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Ryan Gugel reports to Florida to begin professional baseball career

By Howard B. Owens

Local baseball fans will be disappointed to learn that newly-minted professional ballplayer, and Batavia High grad, Ryan Gugel likely won't be playing any of his games in Batavia this summer.

The slugging catcher who signed a free-agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies last week has reported to Clearwater, Fla., in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League, according to the D&C..

The Phillies also have an affiliate in the New York-Penn League, the Williamsport Crosscutters, and it's possible Gugal could make his way to that Batavia Muckdog rival at some point this season or next. Though his next step could just as easily be the Lakewood BlueClaws or the Clearwater Thrashers.

Meanwhile, fellow Batavia High grad Chris Page, taken in the 50th round of the June Draft by the Cincinnati Reds, has yet to sign a contract.  The Reds have rookie-level and Class A affiliates in Sarasota, Fla., Billings, Mont. and Dayton, Ohio.

Batavia Muckdogs Season Opener with Fireworks!

By Russ Salway

The Batavia Muckdogs open their 2009 season at Dwyer  Stadium June 19th at 7:05! Cheer on our hometown 2008 NY-Penn league champs as they return for another great season!  The Muckdogs are facing their thruway rivals the Auburn Doubledays with post-game fireworks! Let's Go Muckdogs!!!  

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Meet the 2009 Batavia Muckdogs Thursday at Dwyer Stadium

By Russ Salway

Hey MUCKDOGNATION!!! You and your friends and family are all invited to an open house this Thursday June 18th at Dwyer Stadium from 6pm-8pm. Meet the players, watch practice, get autographs or shop at the team store! Gates open at 6pm and its free and open to everyone! Bring your camera and get some pictures of the new St. Louis Cardinals 2009 draft picks!!! Also don't forget the season opener is this Friday the 19th at 7:05pm with fireworks!!!  Let's fill the stands and make this a record breaking season attendance this year!  LET'S GO MUCKDOGS!

Soccer, Open to anyone and everyone

By Arlana Pathammavong

Open Soccer tonight @ 6:45.  John Kennedy fields, look around because we might be behind the school again this week.  We play rain or shine, until the sun goes down.  If you have any questions call or text me -585.409.5228- Anyone and everyone welcome, all ages, shapes, sizes, co-ed.  It is recreational, but slightly competitive, but you don't need to be an amazing player to play, we welcome anyone.  Spread the word. We play EVERY Monday night at 6:45 at John Kennedy.  Its a been a great turnout thus far, hope to see you there. 

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SC Genesee Lancers United take title at Alexander Tournament

By Chris Chilano

 

The u19 Genesee Lancers United soccer team took first place at the 2009 Alexander 6v6 Tournament on June 14. They went 4-0 on the day, outscoring their opponents 17-4. They defeated TFN 3-1, E. Aurora I by the score of 4-1, E. Aurora-II by the score of 5-2, and Jamestoen United 5-0 to win the round-robin style tournament.

Kasey Welch led the way with 5 goals, including a natural hat trick in game three. Jessie Jaszko and Stacey Hein each scored 3. Brittany Luckey and Jenn Lonnen tallied 2 each, and Emilie Rath and Jenna Ferrando also scored. Leslie George was great all day in goal, and Audrey Rath, Jamie Braswell, and Brittany Hein played great all day to help lead the team.

The team is coached by Chris Chilano and sponsored by TF Brown's, Fenton Farm Produce, SJ Starowitz, and Lewis & Lewis, PC.

Second former BHS baseball player, Gugel, inks with Phillies

By Brian Hillabush

Ryan Gugel may have gone undrafted, but he is now a professional baseball player, becoming the second former Batavia baseball player to sign a deal this week after Chris Page was drafted in the 50th round of the Major League Baseball draft.

Gugel signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies - former parent club of the Batavia Muckdogs - this weekend.

The catcher had a .425 career batting average at Batavia with 22 doubles, seven triples, three home runs and 50 RBIs.

He then went to Genesee Community College where he hit .440 with 26 doubles, six triples, eight homers, 19 stolen bases and 82 RBIs for the Cougars in two years. He then continued his baseball career and education and the University of Albany.

At Albany, he started all 55 games as a junior and hit .297 with 12 doubles, a triple and four home runs. He also had an incredible .972 fielding percentage behind the plate.

He batted .303 with nine home runs and 49 RBIs as a senior. Gugel had a .953 fielding percentage as well as hitting 11 doubles and two triples.

St. Louis draft gives some clue about who will be a 2009 Muckdogs player

By Howard B. Owens

The St. Louis Cardinals first-round draft choice, who might very well wind up in Batavia as a Muckdog, is a big guy from a small town with big ambitions.

Shelby Miller, from Brownwood, Texas, a town of 19,000 people, was the 19th overall pick in the annual MLB draft. His fastball has been clocked at 97 m.p.h. and he doesn't mind comparisons to Texas natives Roger Clemens and Nolan Ryan.

Those are some big shoes to fill.

The high school pitcher has been dubbed "a special kind of talent" who could fetch $3.5 million in his first contract.

The Cardinals second pick is a catcher out of the University of Southern California, Robert Stock.

Other selections in no particular order:

Baseball America has a complete list of St. Louis draft picks.

Just because a player is drafted doesn't mean he will sign, or that he'll wind up in Batavia. The Cardinals also have a short-season affiliate in Johnson City, Tenn.

Former Batavia High and GCC standout Page gets picked - UPDATED

By Brian Hillabush

 

Former Batavia baseball standout Chris Page is going to get his shot at pro ball.

The Genesee Community College pitcher/first baseman was drafted in the 50th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Cincinnati Reds. He was the 1499th overall player selected.

"I was supposed to be working but I was watching the draft," said Page, who was picked at about 3 p.m. today. "It was the 49th round and I decided to watch one more. When they called my name, I was speechless."

The Reds have been scouting Page since high school, where the big 6-foot-4 lefty set two Batavia records in his senior season with a .534 batting average and 11 doubles. He also had 31 hits, three triples, two home runs, 19 RBIs and 15 walks in his senior season.

He was also 5-2 on the mound, earning him a chance to play at GCC, where Cincinnati continued to monitor his progress.

The Cougars went 25-13-1 this spring with Page leading the squad at the plate. He had a .456 batting average with 18 doubles, five home runs, 34 RBIs, 52 hits and 33 walks.  He did not pitch due to elbow problems.

He is expected to start his professional career in the Florida Gulf Coast League.

"I am honored to have been followed and drafted by a great organization like the Reds," Page said.

Fourth Annual Seth Morrison Memorial Golf Tournament at Chestnut Hill

By Bob Martin

If you're looking for some fun this Sunday, June 7th, get three friends and come play in the "Fourth Annual Seth Morrison Memorial Golf Tournament".  We're playing at Chestnut Hill in Darien.  This is a beautiful course and one of the finest in Genesee County.  It's a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start with a "scramble" format.  Your team can post a score to rival "Tigers".  We'll start you off with a light lunch before golf and a Char-broiled steak afterwards, we'll cap it all off with a Chinese Auction after dinner.  Cost is $75.00 per golfer.

This tournament is in memory of Seth Morrison, a young man who died as a result of a house fire in Darien.  Proceeds benefit the "Field of Dreams" sports park in Alexander.

If you're interested, call me, Bob Martin, at 344-0202 or e-mail to rmartin68@rochester.rr.com.

Softball: Oakfield girls knock out #1 seed

By Howard B. Owens

Submitted by Mary Beth Mcmartin.

Pembroke Girls Softball team knocks out # 1 seed Gananda 
to meet Oakfield in the Class CC Finals on Wednesday

The Teams.

By daniel cherry

The Astros lost 19 to 15 on saturday in minor league baseball.It was a close game.Thanks to TF Browns for being a sponsor.Thanks to Paul Sputore for all he does for the minor leagues.

SC Genesee Lancers Women making their mark in premier soccer division

By Chris Chilano

The S.C. Genesee Lancers Women's team, which became the first local soccer team to be promoted to the Premier Division in the RDSL (Rochester District Soccer League - which is the oldest league in the U.S.A.) is off to a great start in 2009.

The ladies played a tough 0-0 draw against the Canal City (Wheatland) Courage on Wednesday night. The team had many chances but just could put one away. After gaining the tie in their first game of the season, it didn't get any easier as the Lancers traveled to play the Greece Cobras on Saturday morning. The Cobras are a very good and established Premier team. The Lancers were missing 8 players for the match to boot.

The Cobras would score twice in the first four minutes, but the Lancers hung tough and Lindsay Wellspeak (Alexander/FLCC) would steal a ball from the Cobras defeneder and walk in on a breakaway and score with just 7 minutes left in the half go get the Lancers only down 2-1 at half.

In the second half the Lancers took it to the Cobras, with Wellspeak getting goal #2 off a great assist from Megan Baker (Kendall/St. John Fisher). Just moments later Kasey Welch (Byron-Bergen/Naz), coming of ACL surgery and making her return, would score off a wild scramble in front of the net after a Robin Blaun (Elba/SUNY Brockport) assist. The Cobras would tie the game at 3, but with 12 minutes left, Blaun would send a streaking Jessie Jaszko (Batavia/GCC) in on a breakway to score, sealing the 4-3 win. Caitlin Dilal (Mercy/Robert Morris) would make 9 saves in goal for the win, and the Lancers defense led by Jenna Ferrando (Leroy/Buffalo State) and Audrey Rath (Medina/Alfred State) were great all day.

The ladies are now 1-0-1 in Premier play and next up is the much anticipated Cup game vs. Greece Eclipse, Tuesday, June 2 at Lions Park in Batavia. Come out and support them! The team is sponsored by SJ Starowitz, TF Browns, and Lewis and Lewis, P.C.

 

Group of last year's Muckdogs make it to Quad Cities

By Howard B. Owens

Thirteen players who spent at least part of the 2008 season with the Batavia Muckdogs have been placed on the Quad Cities River Bandits roster for 2009.

The players promoted are: George Brown, Hector Cardenas, Ramon Delgado, Arquidemes Nieto, Miguel Tapia, Adam Veres, Charles Cutler, Blake Murphy, Osvaldo Morales, Domnit Bolivar, Alex Castellanos, Jon Edwards and Chris Swauger.

NFL Network coming to cable - just not your cable.

By Brian Hillabush

 For those NFL fans out there that have been waiting for  the NFL Network to come to Time Warner Cable, it looks like you are going to be waiting for a while longer.

Commissioner Roger Goodell announced today that the popular channel - which DirecTV customers have enjoyed for years - signed a 10 year deal with Comcast.

Goodell did leave the door open for a  possible deal with Time Warner in the future.

Goodell also said the NFL will work to resolve any differences it has with other major cable operators that don't carry the network -- including Time Warner Cable Inc., Cablevision Systems Corp. and Charter Communications Inc.

Last year's Muckdog stars promoted to High Class A

By Howard B. Owens

Eight players who spent time with the Batavia Muckdogs during their 2008 championship season are continuing their minor league careers this season with the Palm Beach Cardinals.

Palm Beach, also a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate, is in the Florida State League, which is considered High Class A.

Among the players making the roster are hitting stars Jermaine Curtis, Cold Sedbrook and Shane Peterson.

Reliever Adam Reifer is also starting the season with Palm Beach, as is Lance Lynn, who put up great numbers with both Batavia and Quad Cities.

Rounding out the list of promotions: Francisco Rivera, Ryan Kuilk and Thomas Eager,

Nominations Sought For Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame

By JIM NIGRO

Nominations are still being accepted for The eight annual Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony and dinner to be held October 17, at Terry Hills Restaurant. The Hall of Fame Committee is accepting applications through May 31. 

In honoring former athletes, coaches, administrators and various contributors, the Hall of Fame recognizes the great accomplishments and outstanding contributions of those associated with the Blue Devil’s athletic program. 

All nominations received by the committee, in addition to those already on file, will be taken into consideration.

The selection process includes the following criteria:                                            

1. In addition to outstanding athletes, coaches and administrators, the Hall of Fame will recognize outstanding contributors such as worthy booster club presidents, parent volunteers, team doctors, etc.   

2.  Athletes become eligible five years after graduation and coaches five years after retirement. Said time frame will also apply to contributors.

3. The nominee must have made an outstanding contribution to his or her sport, such as attaining all-league, all-county or all-state honors, all-time leading scorer, winning state championship, etc.

4. The nominee must be a positive role model, having displayed exemplary character while representing Batavia athletics and also in his or her life following graduation, worthy of being emulated by current and future students.

Nomination forms are available on the district web site at bataviacsd.org or by contacting the athletic director’s office at 343-2480, ext. 2003    

 

Muckdogs announce scholarship opportunity

By Billie Owens

The New York-Penn League and the Batavia Muckdogs are proud to announce a new scholarship program sponsored by the NY-Penn League Charitable Foundation. It will award a $2,500 scholarship to three deserving individuals (one from each of the league’s three divisions). 
 
The scholarship is based on financial need, academic performance and other criteria. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and also be engaged in extracurricular activities. The applicant should be involved in community service and be able to provide references. The student must include a copy of his or her transcript and a letter of acceptance from the institution they plan to attend.

Applications must be completed and returned to their hometown/local NY-Penn League Club by July 15. Their hometown/local club will choose one application to submit to the NY-Penn League Charitable Foundation selection committee.

Students eligible for this award must be graduating seniors from a public or private high school. Scholarship awards must be applied towards any 2- to 4-year college or university, vocational or technical education institution or program.   
 
Anyone interested in applying for the scholarship can download the application online at www.muckdogs.com or pick up/fill out an application in person at Dwyer Stadium, 299 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Phone is 343-5454.

Kiwanis Club of Batavia Strives to Make Strikes for Golisano Children’s Hospital

By Patrick Weissend

Batavia Kiwanis is rolling together a bowling fundraising event to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). The first annual event, called the No-Tap Fun Tournament, will begin at 12 p.m. Saturday, May 23 at Mancuso’s Bowling Center at 214 East Main St. in Batavia. The tournament has a no-tap rule, which means if a bowler gets nine pins down, it counts as a strike.

“Many people in Batavia don’t realize how much of an impact Golisano has on local families here,” said Patrick Weissend, the chair of the first annual No-Tap Fun Tournament and member of the Batavia Kiwanis Club. "In 2008, the hospital served more than 1,600 children from Genesee County," continued Weissend.

Patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital at URMC come from as many as 63 New York counties seeking specialty care in a range of areas. All seriously ill or injured children from the 17-county Finger Lakes region are referred to Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Last year’s Miracle Kid Anders Swanson was from Batavia. Anders had a rare, aggressive brain tumor near the center of his brain. Doctors at Golisano Children’s Hospital at URMC tended to and treated Anders and in mid-September 2007, Anders was declared cancer-free. He is still being monitored closely, but Anders is undoubtedly a miracle, and his care is a testament to how valuable Golisano Children’s Hospital is to kids in the Batavia community, explained Weissend, a close friend to the Swansons.

The tournament is $20 per bowler or $90 per team. Those not interested in bowling are welcome to sponsor a lane for $25. To reserve a spot as an individual or for a team, request a form by e-mailing lgpat@BataviaKiwanis.com or calling (585) 993-1634 or (585) 343-4727.

 

 

Genesee Valley Kart Club 4/26/2009 Weekly Standings

By Jerome Peck II

What a great start to the racing season at Genesse Valley Kart Club! 
 

     April 26 was Race 1, complete with spectators in the stands. The Animal Stock Red & Gold plate classes were large and fun to watch. There was some close racing in both of those classes and it will definitely be exciting as the points add up this season.
      We had a short a burst of rain that once gone, had Mom’s and Dad’s driving around the track in trucks and SUV’s to dry it off. The sun came out and we were all racing again within 30 - 45 minutes.
      Classes are still organizing with the promise of new members in the WKA Animal Black plate as well as the Yamaha classes. Some excitement has been growing about the interest in the Yamaha Masters Class. We expect this group to start growing once the junior classes are underway.

 

 

Genesee Valley Kart Club Race Results for 4/26/09
 
Kid Karts
Nick Fauci
Logan Muschaweck
 
Sealed Animal Red Plate
Brett McManus
Adam Cornel
Madee Clicquennoi
Christian Peck
Ryan Bavineau
Zachary Turner
 
Sealed Animal Gold Plate
McAndrew Gamrod
Tyler Orlop
Taylor Ness
Mikayla Meyer
Chris Andolino
Nick Traynor
 
WKA Animal Black Plate
Adam Johnson
Zack Clicquennoi
 
Yamaha Jr Sportsman
Leo Klimczak
 
Yamaha Sr Pipe
Shane Morse
Sandra Barkley
 
Tag Jr
Robbie Little

  Local area racer Christian Peck competeing in his jr. animal red plate class pulled out a 4th place finish for the day !!  This is a very competetive class of 8 - 11 yr olds.  Some first time drivers others are seasoned veterans

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