt, will head to Batavia off a very impressive Vernon Downs score. The quickly improving juvenile trotted his back half in :57.2 en route to a 5-1/4 length tally. He will start from post seven for trainer-driver Dan Daley.

The New York Sire Stakes action will get underway in race two, a very contentious affair in which a case can be made for several, including the Credit Winner colts Petraeus and I’m The Answer, the Plesac colt Petruchio and the Conway Hall colt Daleydaydream.

Division two, race four, will be headlined by New Identity and Dejarmbro.

New Identity (Cash Hall--Ladys Mirror), a winner at Tioga Downs in 1:58.2 two starts back in New York Sire Stakes competition, should be tough from the rail with Jim Morrill, Jr. hopping into the bike for trainer George Ducharme.

Dejarmbro (Credit Winner--Armbro Déjà Vu) will ship to Western New York off a very unlucky trip in which he was interfered with. He was a daylight winner in 2:00 on August 1 at Tioga Downs. Jeff Gregory, recently named to the Batavia Downs Hall of Fame, will be in town to drive for Jessica Okusko.

The third New York Sire Stakes of the evening, carded as race nine, will be another interesting affair. Top billing may go to the Credit Winner colt Whitewater Rapids with former Downs regular Ray Schnittker in town to do the teaming.

Post time will be at 6:40 p.m. Racing programs are free of charge at www.bataviadownscasino.com. Simply click on “Live and Simulcast Racing” and then on “Race Info” to download a program. Batavia Downs is currently racing Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evening. Racing fans wishing to make a clubhouse reservation can call 585-343-3750.

I went Back to the Track!

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

by Tim Bojarski
I probably would have been there anyhow, but I marked yesterday (8-14) on my calendar a long time ago to make sure I would be at my local oval to see the effects a concerted effort of promoting our sport could produce. I was impressed.

My local oval happens to be Batavia Downs, the oldest lighted harness track in America and an establishment I have been attending since my youth. I lived the highs and lows of the business there and was in attendance when 9,915 people saw Niatross set a world record in 1980. That was the largest crowd I have ever experienced first hand there. Saturday night did not eclipse that live count, but I’ll tell you what, they didn’t do too badly.

I figured there was a lot of people who haven’t attended in some time because it was a late arriving crowd. The Downs earlier post time is now 6:40, but the bulk of the crowd started showing up around 7:00. That would make sense because the old post was 7:30.

I got there a little bit late myself and found the parking lot to be just about full. I actually had to park in the back corner that backs up to an Office Max. That’s a pretty long walk.

So they came, and came, and came, and by the 3rd race they were holding up post times so people wouldn’t get shut out. I was walking around the property and there were people everywhere. The clubhouse was full. The downstairs grandstand was full. The apron along the fence was full. There were lines at all the concession stands. There were lines at all the mutual windows. It was a really heartening sight because it seemed like the good old days.

I spoke to Todd Haight, Batavia Downs Public Relations and Promotions Specialist and he told me: “We had our best handle since 2007 last Saturday and I knew it was going to be tough to follow that up for a second week in a row. But I think we have a heck of a shot to do it. Look at this place; we’re packed! We ran out of programs and had to print more on site to make sure everyone who wanted one, got one”

The USTA’s own Jennifer Daniels was on hand to facilitate the Little Brown Jug trip drawing and told me she was impressed with the turn out. Jennifer was originally from Batavia before relocating to Columbus and is quite familiar with the venue. And she made an instant friend when she pulled the winning entry as the gentleman who won showed up within seconds.

After the presentation was complete, I spoke with him and found out that he used to work for Paul Chambers and Clint Galbraith over 26 years ago when he was 18. He used to travel with their stake horses to various tracks. But since he always took care of trotters he never got to Delaware, Ohio to see the Jug. Now he had his chance. Although he had been out of the business for some time now, he told me he came back tonight to reminisce and possibly run into old acquaintances, because of this promotion.

The track was a sea of “Back to the Track” baseball caps--everyone had one on. They also all had their commemorative “Back to the Track” cups filled with their favorite refreshments.

And the product on the track was outstanding too. The crowd was treated to competitive racing, fantastic finishes at the wire, and decent payouts all night long.

I talked to folks at the rail throughout the night to get some feedback from them and found that there were many different reasons they all came. But the bottom line was, they all showed up and that was the goal. On my way out I saw track General Manager Mike Kane down by the fence mingling with his customers. He looked like a very happy man.

If what I saw at this one track was replicated at all the participating outlets, I would have to say this was a rousing success. The best we can hope for moving forward is to pursue the interest that was kindled this weekend and do what it takes to make the fans we saw show up become regular customers all year.

Back to Back Preferred Wins for Two Twentytwo at Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- The comeback Kid, Two Twentytwo made it look easy when he notched his second straight $9,000 Preferred Handicap victory, Saturday night (Aug-14), ‘Back to the Track night’, at Batavia Downs Casino.

The truth is it was anything but easy. Firing out of the starting gate from post three, Two Twentytwo, with Jamie Dunlap in the sulky, paid the price to be the boss taking command at the quarter in a sizzling 26.4. Racing to the half, Two Twentytwo had company, as a parked out Revolutionary Foe with Jack Rice was up to challenge for the lead in 55.1. Track announcer Joe Zambito commented “they have a shot at the track record.”

Past the five-eighths and heading to three-quarters Dunlap was able to seat favored Revolutionary Foe and go on to a powerful 4-1/2 length score in 1:53.2. Former Downs track record holder Michael Scores (Tom Agosti) came on to be second while Cry for Cash (Ken Holliday) got the show dough.

Two Twentytwo, off two years due to an injury, is a chestnut son of Blissful Hall. He is owned by Dominic Colarusso Jr. and trained by Richie Mays. Saturday nights win was the 11th of Two Twentytwo’s career and it raised his lifetime earnings to over $207,000.

Many thanks to everyone that participated in the ‘Back to the Track’ promotion especially Paul Wright and family who brought over a very well behaved Carolina Red to the paddock room for photos and so racing fans could learn more about the sport.

Other popular ‘Back to the Track’ promotions included a drawing for a trip to the 2010 Little Brown Jug won by John Milroy. A baseball Cap giveaway, driver autographs before the races and a special handicapping contest for prizes.

Racing resumes on Monday night. First post is scheduled for 6:40pm. The pick-6 carryover pool for Monday is $2,009.

Kash n Credit gets the Money at Batavia Downs Casino!

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY – Kash n Credit, with Troy Boring sitting in for Hall of Fame reinsman Clint Galbraith, made every pole a winning one en route to a popular score in the featured $9,000 Preferred trot, Friday night (Aug-13) at Batavia Downs Casino.

Leaving from post five, Kash n Credit, a 4-year-old by Credit Winner, took command from Hello Carlo (Jack Flanigen) at the opening quarter in :29. Once on top Boring was able to give Kash n Credit a :31 second quarter breather. A back half of :59 flat was good enough to hold off the pocket sitting Hello Carlo by a ¼ length in 1:59. St. Regis Hall and Jamie Dunlap were farther back in third.

“He wasn’t as sharp as he was when I won with him a couple weeks ago,” Boring said, “but he was good enough to hold on.”

Owned by Clint and Barbara Galbraith and Arnie Rothschild, Kash n Credit ($4.10) notched his sixth win of the 2010 campaign and raised his lifetime earnings to over $140,000. Galbraith, who continues to recover from injuries suffered in an accident, was in the winners circle.

The co-featured 17,500 claiming trot with a purse of $7,200, went to the front running Welding Spark D ($4.30) with Jack Flanigen. Sent right to the top from the pole, Welding Spark D put up all the numbers to score by a length over Australian Stock (Ray Fisher Jr.) in 1:59 for owner-trainer Ronald Stebbins.

Live Racing will continue tomorrow evening with a 6:40 post time. Be sure to join us when harness racing goes Back to the Track. There will be a chance to win a trip for two to the 2010 Little Brown Jug, a $50,000 must-win national Pick 4, Back to the Track Baseball caps to the first 500 racing fans that swipe there Players Club card beginning at 5:00 at Players Club, Food and Drink specials, a special handicapping contest for prizes other special incentives offered on track. So grab a friend and come Back to the Track. For more information, visit BackToTheTrack.com.

For sale sign hung on Batavia Muckdogs franchise

By Howard B. Owens

UPDATED 11:59 a.m.

With recent reports that the Rochester Red Wings are not likely to operate the Batavia Muckdogs for a fourth, reportedly money-losing season, the local owners of the storied franchise announced today they are seeking a buyer for the ball club.

Presumably, the owners, Genesee County Baseball Club, will seek an owner willing to keep the team in Batavia, though that's not yet confirmed.

Club President Brian Paris said ideally, the Genesee County Baseball Club will be able to find a buyer willing to keep the team in Batavia.

"Obviously, that's our first preference," Paris said.

But he's also hopeful that just like the miracle of the Red Wings rescuing the team at the last minute three years ago, perhaps another miracle will keep the team in GCBC hands.  What the club needs, he said, is three or four deep-pocket Western New York companies to step forward with sponsorships of $25,000 to $50,000 each.

It happens in other small markets, he said.

"That's a very realistic thought because other teams have those kinds of sponsorships," he said.

Paris said he doesn't blame the community.

"The tragic portion of this, is that we are on brink of losing the team and I think I’ve tried to be very frank with people and the media that this is what could happen if we don’t have a greater amount of support in ticket sales and sponsorship," Paris said. "I love Batavia and this is something we're just going to have to work through one way or another."

One of the team's most valuable assets is its name, Batavia Muckdogs. Little League teams across the nation have licensed the logo and name. It the team moves, it will no longer be the Batavia Muckdogs.

Paris said it's too soon to talk about scenarios involving no buyer being found, or a buyer being found and the team being moved to another city.

"I hate to be Pollyanna, a small town tree hugger, but something good is going to come of this," Paris said. "It’s going to work out. We just don’t know what it is yet."

Full press release after the jump:

BATAVIA, NY—The Genesee County Baseball Club, the not-for-profit organization that owns the Batavia Muckdogs of the New York-Pennsylvania Baseball League, announced today that it is soliciting offers from potential buyers of the team.

For the past three years, Rochester Community Baseball, owner of the Rochester Red Wings, has operated the Muckdogs under an agreement with the GCBC. The Red Wings have informed the GCBC that it is unlikely that the relationship will continue for a fourth year.

“We thank the Red Wings for these last three years, which included the memorable 2008 championship season,” Paris said. “They have indicated that they are probably going to move on, and we respect their decision.”

Paris said that the GCBC will give “strong preference” to potential buyers who pledge to keep the team in Batavia.

“Batavia has had a team in this league since 1939,” said Paris, “and we are very hopeful that we can find a buyer who appreciates the rich history, family atmosphere, great ballpark, and wonderful community spirit of Batavia.”

The NYP League, then called the PONY League, was founded in 1939 at a meeting at the Hotel Richmond in downtown Batavia. Batavia and Jamestown are the only two original PONY League cities that are still in the league.

Late Closers Contested at Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Batavia, NY --- The New York Sire Stakes 3-year-old Late Clos Batavia, NY --- The New York Sire Stakes 3-year-old Late Closing filly trotters invaded Batavia Downs on Wednesday evening (August 11). The talented trotting fillies raced in three divisions and each had a purse in excess of $13,000.

The photo finish camera was needed for division one. Neverhitthebrakes and Jack Flanigen took a solid three length lead just after the quarter pole and held that margin until Final Time and Jimmy Whittemore began to close in.

Down the lane Neverhitthebrakes was grimly holding on but it was a relentless Final Time who trotted up for a head victory in 2:01.3. Study Hall and Josh Marks finished well back in third in a race marred by four early breakers. The fractions for the field were :30.2, 1:00.2 and 1:30.4.

Final Time (Conway Hall-Charm’s Chip) is trained by part owner Joseph Flynn. She is also owned by Edward Flynn. The winning price of the first stakes race was $7.90.

Late Closer stakes action continued in the fourth race on the card. This event had three fillies getting class relief by dropping out of Sire Stakes events and two of them would finish one-two. Distracting Beauty with trainer-driver Perry Simser at the controls moved to the front at the quarter pole and trotted strongly to the wire, holding off the pocket sitting Jetties with Jimmy Whittemore by one length in 2:01.3 Judith (Jack Flanigen), who came first over, wound up third.

Simser commented that the young filly is “becoming more handy” and “showing improvement.”

The fractions for the fillies were :30, 1:00.2 and 1:31.3. Distracting Beauty (Malabar Man-Overnight Rail) is owned by Gary Greenhouse, Harvey Friedman and Ronald Rubenstein. The winning price was a modest $5.50.

The third division started out pretty much as expected with 2-5 favorite Dream State and Josh Marks showing the way, however the final result was anything but expected.

Heading around the final turn Don’twanttobeblue and Ray Fisher, Jr., going off at 50-1 despite leaving the tougher Sire Stakes ranks, were up to challenge and trotted right on by the heavy favorite as the field of seven turned for home.

Not home free yet, Don’twanttobeblue was surrounded as Radiant One and Jack Flanigen had exited the pocket and were storming down the center while My Winning Way K with Jimmy Whittemore, who split horses also were coming on.

At the wire it was the Erv Miller trained Radiant One who got up by a head over the upset minded Don’twanttobeblue and My Winning Way K in 2:01.2. The fractions were :30.1, 1:01.1 and 1:30.3.

Radiant One (Credit Winner-Marvelous Yankee) notched her fourth win of the season for owners Mystical Marker Farms, Shim Racing and John Carver. The winning price for the final stakes race was $23.20.

The New York Sire Stakes season continues next Wednesday evening, August 18, when the 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters head to Western New York.

Live Racing will continue this Friday and Saturday evenings with a 6:40 p.m. post time. Be sure to join us when harness racing goes 'Back to the Track' this Saturday, August 14. There will be a chance to win a trip for two to the 2010 Little Brown Jug, a $50,000 must-win national Pick 4, baseball caps to the first 500 racing fans that swipe their Players Club card beginning at 5 p.m. at Players Club, food and drink specials, a special handicapping contest for prizes and other special incentives offered on track. For more information, visit www.BackToTheTrack.com .

Many Incentives to Come Back to the Track at Batavia Downs Casino

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

(Batavia NY) --- Harness fans will celebrate the history and future of harness racing this Saturday when Batavia Downs teams with the United States Trotting Association (USTA) to present Back to the Track night.

Back to the Track is a promotion designed to bring fans out for an evening at the harness races as a means of recapturing the excitement they remember from earlier visits. A variety of special incentives are planned.

Batavia Downs and 20 other harness tracks around the U.S. will each give away a trip to the 2010 Little Brown Jug, the brightest jewel in the pacing Triple Crown, on September 23. There are two ways to become eligible to win the trip. Either download a VIP pass, and deposit it a box located next to Players Club or play the Back to the Track handicapping contest. One name will be picked via a drawing to win.

Beginning at 5:00, the first 500 fans to visit Player’s Club will receive a coupon for a free Back to the Track baseball cap, redeemable in The Paddock Room following the evening’s 7th race.

Additionally, food and beverage specials will be served all evening in The Paddock Room, including: $1.50 Sahlen’s Hot Dogs and soda, $2.00 drafts, a chicken BBQ for $8.50 and free coffee from 6:00 to 8:00. Soda and drafts are served in a commemorative Back to the Track cup.

Drivers and trainers will be signing autographs from 5:15 to 6:15, a handicapping seminar, hosted by Todd Haight, begins at 5:45. There will be a dedicated betting window for beginners. A horse and groom will be on-site until 8:00 pm., giving racing fans a chance to learn more about the sport and a representative from the USTA will be on hand to answer questions. All events taking place in The Paddock Room.

Players Club bonuses include a free taco from compliments of Taco Bell and a special handicapping contest for prizes. Sign up to play the handicapping contest begins at 5:00 p.m at Players club. Batavia Downs racing programs will be free of charge also beginning at 5:00p.m.

Batavia Downs Casino is owned and operated by Western Regional Off Track Betting, a public benefit corporation that operates in 15 counties and creates revenues for racing and local governments.

Muckdogs sending five players to all-star game

By Howard B. Owens

Five Muckdogs will represent Batavia in the 2010 New York-Penn League All-Star game.

Catcher Audry Perez, outfielder Nicholas Longmire, infielder Joey Bergman and pitchers Justin Edwards and Chase Reid were named to the squad.

The game will be played Tuesday, Aug. 17, at Richmond County Ballpark in Staten Island.

Closer Jose Rada -- who is third in the league with 10 saves and has a 1.13 ERA to go with 33 strikeouts in 24 innings -- was passed over (General Manager Travis Sick said that Rada was selected prior to being promoted to Quad Cities).

Following from the Muckdogs' news release:

Perez was an undrafted free agent signing in 2006 and has started 30 games as catcher for the Muckdogs this season. He is currently batting .333 with 44 RBI’s, which is good for 7th best in the league. Perez has also been solid behind the plate this year and has helped guide the pitching staff to a team ERA of 3.77.

Bergman, a 33rd round pick in the 2010 draft, has been among the league leaders in hitting all season. Bergman currently ranks 10th in the league in hitting, with a .313 batting average, to go along with 8 doubles and 17 RBI’s. Bergman primarily plays infield for the Muckdogs but was selected as the designated hitter for this year’s All-Star team.

The Cardinals selected Longmire in the 5th round of the 2010 draft out of Pacific University. As the team’s everyday centerfielder, Longmire has enjoyed a stellar rookie season. He is currently batting .286 and his 39 RBI’s is second most in the league. He also ranks in the top 10 in both home runs (8) and slugging percentage (.503).

Justin Edwards is in his second year of professional baseball and was a 28th round pick in the 2009 draft. The left-hander is 3-2 with an ERA of 2.57, which puts him in the top 10 of starting pitchers this year. He has also recorded 42 strikeouts in his 49.0 innings of work.

St. Louis drafted Reid out of Vanderbilt University in the 41st round of the 2010 draft. Pitching primarily as a set up man, Reid is 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA. He has help opposing batters to a .125 average, and has recorded 30 strikeouts in just 18.0 innings of work.

Batavia holds the third place spot in the Pinckney Division with a record of 28-21.
This marks the second time in three years that the Muckdogs have sent five players to the All-Star game. The Muckdogs sent five players to the 2008 All-Star game and sent three in 2009.

Muckdogs drop three straight in Brooklyn

By Howard B. Owens

The Muckdogs rode into Brooklyn as the hottest team in the NY-Penn League. They're leaving with a three-game losing streak on their tails.

Batavia dropped the three games by scores of 4-0, 14-4 and on Friday in extra innings, 5-4.

Yesterday, the Muckdogs' bullpen spoiled an outstanding pitching performance by Zack Russell, who gave up no runs and no hits over six innings. Batavia was up 2-0 when he left the game.

Michael Reid gave up two runs in the seventh to get tagged with a blown save. After the Muckdogs scored two runs in the top of the ninth, Keith Butler gave the runs back to Brooklyn in the bottom half. Tavis Lawlor took the loss, giving up the winning run in the 11th.

Nick Longmire and Chris Edmondson each had two hits.

The Muckdogs are 3-5 since hot-hitting catcher Audry Perez was injured while running the bases on July 31. He hasn't played since.

The team's record is now 27-20 and they're 2.5 games out of first.

They now travel to Vermont for a three-game series against the Lake Monsters, who are in first in the Stedler division with a record of 26-21.

Batavia returns home Tuesday to face Aberdeen.

Red Wings president says Muckdogs likely to lose Rochester support after this season

By Howard B. Owens

Baseball America -- the premier publication covering minor league and college baseball -- reports that the 2010 campaign for the Batavia Muckdogs will likely be the team's last under Rochester Community Baseball management.

"I have had discussions with (Genesee County Baseball Club) president (Brian Paris) and told him that we would probably not be interested in coming back for another year," said Silver, the president of the Red Wings. "So he is going to have his work cut out for him."

The article blames lack of community support for the situation, noting that average attendance has not risen above 1,045.

"It wouldn't take a miracle to turn it around, but it takes a certain community spirit to make something like this work," Silver said. "In a lot of communities, particularly where the population is rather small and drawing power is not the greatest in the world anyway, it becomes increasingly hard for a team to generate enough excitement and turnstile attendance unless something major happens. A small community can make it work if a team is new to them or a new stadium becomes all the buzz for several years. That may be enough to get them excited for years to come.

"In Batavia, it is real tough. We market much the same way as we do in Rochester. It's a miniature version, but it just doesn't get the same attention. People are missing out. And then the franchise disappears. And then you don't get it back. Once you lose it, you don't get it back." 

Read the whole thing.

Genesee County YMCA hosts NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition

By Billie Owens

Young pro football fans will have the opportunity to exhibit their football skills when the
Genesee County YMCA hosts an NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition on Aug. 21
at VanDetta Stadium in Batavia.

The competition is free and open to boys and girls ages 6-15. Age classification is as of Dec. 31 of the current year. For competition information, call The Y at 344-1664.

Entry forms are available online at <NFLyouthfootball.com> can be picked up at the Y, or can be submitted the day of competition. A birth certificate is required to show proof of age at all levels of competition.

The NFL Punt, Pass & Kick football competition allows youngsters to showcase their talents in punting, passing, and kicking with scores based on distance and accuracy.

The top finishers from each of the 10 age groups at the local competition will advance
to a sectional competition. Sectional competitions are held in October or early November.

The winners at the sectional competition will have their scores compared with other sectional champions; the top four scorers from the pool advance to the Team Championship, to be held before a Buffalo Bills game in late November or December.

Age-group champions at this level will be declared NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Team Champions.

The top four finishers in the boys’ and girls’ divisions within each age bracket from the pool of all Team Champions will qualify for the National Finals at an NFL playoff game in January. A number of NFL players have completed in NFL Punt, Pass and Kick, including top former and current NFL quarterbacks such as Dan Marino and Brett Farve.

The National NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition is administered by NFL Properties LLC. This local Punt, Pass and Kick (Local PPK) competition is officially licensed by NFL Properties, LLC, but none of the National Football League (NFL), its member clubs, NFL Ventures, L.P,. or any of their respective affiliates or subsidiaries are sponsoring or operating the Local PPK or will have any liability or responsibility for any claims arising in connection with participation in the Local PPK.

All NFL-related logos and marks, including, without limitation, the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick logo, are trademarks of the NFL or the respective member club.

Oakfield Rod & Gun Club starts 'Open Trap Shooting' Aug. 14

By Billie Owens

The Oakfield Rod & Gun Club will commence “Open Trap Shooting," starting Saturday, Aug. 14 and continuing each Saturday thereafter.

It runs from 2 to approximately 7 p.m., weather permitting. The club is located at 3199 Maltby Road in Oakfield.

Prepare for your fall hunting. The public is welcome.

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