Kibbe Park
Medieval reenactors meet in Kibbe Park each Wednesday to do battle
For a time tonight, Kibbe Park was the site of a medieval battle on Wednesday evening.
Members of a Combat Historia, a group of medieval reenactors who stage non-historical battles, met for the first time in Batavia.
The four men came from Batavia, Rochester, and Buffalo.
Eddie Grosskopf got both groups going after moving to Batavia from Florida.
"I started doing this back when I was 13, Grosskopf said. "Originally, I came out to a park and saw a bunch of kids hitting each other with foam weapons. I was gonna make fun of them at first, and then they offered for me to come out, and I've been doing it since then. When I moved up here, I was like, 'Wow, there's not a lot of this up here. I'm gonna sucker these people into doing this.'
Joining him at Kibbe Park on Wednesday evening were Darnell Johnson, from Rochester, Brandon Winchell, from Buffalo, and Andrew Stangl, from Wales.
The Rochester group currently has 12 members, and with some recruiting, Johnson expects it soon to have 20 members. The Buffalo group is about a month old and has 15 members.
While only four members turned out for the first Kibbe Park meeting, Grosskopf said the goal is to use the park as a place for members of both the Buffalo and Rochester groups to meet each Wednesday, and he expects participation to grow.
The focus of the two groups is on the medieval Mongol Empire -- the time of Genghis Khan, the conquest of China, the conquest of the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
Stangl said Grosskopf kept after him to join after he came across the group at a ComicCon, and since he's been practicing martial arts since he was six, it seemed like a good fit for his interests.
Johnson said it's about more than just reenacting battles. There is a historical aspect, too, that is fascinating.
"You see the clothing that we wear," Johnson said. "It is representative of Mongol clothing. This is typical Asiatic steps armor. So I had to go through the process of learning what type of armor they use, the different lanyard patterns and how to actually make it and then source the material and then build this whole thing myself."
Grosskopf said Combat Historia offers a fun activity, a chance to learn and a community. Since the local groups are affiliated with the national non-profit Combat Historia, the group also does charitable community work.
To join, he can be reached at 585-664-4461, or the group can be found on Facebook.
Photos by Howard Owens.
Spartans football club set for scrimmage at Kibbe Park on Sunday afternoon
Press Release:
With a roster of 55 players and about a dozen sponsors in hand, the Genesee County Spartans organization is moving full speed ahead toward competing in the Northeastern Football Alliance this summer.
“We’re into the third week of training camp, preparing for an intrasquad scrimmage at 1 p.m. on May 7 at Kibbe Park (which is open to the public at no charge),” said Head Coach Harry Rascoe. “It’s a very competitive environment for starting positions on the team.”
The Spartans are practicing on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at Farrall Park in preparation for a May 20 scrimmage at the Watertown Red and Black, which plays in the Gridiron Developmental Football League.
Rascoe’s squad is on the road for its first three NFA games – at Auburn on June 3 and at Lockport on June 10 – before hosting Ithaca on June 17.
The remainder of the schedule: June 24 vs. Broome County; July 15 at Broome County; July 22 vs. Lockport; Aug. 5 at Ithaca; Aug. 12 vs. Auburn.
Rascoe said the team is finalizing arrangements to play its home games at Genesee Community College.
Team sponsors include Iron Reps gym, R.A. Haitz, Dan’s Tire & Auto, The Brick Gym, Eli Fish, Batavia Downs Gaming, Liberty Pumps, Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant, Get Sealed and Village Restaurant.
For more information about the team, including how to become a sponsor, go to the team’s Genesee County Spartans Facebook page or contact Rascoe at rascoeh@yahoo.com.
Submitted photos. Top photo: Head Coach Harry Rascoe, football in hand, calls out a play for the offensive line as the Genesee Spartans prepare for their season this summer. Bottom photo: Assistant coach Craig Tiberio conducts a drill for defensive backs at a recent Genesee Spartans football practice.
Tompkins Insurance to face Skyworks in men's softball championship
The Batavia Men's League Softball championship comes down to Tomkins Insurance vs. Skyworks this coming week.
On Thursday, in the semifinals, Tompkins beat T.F. Brown's Beers N Bombs 15-7. In the nightcap, Skyworks beat USPS 14-1.
Kibbe Park Thursday Night Softball report
Submitted by Mike Jamil:
Week 5 Coed Scores, updated standings, and Week 6 schedule...
Bomb Squad gets it's Tonya Harding impersonation on, treating 97 Rock like Nancy Kerrigan hitting Wesley with a car pre game. Though Wesley still turned out to be 97 Rock best hitter. No joke. Bomb Squad wins 15-3...
If you predicted mercy for the outcome of the 6pm game at Kibbe Park, you were Dead On accurate as Dead On Auto Body Repairs sends the Brew Crew to TF Browns early. Winning 18-3...
Saved By The Balls apparently was missing Zack Morris. They lose to YNGODESS 15-8...
Neither manager bothered to partake in the 8pm matchup. The inevitable happened and Toyota Of Batavia/ Southside Deli gets back on track winning 24-6 against Basic Pitches with their basic outcome...
In a family feud, Maskell's Rascals withstand the late attempted comeback by Abusement Park. They win 18-14...
Updated Standings
1. Bomb Squad 5-0 with 90 runs scored and 33 runs against...
2. Toyota Of Batavia/ Southside Deli 4-1 with 82 runs scored and 38 runs against...
3. Maskell's Rascals 3-2 with 63 runs for and 45 runs against...
3. TF Browns Saved By The Balls 3-2 with 62 runs scored and 60 runs against...
3. Dead On Auto Body Repairs 3-2 with 80 runs scored and 79 runs against...
3. YNGODESS 3-2 with 53 runs scored and 52 runs against...
7. TF Browns Abusement Park 2-3 with 69 runs scored and 57 runs against...
8. 97 Rock 1-4 with 32 runs scored and 62 runs against...
8. TF Browns Brew Crew 1-4 with 49 runs scored and 111 runs against...
10. Basic Pitches 0-5 with 47 runs scored and 100 runs against...
Week 6 Schedule
Williams Park at 630 has Bomb Squad (home) vs YNGODESS
Kibbe Park at 6pm has TF Browns Brew Crew (home) vs TF Browns Abusement Park
Kibbe Park at 7pm has Maskell's Rascals (home) vs Toyota Of Batavia/ Southside Deli
Kibbe Park at 8pm has Dead On Auto Body Repairs (home) vs TF Browns Saved By The Balls
Kibbe Park at 9pm has 97 Rock (home) vs Basic Pitches
Report: Thursday night softball at Kibbe Park
Submitted by Mike Jamil:
Thursday Night Men's League Week 5 scores, updating standings, and Week 6 upcoming schedule...
Fava Brothers Lawncare Bad Boyz defeat Vinyl Sticks 25-15...
Fava Brothers Good Boys defeat Beer View Mirrors 17-5...
Tompkins Insurance of Batavia defeat U.S.P.S. 23-19...
Beers N Bombs defeat Master Batters 23-22...
Skyworks defeat Upstate Blazers 16-0...
Updated Standings
1. Skyworks 5-0 with 86 runs scored and 31 runs against...
2. Tompkins Insurance of Batavia 4-1 with 94 runs scored and 55 runs against...
3. Fava Brothers Lawncare Good Boys 3-2 with 77 runs scored and 63 runs against...
3. TF Browns Beer View Mirrors 3-2 with 69 runs scored and 61 runs against...
3. U.S.P.S. 3-2 with 73 runs scored and 74 runs against...
3. Fava Brothers Lawncare Bad Boyz 3-2 with 87 runs scored and 90 runs against...
3. TF Browns Beers N Bombs 3-2 with 71 runs scored and 85 runs against...
8. TF Browns Master Batters 1-4 with 90 runs scored and 98 runs against...
9. Vinyl Sticks 0-5 with 43 runs scored and 86 runs against...
9. Upstate Blazers 0-5 with 50 runs scored and 97 runs against...
Week 6 Upcoming Schedule
Williams Park at 630pm has Vinyl Sticks (home) vs Upstate Blazers...
Kibbe Park at 6pm has TF Browns Beer View Mirrors (home) vs Tompkins Insurance of Batavia...
Kibbe Park at 7pm has TF Browns Master Batters (home) vs Skyworks...
Kibbe Park at 8pm has U.S.P.S. (home) vs Fava Brothers Good Boys...
Kibbe Park at 9pm has TF Browns Beers N Bombs (home) vs Fava Brothers Lawncare Bad Boyz
Kibbe Park softball league starts playoffs
Week 5 results for Kibbe Park adult softball
(Home) TF Browns Blind Squirrels (2-3) 6,2,0,0,2,6,x
(Away) T.N.B.S.L Slapnut Magoos (0-5) 5,3,0,0,0,1,1
M. Badami 1-3 1rbi
R. Sumeriski 4-4 2rbi
J. Dykstra 1-2 1rbi
J. Janes 0-2 2rbi
C. Harrington 2-3 1rbi
M. Jamil 3-3 5rbi
A. Ford 1-3
L. Leto 3-4 2rbi
A. Ernst 3-4 2rbi
K. Rowland 1-3
H. Dempsey 1-4
S. Coffta 3-4
B. Burg 2-4
H. Rascoe 2-3 4rbi
M. Taylor 1-3 1rbi
Whitey 3-3 2rbi
A. Nichols 2-3 2rbi
C. Densmore 1-3
J. Petry 1-3
C. Rolle 1-3 1rbi
Lindsay 0-3
Anne 1-3
As you can see this was an 8-8 game through 4 full innings. 10-9 home team after five and a half innings as Rascoe drills a shot deep to right center driving in Coffta. Sumeriski and Jamil respond taking advantage of the base runners in the bottom half of the 6th inning to pull away in this game. Highlight of the game Whitey turns back the hands of time and makes a what we'll say was running while leaping and extending to make a sportscenter play of the week. Was a great catch to say the least. The TF Browns Blind Squirrels (2-3) will have their double header next week as they first take on The Misfits (1-4) at 6pm followed by 97 Rock (4-1) at 7pm. T.N.B.S.L Slapnut Magoos (0-5) will be against Andrew Steinbrenner's Allstate (5-1) at 9pm...
(Away) Andrew Steinbrenner's Allstate (5-1) 3,0,2,0,0, mercied
M. McMurray 2-3 3rbi
Tom Sauka 3-4 4rbi
S. Prusinowski 1-4 1rbi
S. Varnell 2-3
N. Holley 3-3 1rbi
L. Tillery 1-3 2rbi
A. Prusinowski 2-3
T. Sanchez 2-2 2rbi
J. Marucci 3-3 3rbi
J. Vasi 1-3 1rbi
N. Gaudy 2-3 2rbi
M. Funke 0-1 1rbi
J. Huertas 2-2
V. Redman 2-2 2rbi
T. Lazik 0-2
M. Good 1-2 1rbi
C. Spurling 1-2 1rbi
D. Callahan 0-2
J. D'Alba 1-2
T. Maurer 1-2
V. Thomas 1-2
J. Janes 0-2
D. Leach 1-2
B. Spurling 0-1
The biggest surprise by far belong to The Gallaghers. Off to a 4-2 start and not only overcame being -$4200 moneyline Las Vegas underdogs for the victory, they only needed 4 innings of at bats to Allstate's 5 at bats to win via mercy rule. Maverick and Sauka drive in 3 runs a piece in the 15 run second inning combining to hit 4-4. That was just 1 inning alone. I don't speak for everybody but I certainly would have had my money on Golliath not David in this matchup. The Gallaghers (4-2) will be against Wii Not Fit (3-3) at 8pm while Andrew Steinbrenner's Allstate (5-1) take on T.N.B.S.L Slapnut Magoos (0-5) at 9pm Wednesday at Kibbe Park.
(Away) Wii Not Fit (3-3) 3,0,2,0,0,6,6 (17)
D. Leach 3-4 2rbi
T. Maurer 3-4 4rbi
J. Huertas 4-4 1rbi
T. Lazik 4-4 2rbi
V. Thomas 2-4 2rbi
V. Redman 2-3 3rbi
M. Funke 2-3 1rbi
C. Spurling 0-1 2rbi
D. Callahan 2-3
M. Good 1-3
K. Rowland 0-2 1rbi
B. Spurling 2-3
J. DiAlba 2-3
N. Gaudy 5-5 2rbi
C. Dowling 2-3 4rbi
E. Davis 4-5 3rbi
M. Dwyer 3-5 2rbi
C. Chinn 3-4 1rbi
J. Stymus 0-2 1rbi
P. Mutter 0-3 1rbi
G. Hodges 1-3
C. Hall 1-3 1rbi
J. Palaszynski 2-4 1rbi
D. Coley 2-3 1rbi
This game was looking to get out of hand after the wheels were appearing to fall off fast for Wii Not Fit giving up a 10 run outburst in the second inning by Andrew Steinbrenner's Allstate who were extra motivated in lieu of avenging their stunning loss the game prior. Huertas continues his hot bat as Maurer's RBI total may have passed Joe Mauer's total in the majors which he gets paid to do. Wii Not Fit doesn't give up and like they do often, making the game suspenseful and close. Lots of excitement in this one. Facing adversity nearly being mercied down 14-5 after 5 at bats, the away team scores 6 in the 6th capped off by a Dwyer homer. Davis would cap off another 6 run inning in the top half of the 7th with a homer which would land Wii Not Fit the 17-14 lead with the home team up to bat trailing. Single, double, single, single, and then a walk off single by Thomas all in succession later Allstate wins 18-17. Andrew Steinbrenner's Allstate (5-1) will be facing T.N.B.S.L Slapnut Magoos (0-5) at 9pm while Wii Not Fit (3-3) will be against The Gallaghers (4-2) at 8pm in a week 1 rematch which seen Wii Not Fit win 8-7.
(Away) 97 Rock (4-1) 5,5,0,3,0,0,1 = mercy
B. Whitehead 1-3
J. Lee 1-3
J. Maskell 1-3
Dio 3-3 1rbi
D. Pirincci 1-3 1rbi
C. Weibel 0-1 1rbi
M. Ayers 1-3 1rbi
K. McGill 0-2
S. Bischoff 0-1
S. Oddo 1-3
L. Phillips 1-5 2rbi
N. Cummings 3-5
S. George 4-5 2rbi
D. Cervone 2-3
D. Cummings 2-4 1rbi
L. Stout 2-4 2rbi
D. Ball 4-4 2rbi
S. Krna 3-4 2rbi
Madison 1-4 1rbi
B. Welker 1-4 1rbi
The Misfits do their best to stop the bleeding as 97 Rock gets all 10 batters to the plate in innings 1 and 2. Can't single any one player out for 97 Rock as they produced with a well balanced attack 1-10. For The Misfits it wasn't all bad as they did get to participate in over 6 innings here. Pirincci, Dioguardi, Weibel, and Ayers all knock in a run as Whitehead and McGill continue to impress in the field. The Misfits (1-4) move on from this and they will match up against the TF Browns Blind Squirrels (2-3) at 6pm weather permitting. 97 Rock (4-1) will also play the TF Browns Blind Squirrels (2-3) but at 7pm.
(Away) TF Browns Commissioners Crew (2-3) 2,0,1,0,4,2,0
Nick 2-4 1rbi
Bud 2-3 1rbi
Brett 1-3 1rbi
Tenney 3-3 2rbi
Perl 1-3 1rbi
Trev 2-3 1rbi
Mitch 1-3
Luke 1-3
Red 2-3 2rbi
Radka 2-3 2rbi
Rich 1-2 1rbi
Jake 1-2 2rbi
The Cross Face Chicken Wing 1-2
A. Jarvela 2-3
G. Cassidy 1-2 2rbi
J. Dykstra 1-2 1rbi
A. Oklevitch 1-2 1rbi
C. Densmore 3-3 2rbi
M. Jamil 2-3 3rbi
R. Sumeriski 0-4
Dio 0-4
M. Greene 1-3
K. Oklevitch 2-3
As you can tell from the box score all it takes is one melt down inning to lose a game. Unfortunately for the TF Browns Commissioner's Crew the third inning happened as the home team drops an 11 spot hitting the ball all over the place. TF Browns Beers N Bombs scored 7 runs before even recording an out. In the bottom half of the sixth inning Red McDonald surprises as he delivers a power shot driving in some insurance runs. The away team would be shut down silently in the top of the seventh and the game ends as the home team doesn't even need last ups to seal the deal in this game. TF Browns Commissioners Crew (2-3) will face U.S.P.S (2-2) at 9pm at Kibbe Park. TF Browns Beers N Bombs (2-1) will first face the TF Browns Master Batters (1-3) at 6pm at Kibbe Park, followed by facing Cummings/Lee (4-0) also at Kibbe Park starting at 7pm. Week 1 rained out game is getting made up here.
Game 2
(Away) U.S.P.S. (2-2) 0,0,0,0,5,2,0
J. Muoio 1-4
M. McMurray 1-4 2rbi
Phil Fava 2-3
Pat Fava 2-4
N. Cavalieri 2-4 2rbi
S. Varnell 1-3 1rbi
M. Badami 2-3
R. Dumuhoski 3-4 1rbi
B. Falitico 2-3 1rbi
J. Diehl 3-3 1rbi
A. Ernst 1-3 1rbi
K. Abdulsalam 2-4 1rbi
R. Lehner 2-4 3rbi
M. Pullyblank 2-4
Big Shawn 2-4 1rbi
J. Bieber 0-4
B. Kotarski 2-4
J. Cordeiro 1-3
R. Neth 1-3
Nate 1-2 1rbi
Pitcher for U.S.P.S. Jim Bieber strikes out 3 Fava Brother batters, Neth makes a couple circus catches while still learning how to hit, and Lehner drives in 3, but it wasn't enough as Fava Brothers Lawn Care come through in the bottom of the 7th when Varnell delivers a leadoff triple. They would intentionally walk Badami to face Dumuhoski. Dumo delivers a walk off single to steal the victory. Fava Brothers Lawn Care (3-1) will be at Williams Park starting at 6pm Thursday against Balls Deep (0-4). U.S.P.S. (2-2) has a double header first against Cummings/Lee (4-0) at 8pm held at Kibbe Park. Followed by the 9pm game at Kibbe Park against TF Browns Commissioner's Crew (2-3).
Game 3
(Away) Balls Deep (0-4) 4,1,0,2,2,0
S. Coffta 3-4 2rbi
N. Cummings 2-4 1rbi
S. George 4-5 2rbi
D. Cummings 3-3 1rbi
Jake 3-3 3rbi
J. Lee 2-2 4rbi
B. Burg 3-3 3rbi
D. Ball 1-3 2rbi
T. Shelby 2-4 2rbi
Zach 2-3
D. Uline 3-4
M. Lewter 4-4 2rbi
A. Lewter 2-3 1rbi
K. Dougherty 3-4 3rbi
TJ Czworka 0-2
C. Sponholz 1-4 2rbi
Zalar 1-3
TJ Henderson 1-3 1rbi
J. Santiago 0-1
R. Lundy 1-3
Game 4
(Away) TF Browns Master Batters (1-3) 3,2,2,3,0,2
S. Coffta 3-5 2rbi
N. Cummings 3-5 3rbi
S. George 3-4 2rbi
D. Cummings 3-5 2rbi
Jake 2-5 1rbi
Jarad 3-5 1rbi
B. Burg 2-4 2rbi
D. Ball 3-4 3rbi
T. Shelby 4-4 2rbi
Zach 3-3 3rbi
C. Halsey 0-2
Tom Sauka 2-3 2rbi
E. Kitanic 2-4 1rbi
A. Prusinowski 3-3 3rbi
D. Pirincci 3-3 3rbi
N. Cook 1-4 2rbi
Hoss 1-4
Man selling crack cocaine at Kibbe Park given prison term
A 23-year-old Batavia resident will spend three-and-a-half years in prison as the result of his guilty plea last month to one count of criminal possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell.
Dillion M. Brito, with an address on Highland Park at the time of his arrest in June, was sentenced in Genesee County Court today by Judge Robert C. Noonan.
Brito was arrested in the parking lot of Kibbe Park after being found with a quantity of crack cocaine.
Upon his release from state prison, Brito will be on two years post-release supervision.
Bulldawgs lose exclusive use of Kibbe Park for practices
Officials with the Batavia Bulldawgs, a youth football program with about 150 participants, were surprised recently to learn from city officials that they wouldn't have full use of Kibbe Park for practices, said John Reigle, Bulldawgs president.
Reigle said the four age-bracketed teams need a lot of space and a lot of parking for parents and coaches on practice days and only Kibbe Park provides enough space.
A newly formed men's softball league reserved the ball field at Kibbe, creating a scheduling conflict between the two uses.
City Manager Jason Molino said the city has seen an increase in the number of organized groups looking to use city parks over the past couple of years and that means the city needs to find a way to juggle the interests of all those groups.
"It's a new issue," Molino said. "It's not a bad issue. It's a good issue. There are multiple different organizations wanting to use the parks. In the past, the parks were available on a first-come, first-served basis, but as we get different organizations, football, softball, tennis, it creates conflicts. We need to figure out a way to get with all parties and work out a schedule."
Reigle said the Bulldawgs were a little caught off-guard by change in park use. For several years, going back at least 10 years if you include Batavia Youth Football, local youth football programs have used Kibbe Park for practice without reservations. Reigle said he wishes city officials had informed the Bulldawgs it needed to reserve the space for the first time before giving the time and space to another group.
This season, the Bulldawgs will practice where they play, at Lion's Park.
That's not an ideal situation because of limited parking in the area.
Riegle fears the increase in traffic four days a week will have a negative impact on residents on Wallace Street.
"On Saturday game days, as a courtesy to the neighbors, we put out cones in front of their front yards and driveways so people won't park there," Riegle said. "It's a small street and traffic flow in and out of the park is difficult."
Molino offered the team a city-owned field on Cedar Street, in front of the County Highway Department, but that field hasn't been used in years. At one time, before Batavia Sports Park, it was used for youth soccer. It hasn't been maintained since and Riegle said the ground is too hard and rutted now to be used safely for practice.
Which brings up another issue Molino said the city is facing as recreational sports use of the parks increases -- field prep and maintenance.
The city doesn't have a recreation department and doesn't have the resources to perform the kind of prep work that might be common for recreational leagues in other cities.
"In a way, this comes up at a good time," Molino said. "Our strategic plan outlines the need to do a recreational needs assessment. That can be done through the comprehensive planning process. We can look at what the needs are and develop that into the comprehensive plan so we know what these services cost and what it will take to fund them. It's a good public process that will help us understand the needs and demands on our parks."
Molino said he realizes Reigle isn't 100-percent satisfied with the outcome of their discussions about the situation, but both men are open to exploring the use of the field on Cedar Street for next season.
"The Bulldawgs are committed to continue providing a great program for the kids," Reigle said. "We'll make do with what's best for the safety of the kids."
Photo: New pavilion under construction in Kibbe Park
So this appeared in Kibbe Park today.
Photo: No hoops in Kibbe Park today
It's been another chilly day in Genesee County, but at least the sun's been out.
There is a wind-chill advisory in place for tonight starting at 6 p.m. Single-digit temperatures combined with winds of 10 to 15 mph should produce a wind chill of minus 15.
Photo: Kibbe Park, Batavia.
Photos: Bleachers in the snow at Kibbe Park
Here's another weather picture from today.
Photos: Batavia Youth Football clinic at Kibbe Park
This morning, Batavia Youth Football conducted a football clinic for area children at Kibbe Park. The boys were instructed in how to play the defensive line, how to be a running back, how to be a receiver and how to be a quarterback.
More pictures after the jump:
Kibbe Park in the snow
I took this picture of Kibbe Park during my driving around this morning.
Do You Remember the Bleachers at Kibbe Park?
Do you remember the bleachers at Kibbe Park and the concession stand that sold ice cream under the bleachers? I believe the Anzalone family ran that stand.