The Elba Lady Lancers beat Albion in Albion on Tuesday 52-38.
Brynn Walczak scored 19 points. Lauryn Engle scored 14 points, hitting three three-point baskets. Leah Bezon scored 12 points.
Walczak also had 10 rebounds. Bezon had five assists.
Honesty Little scored 10 points for Albion, Kendall Derisley, 9.
Press releases:
The Batavia Muckdogs today praised the newly created Save Minor League Baseball Task Force that has been organized by members of Congress to prevent Major League Baseball (MLB) from eliminating 42 minor league franchises, nearly one quarter of all minor league teams around the country.
“We appreciate the support of Rep. Lori Trahan (D.-Massachusetts), David McKinley (R-W.Va.) and the members of the task force in standing up for Minor League Baseball and speaking out against MLB’s effort cast off thousands of jobs, reduce affordable, family-friendly entertainment and undermine grassroots support for our great game,” said Muckdogs General Manager Brendan Kelly.
The Batavia Muckdogs have been identified as one of the 42 franchises facing elimination under the MLB proposal.
Minor league teams are vital to the social and economic lives of millions of Americans; they support scores of local businesses and jobs, provide accessible entertainment, help promote tourism spending and donate tens of millions of dollars in charitable contributions.
“With this proposal, MLB is willing to break the hearts of dozens of communities across the country,” Kelly said. “We are going to resist this plan and are gratified that so many in Congress are willing to join with us.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, Dec. 3 Representatives Lori Trahan (D-MA), David McKinley (R-WV), Max Rose (D- NY), and Mike Simpson (R-ID) announced the official formation of the bipartisan Save Minor League Baseball Task Force.
At the group’s inaugural meeting, interested Members heard from Minor League Baseball (MiLB) President Pat O’Conner and several Minor League team owners. The group discussed strategy to continue the momentum on this urgent issue.
The Save Minor League Baseball Task Force will advocate on behalf of the communities that stand to be mostharmed by MLB’s plan to eliminate 42 minor league franchises. They will closely monitor ongoing negotiationsbetween MLB and MiLB as well as discuss potential legislative action if and when such a remedy becomes necessary.
“I am proud to launch this important Task Force with my co-chairs; Representatives McKinley, Rose, and Simpson," said Congresswoman Trahan. "Together along with our colleagues we will make perfectly clear that Congress is ready to defend ourcommunities, which stand to lose out in MLB’s proposal to slash the number of Minor League teams. The Lowell Spinners and other minor league teams across the United States provide critical economic and cultural benefits to the communities they call home, and Congress must have a voice in this conversation,”
"Baseball is America’s pastime, and minor league teams have a major impact on small communities across our country,” said Congressman McKinley. “While we understand the MLB has concerns: the idea that doingaway with 42 teams is the only solution is not reasonable. We look forward to working with MiLB and MLB tofind a compromise that will preserve affiliated baseball in these cities.”
“Major League Baseball can look at all the ‘sabermetrics’ it wants, but what they don’t understand is the serious impact that losing these baseball teams will have on our communities,” said Congressman Rose. “You won’t see it in any formula, but my colleagues and I have all seen the impact teams like the Staten IslandYankees can have on the faces of the children who show up at the ballpark every year. I’m proud to join this effort to urge the MLB to reconsider.”
“Baseball is America’s pastime and that pastime should not be exclusive to a select number of cities," said Congressman Simpson. "Minor League Baseball is at the heart of many small and rural cities in our country. To deprive those communities of baseball would not only deny them access to our national heritage, but it would also harm local economies that depend on minor league baseball organizations. I am proud to join my colleagues in starting this task force toensure baseball stays vibrant in communities like Idaho Falls and Boise."
A statement from MiLB: "Minor League Baseball values the support of Representatives Trahan, McKinley, Rose and Simpson and the entire Task Force for America’s pastime and for recognizing our positive contributions to their communities andlocal economies as well as dozens of others across the country. While it is our hope to negotiate a fair agreement with MLB, the overwhelming support from elected officials on both sides of the aisle, at all levels ofgovernment, has been tremendous and shows that baseball helps to unite our nation."
The formation of this task force follows a Trahan-McKinley led bipartisan effort along with 104 of their colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to urge MLB to abandon its plan to eliminate 42 Minor League teams.
The annual Peter Arras Lions Basketball Tournament tips off at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 27 at Genesee Community College with Roy Hart, Attica, Elba, Oakfield-Alabama, Notre Dame, Perry, Le Roy, and Batavia high schools competing for large school and small school trophies.
The championship games are Dec. 30, with consolidation games at 3:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. The small school championship game is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the large school championship game at 9 p.m.
Submitted photo and information.
Photo: front row -- Aiden Johnson, O-A, Bryce Reigle, Batavia, Joey Burdick, O-A, Reed Albee, Roy Hart; back row -- Franic Bisceglie, Attica, Michael Hockey, Perry, Grant Gilligan, Le Roy, Colton Dillion, Elba.
An Albion resident's first 800 series and a Batavian's eighth 300 game share the headlines this week in league bowling action across the Genesee Region.
On Monday, 31-year-old right-hander Brandon Gurnsey posted games of 276-279-257 for an 812 series in the Sneezy's Monday Night League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
It is the first USBC-certified 800 series for Gurnsey, who eclipsed his previous high series of 789. A league bowler for the past nine years, the big effort on lanes 7-8 improved his average to 220.
Gurnsey, a bus mechanic for the Spencerport School District, registered 29 strikes for his Brooklyn Bombers team -- 10 in game one (with the front seven strikes), 11 in game two (with the front nine strikes before leaving a 4-pin) and eight in game three.
He said he wasn't sure if he still had a chance for the 800 late in the third game.
"I asked a teammate if I could still get it (800) since I'm not the greatest at keeping score while I'm bowling," Gurnsey said. "He said I needed a double in the 10th, which put a little more pressure on me."
Gurnsey struck on the first ball in the 10th and then finished with an eight count and spare.
"I was kind of upsest because I thought I missed it," he said.
His frustration quickly turned to joy when he learned that he, indeed, did hit 812, having received some incorrect information from his buddy.
While Gurnsey recorded an 800 series without the benefit of a 300 game (his high game is 290), Batavian Rob Stefani posted his eighth USBC-certified perfect game but just missed out on his first 800.
Bowling on lanes 5-6 in the G&W Vending League on Tuesday night at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, the 35-year-old righty opened with 12 straight strikes for the 300.
"I caught a break in the eighth frame with a Brooklyn strike, and then after the 11th strike, I saw (fellow bowler) Chris Bardol videotaping me, so that made it a little more nerve-wracking," Stefani said. "I never had one on video before."
He came through despite the distraction and went on to roll 227 and 259 for a 786 series -- six pins less than his all-time high of 792. He entered the night with a 219 average.
"Once I shot the 300, I started thinking about an 800," said Stefani, an employee of the Federal Detention Facility in Batavia. "But the second game hurt me."
Although he fell short of the 800, Stefani said he had a great week -- both indoors and outdoors.
"I bagged a 10-point buck on Wednesday while hunting in Alexander and thought, 'Now all I need to do is shoot a 300,' " he said.
For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.
Sir Pugsley with driver Drew Monti in the lead.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Sir Pugsley took full advantage of a rare inside post, a favorable trip and a failed favorite to light up the tote board in the $12,500 Open I Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Nov. 30).
Driver Drew Monti tucked Sir Pugsley in second behind last weeks winner Howmac Dancer (Renaldo Morales III) going to the quarter as the heavy favorite Crocketts Cullen N (Larry Stalbaum) failed to negotiated the first turn and made a break as a result. Stalbaum gathered his 1-9 shot back together and rushed up the rim to pull close to the leader and remained there for the rest of the mile.
The top three horses continued to pace in that order -- Howmac Dancer on top, Sir Pugsley in the hole and Crocketts Cullen N on the outside -- to the half in :57 and three-quarters in 1:25.4. When they rounded the last turn and headed into the stretch, Crocketts Cullen N faded just enough to allow Monti to extract Sir Pugsley off the pegs and he came out with a full head of steam and mowed down Howmac Dancer in deep stretch to win by a length in 1:55.2.
It was the seventh win of the year and third of the meet at Batavia Downs for Sir Pugsley ($18.80) who has now earned $88,270 this year for owner Robert Woodburn. Patrick Shepherd trains the winner.
In the co-featured $11,000 Open II Handicap, Rise Up Now (Shawn McDonough) tripped-out behind the front-running Brunello N (Drew Monti) for over 7/8ths of a mile before popping the deuce mid-stretch and brushing to the lead at the beam to win in 1:56.2.
It was the fifth win of the year for Rise Up Now ($34.80) who is owned and trained by Steve Andzel.
Driver Shawn McDonough continued his hot streak in the bike winning three more races on Saturday and he rewarded his backers with premium mutuels with all three. His longshots included Dark Horse ($44.60), the aforementioned Rise Up Now and Willey Bite ($26.40). In the last three nights McDonough has won seven races.
Also on Saturday night drivers Ray Fisher Jr. and Renaldo Morales III each scored two wins. Trainers Ryan Swift, Joe Skowyra and Steve Andzel all had two wins apiece as well.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Dec. 6) with post time at 6 p.m.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
It was a big night for driver Ray Fisher Jr. on Friday (Nov. 29) as he hit a major career milestone by surpassing the $20 million mark in career earnings at Batavia Downs after winning with trotter Lady Justice who is owned and trained by his wife, Ryan Swift.
Fisher first started driving in 1987 and 30,212 starts later he has now registered 4,494 wins, 3,995 seconds and 3,725 thirds, all of which pushed him to this current earnings mark. Fisher’s career best one-year win total came in 1997 when he got 317 and his best earnings total came just two years ago when he banked $1,437,878 in 2017.
This year Fisher has earned $971,684 to date on the strength of 120 victories. At the current Batavia Downs meet Fisher has 49 wins and more than $400,000 in earnings.
Fisher was joined in the winner’s circle by his wife Ryan and son Kyle for a special presentation made by Batavia Downs Director/General Manager of Live Racing Todd Haight.
The top races on Friday night were both trots and each yielded convincing winners.
In the $12,500 Open I Handicap, Rockefeller Lindy (Mike Baumeister) tripped-out behind the frontrunning Majestic Kat (Billy Davis Jr.) until mid-stretch when Baumeister pulled right line, cleared and hit the wire three-quarters of a length ahead in 1:58.4.
It was the fourth win of the year for Rockefeller Lindy ($20.60) who has now earned $46,093 for owners Burke Racing and Weaver Bruscemi. James Clouser Jr. trains the winner
Then in the $10,000 Open II trot, newcomer Chuckabuck (Drew Monti) toured the facility on the front end from start to finish and won by 2-1/2 lengths in 2:00. Scoring his seventh win of the year, Chuckabuck ($7.40) scored his first for new owner Carl Monti. Darrin Monti trains the winner.
The Downs leading dash driver Billy Davis Jr. lit it up again, winning four races on the card. He now has 123 wins for the meet, 42 ahead of second place Jim Morrill Jr. Shawn McDonough also had a good night winning three races each. Angus McDonald and JD Perrin led all trainers Friday with two wins each.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on tonight (Nov. 30) with post time at 6 o'clock.
Photo of Blue Bell Bonnie with driver Dave McNeight III.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Rain driven by 50 mile-per-hour winds that blew right down the stretch made racing conditions less than desirable on Wednesday evening (Nov. 27) but it didn’t bother Blue Bell Bonnie who displayed intestinal fortitude while cutting the mile to victory in the $12,500 Open I Handicap for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs.
Driver Dave McNeight III took command from post two when the gate released the girls and was never headed from there. After cutting fractions of :29.4, 1:01.2 and 1:31.2, Blue Bell Bonnie scooted around the last turn and took her one-length advantage all the way to the wire where she won in 2:00.2.
It was the ninth win of the year for Blue Bell Bonnie ($8.30) who has now made $68,383 for owners Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi. James Clouser Jr. trains the mare.
The inclement weather stifled chalk bettors in two races as longshots blew up the tote board starting in race one where Playin The Ponies (Denny Bucceri) rallied late at 45-1 to win by a length and pay $92.50. The win also generated a 7-1-5 trifecta that paid $4,776.
Then in the fifth race, Better To Be Lucky (Renaldo Morales III) came from off the pace as well to win at 56-1 and return $114.50. The 8-6 exacta paid $764, 8-6-7 trifecta paid $3,528 and the 8-6-7-ALL superfecta returned $5,726.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Nov. 29) with post time at 6 p.m. Also please note that there is a $930 carry-over for the Pick-5 wager that starts in race one.
From Todd Bojarski for Batavia Downs.
The race summary for Friday, Nov. 22nd at Batavia Downs will tell you that Lougazi won the $12,500 Open 1 Handicap trot in the seventh race by an easy 1 ¼ lengths, but that’s not the whole story.
It capped an amazing 24 hours for the horse, who just the night previous had an adventure which saw him corralled in the Batavia Downs parking pot at 2 a.m.
Due to high winds on Thursday night, the bar door of Barn 1 swung open and after opening his own stall door, Lougazi went for a walk, ambling around the barn area. After meandering his way over to the Richmond Avenue entrance, he proceeded to walk out the gate onto Richmond Avenue.
After spending some quality time at the VA, he walked down to Alex’s Place to check out their festive holiday decorations. Feeling a bit lucky, next he headed over to the Batavia Downs parking lot where a friendly patron was able to stall him until Batavia Downs staff could coax him back to his stall with a midnight snack of horse feed.
Security was informed by a patron that the horse was loose and immediately took action.
“We followed the horse very slowly and got him back inside the gate on Richmond safely," said security guard Nate Stone.
After all that excitement, Lougazi managed to get enough sleep and was able to overcome any prerace jitters to win the Open Handicap the following night.
Photos courtesy of Paul White. Top, Lougazi with driver Ray Fisher Jr. out in front to win the Open 1 Handicap trot in the seventh race on Nov. 22. Bottom, Lougazi in the Winner's Circle.
Photo of Howmac Dancer with driver Renaldo Morales III.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
A late-comer to the party, Renaldo Morales III headed to Genesee County upon the completion of the Tioga Downs meet and since arriving has become one of the hotter drivers in the area. On Saturday (Nov. 23) he continued to streak as he won four races, including both pacing features at Batavia Downs.
In the $12,500 Open I Handicap Morales put Howmac Dancer right on the point and led the entire race by open lengths. After setting easy fractions of :28, :57.1 and 1:25.2, Morales let Howmac Dancer out a notch in the far turn and the gelding roared away down the lane, opening up a 3-½ length lead in a :28.1 final quarter to win in 1:53.3.
It was the sixth win at Batavia Downs and eighth of the year for Howmac Dancer ($6.10) who is owned by the Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi. James Clouser Jr. trains the winner.
Then in the $11,000 Open II pace, Morales did an about-face and took In Runaway Bay N off the gate and sat a snug fourth on the pegs through the first half. From there he pulled second-over behind Southwind Onyx (Kyle Cummings), followed that cover to the three-quarters where Southwind Onyx took the lead from Lots Of Loving (Denny Bucceri) and then ran that one down in the stretch to win by 1-½ lengths in 1:55.2.
In Runaway Bay N ($4.30) is owned by Mark Jakubik and trained by Angelo Nappo.
Morales completed his Grand Slam behind Weekend Atnannies (1:56, $8.10) and Cee Pee Panic (1:58, $2.70).
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 27) with pot time at 6 p.m. This will be the final Wednesday of live racing this year.
Photo of Lougazi in front with driver Ray Fisher Jr.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
After making back-to-back breaks earlier this month forcing him to qualify, Lougazi rebounded from an off-track last week to score an easy 1-¼ length victory in the $12,500 Open I Handicap trot at Batavia Downs on Friday evening (Nov. 22).
Rockefeller Lindy (Dave McNeight III) inherited the lead off the pylons as no one else left in the abbreviated field of five. He took advantage of the situation and went a pedestrian :29 to the quarter and :59.1 to the half. Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) pulled first-over at that station and began to pursue around the third turn.
The race was on as Lougazi engaged Rockefeller Lindy on the backstretch and the two then trotted side-by-side to the three-quarters and around the last turn. Heading into the lane Lougazi took control, cleared and trotted away in the stretch, hitting the wire a wrapped-up winner in 1:58.3.
Lougazi ($3) raised his earnings for the year to $89,375 after scoring his ninth win for owner Mary Warriner and trainer Ryan Swift.
In the $11,000 Open II trot, Ticket To Seattle (Renaldo Morales III) tripped-out behind Majestic Kat (Billy Davis Jr.) until halfway down the stretch when he tipped-out and blew by his cover at the light to win in 1:59. A $21.60 upset winner, Ticket To Seattle is owned by William Emmons and trained by James Clouser Jr.
Dave McNeight III was the top driver on Friday with three wins.
There is a $1,200 carryover for the Pick-5 wager in the first race tonight (Nov. 23) when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs with a 6 o'clock post time.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Horsemen and horsewomen are reminded of the draw schedule for Thanksgiving week at Batavia Downs.
A double draw will be held on Tuesday (Nov. 26) for races to be held on Friday (Nov. 29) and Saturday (Nov. 30). The entry box will close at 9 a.m. for both days.
After the draw, the judges must receive driver changes for Friday’s card (Nov. 29) by 1 p.m. on Tuesday (Nov. 26). Drivers changes for Saturday’s card (Nov. 30) are due by 10 a.m. Wednesday (Nov. 27).
For more information or to make phone entries please call the Batavia Downs Race Office at 585-344-6161.
Katie Moore, a standout with Batavia High School's soccer team, signed a Division I scholarship offer this week with Jacksonville University in Florida.
Photo: Steve Moore, Katie Moore, Melissa Moore, William Buckenmeyer, Roger Hume, and Chris Chilano.
Submitted photo.
Photo: Lady London out front with driver Ray Fisher Jr.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Just to prove last week’s 5-¾ length win was no fluke, Lady London moved up to the top class and wired the field again in the $12,500 Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Nov. 20).
Driver Ray Fisher Jr. was decisive in strategy and repeated last weeks script; he left strong with Lady London and called out every quarter. They went :28 to the quarter and :57.1 to the half with the field in single file, and then rolled to the three-quarters in 1:25.4 with Squeeze This (Billy Davis Jr.) following close in the pocket and the favored HP Sissy (Drew Monti) winging it first-over on the rim.
Coming off the final bend HP Sissy stalled and Squeeze This popped the deuce and was in full flight coming for home. She made up ground all the way down the lane but despite her valiant attempt to close the gap, Squeeze This fell a nose short to Lady London who stayed tough and won in 1:56.
It was the eighth win of the year for Lady London ($7.50) who has now earned $70,873 for owner VHF Racing. Sabrina Shaw is the trainer.
In the $9,000 under-feature, Little Joke (Billy Davis Jr.) dropped from Open II company and looked impressive as the heavy favorite with a wire to wire 1-1/4 length victory in 1:57.1. The eighth win of the year for Little Joke ($2.40) pushed her earnings to $74,428 for owners Vogel and Wags Nags Stable and Jack Rice. Maria Rice trains the winner.
Ray Fisher Jr. and Denny Bucceri led all drivers on Wednesday with three wins each.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Nov. 22) with post time at 6 p.m.
Major League Baseball should not end its affiliation with the Batavia Muckdogs, or any of the other 41 minor league teams reportedly on the chopping block without sitting down and listening to local community leaders and minor league executives, Sen. Charles Schumer said during a telephone press conference with Upstate news media today.
"This plan presents some real potential problems for New York State," Schumer said. "We don't know how real it is, but the newspaper reports are very disconcerting. So I am calling today on the MLB and Minor League Baseball to sit down and talk with the community leaders and with team owners to ensure that all the relevant parties can provide feedback and propose constructive solutions before any final decisions are made."
The proposal to eliminate or demote 42 minor league teams is potentially an issue for members of Congress to take up because Major League Baseball enjoys an exemption from the Sherman Anti-Trust Act based on a ruling by the Supreme Court in 1922. Congress has the power to overturn that exemption.
Responding to a question from The Batavian, Schumer declined to comment on how he might respond to any proposal to lift the exemption.
"As for the antitrust exemption, we all know it exists," Schumer said. "Let's see what Major League Baseball has to say. Let's see how quickly and willingly and cooperatively they are willing to sit down with us before we comment on that particular proposal."
The current proposal -- as leaked to The New York Times -- would move 42 teams currently affiliated with major league teams to an independent "Dream League." Schumer acknowledged that it's unclear what MLB means by a "Dream League."
Besides Batavia, teams listed as candidates to lose a major league affiliation are Binghamton, Auburn and Staten Island. Three New York teams -- the Tri-City Valleycats, Hudson Valley Renegades and Brooklyn Cyclones -- would be promoted to AA leagues. That proposal, Schumer noted, would mean the end of the New York Penn League, founded in Batavia 80 years ago.
Complicating matters for Batavia is that the Muckdogs are now owned by the New York Penn League.
For decades, the Muckdogs were owned by the community, run by the Genesee County Baseball Club with a volunteer board of directors. The team has been perpetually for sale for several years. If it ever were sold, some of the proceeds would be returned to the GCBC.
Club President Brian Paris said last night that any proceeds from the sale would be used for the community's benefit.
So the Muckdogs are, in the true financial sense of the word, a community asset.
Attempts to reach Ben Hayes, NYPL president, to try and clarify how the MLB proposal might affect this community asset have been unsuccessful.
Schumer said the first order of business is getting MLB to listen to the concerns of the communities affected by this proposal. He is seeking a meeting with MLB Commissioner Rob Manafort, whom Schumer hopes will understand the concerns of Upstate communities because he's originally from Rome.
Loss of the NYPL would be especially devastating for baseball fans in Upstate New York, Schumer said. The Dream League, whatever that might be, Schumer said, might be a sufficient attraction to make professional baseball viable in Upstate.
"The New York Penn League short-season schedule has been ideal for New York baseball fans," Schumer said. "The games get started in mid-June after the colder spring weather; They last through the hot summer months when baseball's at its best, in my opinion."
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul has also weighed into the debate defending baseball in Batavia, stating, "If you’re in Batavia or anywhere nearby, you love the Muckdogs. I’ve been to many of their games. I’ve thrown out opening pitches. My husband and I slip in there at least once or twice a year to catch a game, so it’s part of the identity of the community and especially these small towns. I mean Batavia has a lot going for it, but part of it is being associated with a Minor League Baseball team."
Photo: File photo by Jim Burns.
It's early in the negotiations and officials with Minor League Baseball are working hard to save all the minor league ball clubs from the chopping block, a spokesman for Minor League Baseball said this evening.
"The game of baseball is just as important to Batavia and Auburn as it is in Charlotte or Indianapolis," said Jeff Lantz. "We want to see baseball grow and thrive and be a part of all of our communities."
He said it's unfortunate that word leaked that Major League Baseball floated a proposal to eliminate some minor league teams, and even more unfortunate that this week a list of teams MLB is proposing to be cut was leaked. Both Batavia and Auburn were on a list of New York Penn League clubs that could be scrapped if MLB is successful in reducing the number of minor league teams from 160 to 120.
"That's not good for anybody," Lantz said. "It's not good for Minor League Baseball. It's not good for the fans, and it's not good for the fans of Batavia and Auburn."
He said it's early in the process and MLB and its officials are meeting this week to negotiate. They'll meet again at the Winter Meetings in a couple of weeks to try and hammer out a deal.
"We'll find out their (MLB's) concerns," Lantz said. "I don't think there are any concerns that can't be addressed through negotiations and finding out the best way to go."
Asked if MLB holds all the cards, Lantz said, obviously, the Appalachian League (of) MLB owns all the franchises and can do with them as they please, but the rest of the teams have separate owners so their status does become a point of negotiation.
The Batavia Muckdogs are owned by the New York Penn League now, but the team's former owner, a community group -- Genesee County Baseball Club -- would receive a part of the proceeds if NYPL ever sold the club. If the club were sold and moved, members of the club have floated the idea of using the funds to start a baseball team in one of the leagues that provides summer baseball for college-level players.
Lantz referred questions about the team's ownership status and how that might play out in these negotiations to league president Ben Hayes.
The Batavian has been unable to reach Hayes although we've tried for the past couple of weeks.
General Manager Brendan Kelly said he was not authorized to talk about the status of the minor league clubs. We were also unable this evening to reach club President Brian Paris.
That said, Lantz confirmed, there will be a 2020 season for the Muckdogs in Batavia. The current contract between MiLB and MLB runs until Sept. 15, 2020.
"The good news is, that gives us 11 months to try to negotiate a deal," Lantz said.
Lantz said one thing that is helping the cause of Minor League Baseball is politicians speaking out to help save the teams in the communities they represent. He cited specifically a member of Congress from Massachusetts who got more than 100 other members of Congress to sign a petition to send to MLB asking MLB to protect these teams.
Sen. Charles Schumer has come out strongly in favor of keeping ball clubs in Batavia and Auburn.
“America’s favorite pastime should not become part of Upstate New York’s past," Schumer said. "It’s no secret that New York’s minor league teams are institutions within their communities, which is why I implore MLB to reconsider any such plans and will be reaching out to them directly to advocate for our New York teams."
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who along with her husband, Bill, is a big fan of the Muckdogs and has attended several games over the years, also sent out a couple of Tweets in support of protecting minor league teams in New York. In one, Hochul wrote, "Foul ball!? @MLB - please say this isn’t so. As the birthplace of baseball and home to the Baseball Hall of Fame, these teams are big economic drivers for our small towns and part of New York’s identity & culture."
UPDATE 8:25 p.m.: Genesee County Baseball Club President Brian Paris said he's had no conversations at this point with Ben Hayes or Minor League Baseball about the future of the Batavia Muckdogs, though he is mindful of the fact that the club has a financial stake in the outcome of negotiations. He noted that Major League Baseball enjoys an antitrust exemption, which could limit the leverage of ball club owners but, citing a Baseball America article, noted that terminating as many as 40 franchises could jeopardize baseball's always tenuous hold on its exemption (which is authorized by Congress). If the Muckdogs are ever sold, Paris noted, it's the intention of the club's board of directors that any proceeds from a sale (about half the value of the club, less operational losses sustained by the NYPL since the league took over) would be used to the benefit the community.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
On Wednesday (Nov. 20) there is a carryover of $1,135 in the Pick-5 at Batavia Downs and a guaranteed pool of $4,000 has been announced for the Pick-5 wager that day.
The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s (USTA) Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the USTA’s website or by direct download by clicking here.
The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, the carryover amount will move to the Friday (Nov. 22) program.
Post time for the first race Wednesday is 5 p.m.
Orleans County bowlers found a great deal of league success last week as three men posted perfect games at Medina Lanes and Oak Orchard Bowl.
All three 300 games were rolled on Thursday with Jacob Rosenbeck and Scott Allis finding perfection in the Firefighters League at Medina Lanes, and Robbie Hanks stringing 12 consecutive strikes in the Thursday Triples League at Oak Orchard Bowl.
Rosenbeck notched his first USBC-certified 300 on lanes 11-12 while Allis added to his long list of perfect games on lanes 9-10, both in the second game.
Hanks registered his fifth 300 game en route to a 752 series at his place of employment, Oak Orchard Bowl.
In the Sunday Rolloffs League at Medina Lanes, Alex Allis had a 290 game in a 752 series, and in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Rodney Jopson posted a 279 game in a 757 series.
For more high league scores last week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.
Mike Pettinella's Pin Points column is scheduled for this Thursday, exclusively on The Batavian.
Photo: Tullow N and driver John Cummings Jr.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Starting slow and finishing fast was a winning strategy for Tullow N, who posted a convincing victory in the $12,500 Open I Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on a very cold Saturday night (Nov. 16).
I’m So Handsome (Billy Davis Jr.) took command early and led the single-file field to the half in :58.2. It was there that Tullow N (John Cummings Jr.) pulled first-over and motored up the outside as they made their way around the third turn.
When they straightened out on the backside Tullow N was in full gear and paced right by the entire field, clearing by the three-quarters. Cummings then settled Tullow N and took a two-length lead into the last turn. In the stretch, the pocket-sitting I’m So Handsome and a three-wide Howmac Dancer (Renaldo Morales III) tried their best to reel-in the leader, but Tullow N was on a mission and won in-hand in 1:55.2.
The eighth win of the year for Tullow N ($9.60) pushed his earnings to $89,260 for the season. The Blindswitch Racing Stable owns the classy 8-year-old altered son of Mach Three-Tessa Bromac who is trained by Dave Russo.
(Photo of Carlos Danger in front with trainer/driver Ron Beback Jr.)
Despite coming off a very solid win in his last start, a jump in class shied bettors from backing Carlos Danger this week in the $10,000 Open III pace. But the game 6-year-old had the last laugh over the doubters after he went gate to wire in 1:56.3 at 10-1 for trainer/driver Ron Beback Jr. Carlos Danger ($23.40) is owned by Decker’s Corner Stable, Decker’s Gate Stable and Jo’s Get R Done Stable.
Billy Davis Jr. was the top dash driver again on Saturday adding three more wins to his total. He now has 111 wins for the meet and has long locked-up the driving title for the meet as he is 32 wins ahead of the second place Jim Morrill Jr.
Drew Monti and Dave McNeight III also scored two wins apiece.
There was no winner in the Pick-5 wager on Saturday night and as a result, there is an $1,134 carryover and a $4,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-5 wager on Wednesday evening (Nov. 20) when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs at 5 o'clock.
The guaranteed pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s (USTA) Strategic Wagering Program and that means free program pages of the Pick-5 races will be available on the USTA website beginning on Sunday (Nov. 17).
Wheels A Turning in the forefront with driver Shawn McDonough.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Wheels A Turning scored a narrow come-from-behind win in the feature trot at Batavia Downs last week. This week she took control off the gate and provided the same outcome in the $12,500 Open I Handicap trot over a sloppy track at the Downs on Friday night (11-15).
The feature field was scratched down to five and the lone mare, Wheels A Turning (Shawn McDonough) was the best off the gate, hitting the quarter in :30 flat. With no one applying any pressure, McDonough kept the fractions tepid; 1:00.4 to the half and 1:30 to three-quarters.
Rounding the far turn the pocket-sitting Fox Valley Veto (Billy Davis Jr.) and outside rusher Lougai (Ray Fisher Jr.) had the best shot for top honors and both were looking strong in pursuit. However under meaningful urging from McDonough, Wheels A Turning maintained her position and won by 1-¼ lengths in 2:00.1.
Wheels A Turning ($4.20) hit double-digit territory, scoring her 10th win of the year and hitting the $85,560 mark for purses. Allan Schmucker Jr. owns the mare that is trained by Sabrina Shaw.
(Above photo of Spoiler Alert with driver Renaldo Morales Jr.)
Despite his name, everyone apparently knew how this story would end in the $11,000 Open II Handicap trot as the heavy 3-5 favorite Spoiler Alert (Renaldo Morales Jr.) led every step of the way to score an impressive 1-½ length win in 1:59.3. Celebrating the eighth win of the year by Spoiler Alert ($3.20) were owner Jeffrey Hayes and trainer Misty Carey.
Billy Davis Jr. remained hot and extended his already insurmountable dash win lead for the meet by winning four races on Friday. He now has 108 wins for the session. Renaldo Morales Jr. also had three wins in Friday.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on tonight (Nov. 16) at 6 o'clock.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
The severe winter storm that hit western New York over the last two days caused many cancellations in the area due to bad driving conditions. Even though we are one day removed from the brunt of the disturbance it’s impact left the track at Batavia Downs unsafe to race over and as a result, management decided to cancel live racing for Wednesday (Nov. 13).
“Our first and foremost consideration at Batavia Downs is the safety of our horses, horsemen and horsewomen and after speaking with our drivers and trainers, it was a unanimous decision to cancel tonight’s card,” said Todd Haight, Director/General Manager of Live Racing at Batavia Downs.
Batavia Downs had a guaranteed pool of $6,000 in the Pick-5 wager on Wednesday and it was announced that the same guaranteed pool will be moved to Friday's card (Nov. 15) when live racing resumes. The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s (USTA) Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages will be available courtesy of Trackmaster on the USTA’s website starting tomorrow morning.
The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, the carryover amount will move to the Saturday (Nov. 16) program.
Post time on Friday (Nov. 15) is at 6 p.m.
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