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Skydivers will deliver and throw out the first pitch for the Muckdogs on opening day

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs announced today that skydivers from Western New York Skydiving will deliver and throw the Ceremonial First Pitch on Opening Day, Monday, June 19th.

Prior to throwing out the first pitch, an elite group from Western New York Skydiving will perform an aerial show, including banners and smoke, before landing in centerfield. The jump and demonstration are weather dependent and Western New York Skydiving reserves the right to cancel the event if they feel conditions are unsafe for both the jumpers and spectators.

The game between the Muckdogs and Auburn Doubledays will begin at 7:05 p.m. with the gates opening at 6 p.m. Opening Day tickets, as well as all season tickets and ticket packages, are all on sale now at the Dwyer Stadium box office, on Muckdogs.com or by calling 585-343-5454.

Host families needed to house Muckdog players for the 2017 season

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Would you like to live with the next Matt Carpenter, Ryan Howard or Chase Utley? 

The Batavia Muckdogs are again seeking local families to assist in housing players during the 2017 baseball season.

Anyone can help provide lodging for this year's Muckdogs by either providing space or renting a room, apartment, or home. While many host families come back year after year, the team is always looking to add to their list of availabilities for the players.   

Host Families play a crucial role in helping young players feel comfortable in a new environment. Many who have hosted players in the past have had incredibly wonderful experiences. However, with players coming and going throughout the season, we have constant needs as far as housing.

The 2017 season runs from June 17 until Sept. 5 and players typically range from 18-23 years of age. Because of the players' schedule, they typically spend about 40 nights in their Host Family home. Host families are not required to provide meals or transportation for players. 

Anyone in need of more information on becoming a Host Family is invited to contact the Muckdogs’ office at (585) 343-5454 or tsick@muckdogs.com. You can also call our housing coordinator Shirley Fanara directly at (585) 356-3411.

Muckdogs announce 2017 promotional schedule

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs, Genesee County’s only professional sports franchise and the Single-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, are excited to announce the release of their promotional schedule for the 2017 season. This year’s schedule will once again feature fireworks, giveaways, special events and daily promotions. 

This year’s promotional schedule is jam packed with fun and amazing values. Throughout the 2017 season, the Muckdogs will feature six fireworks shows, eight giveaway nights, Bark in the Park and the annual post-game helicopter candy drop. This year will also feature a “Turn Back the Clock” game where all tickets are just $5 and hot dogs and soda that night will cost just $1.

Highlights of the 2017 Promotional Schedule include:

Opening Day/Magnet Schedule Giveaway

Monday, June 19th

Pre-Game Chicken Wing Eating Contest

Monday, June 26th

Independence Day Celebration Fireworks

Tuesday, July 4th

T-Shirts Etc. 20th Anniversary Night & T-Shirt Giveaway

Saturday, July 15th  

Irish Night 

Thursday, July 20th

Downtown Batavia Night 

Thursday, July 27th

Former Buffalo Bills LB Ray Bentley Autograph Appearance & Book Giveaway

Saturday, July 29th  

Muckdogs Note Pad Giveaway

Saturday, Aug. 5th

Post-Game Helicopter Candy Drop

Sunday, Aug. 6th

Batavia Lions Club Bike Raffle

Monday, Aug. 7th

Turn Back the Clock Night 

Thursday, Aug. 17th

Team Photo Giveaway

Saturday, Aug. 19th & 26th

Bark in the Park 

Sunday, Aug. 20th

Fireworks Nights will be as follows: July 4th, July 14th, July 21st, July 28th, Aug. 4th and Aug. 18th

The Muckdogs will once again offer fans a daily menu of money-saving promotions available throughout the season. 

The Muckdogs daily promotions lineup is as follows: 

  • Mondays: Muckdog Monday presented by The Daily News: With a coupon from the Saturday edition of The Daily News, fans can purchase buy one get one free General Admission tickets. 
  • Tuesdays: Kids’ Tuesday Night Tickets courtesy of New York’s 529 College Savings Program: The first 50 kids accompanied by an adult receive a free General Admission ticket. 
  • Wednesdays: Family 4-Pack Night: Fans can purchase four General Admission tickets, four hot dogs, four 12-oz. sodas and a 2017 program for just $32, a savings of $19.00. 
  • Thursdays: Kids Eat Free courtesy of Bob Evans Restaurants: The first 100 kids 12 and under receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda, and snack item. 
  • Fridays: Post-game fireworks will light up the sky after every Friday night home game. 
  • Saturdays: Dollar Draft Saturday: From 6-7 p.m., 12-oz. Bud Light and Genny Light drafts are just $1. 
  • Sundays: Post-Game Run the Bases with Homer presented by Bob Evans Restaurant: Kids have the opportunity to run the bases with Homer after the game and receive a coupon from Bob Evans Restaurant in Batavia. Seniors Eat Free courtesy of The Williams Law Firm: The first 100 seniors 60 and over receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda/coffee, and a snack item. 

For a complete promotional schedule, go to www.muckdogs.com or call the Muckdogs office at (585)343-5454

The Muckdogs open their 2017 home schedule on Monday, June 19th vs. the Auburn Doubledays at 7:05 p.m. Muckdogs’ season tickets, coupon books, group tickets and ticket packages are on sale now. Individual tickets went on sale Monday.

Single-game Muckdog tickets for 2017 season go on sale Monday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Single-game tickets for all 2017 Muckdogs’ home games go on sale Monday, May 22nd beginning at 9 a.m. at the Dwyer Stadium Box Office, over the phone by calling (585) 343-5454 or online at muckdogs.com. Normal box office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The same great, affordable ticket prices are back again in 2017. Tickets range from $8 for box seats to just $7 for adult General Admission tickets and $6 for kids and senior General Admission tickets.

During the season, the ticket office opens on game days at 9 a.m. Monday-Friday and closes at the end of the fifth inning. On Saturday and Sunday, the ticket office will open at 10 a.m. and close after the fifth inning.

Season tickets, coupon books, ticket packages, and group tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit Muckdogs.com or call (585)343-5454 and press zero, Monday through Fridayfrom 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Muckdogs open their 2017 home schedule on Monday, June 19th vs. the Auburn Doubledays at 7:05 p.m. In addition to their Pinckney Division rivals, the Muckdogs will welcome the Boston Red Sox (Lowell) and the Houston Astros (Tri-City) farm teams to Dwyer Stadium in 2017.

Muckdogs announce start of summer reading program 'Hit the Books'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced the start of their reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of New York’s 529 College Savings Program, 2017 will mark the fifth year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.   

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across local counties with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher or librarian initial each time they complete a book. When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday Batavia Muckdogs’ game!

In addition to the free ticket, the child will also receive a prize courtesy of New York’s 529 College Savings Program. If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win a backpack with school supplies, provided by New York’s 529 College Savings Program; along with the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a Muckdogs game. 

In addition to the many participating schools, bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

·         Richmond Library (Batavia)

·         Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)

·         Byron-Bergen Public Library

·         Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)

·         Hoag Library (Albion)

·         Pavilion Public Library

·         Woodward Memorial Library (Le Roy)

·         Holley Community Free Library

Any questions about the reading program or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Josh Swan, at 585-343-5454, ext. 1005.

Muckdogs announce participation in scholarship fund

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs are proud to announce that the league's philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award more than $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league's 14 markets.

Now in its ninth year, the 2017 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league's footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two- or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible.

Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

The scholarship contest will consist of two stages -- a local round and a league round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the league/final round. The 14 finalists will then be judged by league representatives. Three applicants will be selected to receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation and our 14 member clubs are pleased to have the opportunity to assist outstanding high school seniors within our league’s footprint for the ninth consecutive season,” said Ben J. Hayes, president of the New York-Penn League.

“This program will again recognize those seniors who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but demonstrate the positive community impact and lifelong memories fostered by their local NYPL clubs throughout the year.”

High school seniors interested in entering the 2017 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application from their local NYPL club, or by visiting the league's official website, NewYork-PennLeague.com.

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is June 5. Each club's winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in mid-July.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

Muckdogs' Hot Stove Dinner is Feb. 25 at Sacred Heart Church

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Baseball Club will hold its annual Batavia Muckdogs Hot Stove Dinner and Auction on Saturday, Feb. 25th from 4:30 - 8 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church Hall at 17 Sumner St. in Batavia. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour followed by a buffet dinner at 5:30.

The Hot Stove Dinner is a time for good food, new and renewed friendships, and baseball talk. The night also features both a live and Chinese auction of baseball-related memorabilia (including signed bats and balls), work by local artists, and gift certificates from a variety of local businesses. 

Tickets may be purchased in Batavia at Dwyer Stadium, the Williams Law Firm, and the office of Dr. Alan Barcomb.

Muckdogs announce field staff for 2017 season

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs, the Single-A Affiliate of the Miami Marlins, have announced their manager and coaching staff for the 2017 season. This year’s squad will be led by Manager Mike Jacobs, Pitching Coach Jason Erickson, Hitting Coach Rigoberto Silverio, Coach TJ Gamba, and Athletic Trainer Eric Reigelsberger.

Mike Jacobs, a former Marlins first baseman from 2006-08, returns to the Marlins organization for his first stint as a professional coach and manager of Batavia. Jacobs was drafted in the 28th round of the 1999 First-Year Player Draft by the New York Mets. He made his MLB debut with the Mets on Aug. 21, 2005, hitting a three-run pinch-hit home run against Washington in his first MLB at-bat. He was then acquired by the Marlins on Nov. 23, 2005, along with Yusmeiro Petit in exchange for Carlos Delgado. Jacobs enjoyed a seven-year MLB career and an 18-year professional career. Jacobs resides in Chula Vista, Calif., with his wife, Vanessa, and four daughters: Havana, Isabella, Sophia and Juliana.

Jason Erickson begins his first season with the Marlins organization as pitching coach of Batavia, following nearly four years in the Player Development department with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erickson was selected by Pittsburgh in the 24th round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Washington and went to play three seasons in the Pirates’ Minor League system. He finished with a 15-10 record and 3.94 ERA in 81 games (31 starts) over the three-year span.

Rigoberto Silverio returns to Batavia, following a one-year stint as hitting coach for the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Silverio served as Batavia’s hitting coach from 2014-15. The 2017 campaign marks his ninth year in the Marlins organization. Prior to his time with the Muckdogs, Silverio spent two seasons as a coach for Jupiter (2012-13). He spent his first three seasons with the organization as a coach for the Jamestown Jammers. In five seasons in the Marlins farm system, the former infielder was a career .243 hitter in 225 games.

TJ Gamba will return for his second season as a coach for Batavia. He also played for Batavia during the 1986 season. Gamba grew up in Auburn and went onto to play baseball at Ithaca College. He was drafted in the 22nd round of the 1986 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Cleveland Indians and played in the Indians organization for three seasons. He later coached Auburn High School and led the Maroons to the 2010 Section III, Class AA championship.

Eric Reigelsberger returns for his third season as athletic trainer for Batavia. He joined the Marlins organization after two years at Wichita State University, where he served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer for the baseball and cross-country teams. He also completed athletic training internships with the New York Mets and the St. Louis Rams. Reigelsberger received his Master of Education in Sport Management at Wichita State University and his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Central Methodist University. He resides in Wichita, Kan.

Revised sign code public hearing is Jan. 9; Dwyer Stadium lease agreement on the table

By Mike Pettinella

Batavia City Council set a public hearing on its amended sign code Monday night, but not before President Eugene Jankowski Jr. made sure three key changes had been made to the regulations.

"They added the 10 seconds like we asked, and also the nonconforming provision and removed the whole section about charging (an annual) fee," Jankowski said prior to the unanimous vote to schedule the public hearing for 7 p.m. Jan. 9 -- the date of Council's next Business meeting.

The revised sign code reduces the amount of time that the message on an electronic digital sign could be changed -- from once every hour to once every 10 seconds. It also eliminates an annual $25 fee that would have been imposed upon a business owner to operate a digital sign, and "grandfather's" in digital signs that currently are located in zoning districts (such as residential and/or Industrial) not authorized to have electronic message boards.

Another important revision is the elimination of county and city planning board reviews and special permits for those seeking area variances (example, changing the size of a sign). Upon passage of the amended code, an applicant would be able to go directly before the Zoning Board of Appeals, thus cutting the time frame of the approval process considerably.

In other action, Council:

-- Approved a resolution authorizing an agreement with the state Department of Transportation for preliminary engineering and design for preventive maintenance of six city streets: Clinton Street, East Avenue, Liberty Street, South Liberty Street, Swan Street and Vine Street.

Council appropriated $60,050 toward this phase of the milling and resurfacing project, which is expected to cost $2.5 million. Eighty percent of the work will be funded through Federal Transportation Funds, with the remaining 20 percent to be provided through a local match. 

Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian inquired why Harvester Avenue wasn't included on list, stating that it is "one of the worst streets in the City of Batavia."

City Manager Jason Molino responded that the street's Paving Condition Index did not warrant it to be placed at or near the top of the list, while Councilman John Canale added that the problem is with the "manhole covers that are so sunken in that it's like hitting a pothole -- and you can't avoid them."

-- Authorized renewing the Inter-Municipal City Court Prosecutorial Service Agreement with Genesee County. The contract was set to expire at the end of this year.

-- Agreed to consider a two-year extension of the city's lease and sublease agreement with the Rochester Red Wings and Genesee County Baseball Club for the management of Dwyer Stadium and the Batavia Muckdogs. The current lease terminates on April 2.

Molno said there would be no change in terms and conditions. The agreement also involves the Batavia Regional Recreation Corp. and the Rochester Community Baseball Inc., with day-to-day operations the responsibility of the Red Wings organization and GCBC, and capital improvements the responsibility of the City of Batavia. 

The pact also calls for the GCBC to sumbit a capital project plan and budget for next year, to be approved by City Council. Molino said all parties have had preliminary talks about what improvements need to be made for the 2017 season.

Rain, wet field conditions force games to be made up at Dwyer Stadium

By Billie Owens

Press release: 

Due to rain and wet field conditions during three separate road games, the Muckdogs will now be making those games up at Dwyer Stadium. 

The game in Mahoning Valley on Thursday, Aug. 11th, was postponed due to rain. This game will be made up as part of a double header on Wednesday, Aug. 17th. The teams will play two seven-inning games, with the first game starting at 5:05 p.m. Gates will open at 4 p.m.

The second makeup game will occur versus the Auburn Doubledays on Sunday, Sept. 4th, starting at 2:05 p.m. Gates will open at 1 p.m. The first game will be the conclusion of a suspended game that began Saturday, Aug. 13th, in Auburn. The game will begin in the bottom of the third inning with the score tied at zero, as it was when the game was postponed. The game is scheduled to be a nine inning game and will be followed by Sunday’s regularly scheduled contest, which will be seven innings. 

The final makeup game will take place versus Auburn on Monday, Sept. 5th. This is to make up the game that was postponed due to wet field conditions in Auburn on Sunday, Aug. 14th. Once again, the teams will play two seven-inning games, with the first game starting at 1:05 p.m. Gates will open at noon.

Former Bills linebacker Ray Bentley to sign autographs, throw first pitch at Muckdogs' game Aug. 21

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced that former Buffalo Bills linebacker Ray Bentley will sign autographs at Dwyer Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 21st, when the Muckdogs battle the West Virginia Black Bears at 4:05 p.m.

Prior to throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, Bentley will sign autographs from 3 to 3:45 p.m. Bentley will then sign again from 4:10 to 5 p.m.

Bentley is also the author of a series of children’s books about the characters Darby the Dinosaur and Bubba Gator. In addition to Bentley’s autograph signing, the first 150 kids 10 and under will also receive a free copy of the book “Darby’s Christmas Adventure.”

Bentley spent six seasons with the Bills (1986-1991), including two of the four historic consecutive Super Bowl appearances. After suffering an injury with the Cincinnati Bengals in 1992, Ray retired from professional football. Once retired, Ray became a radio show talk host in his hometown of Grand Rapids, Mich., on WOOD 1340 AM, as well as a play by play announcer on FOX for the NFL. In 2000, he became the Head Coach and General Manager of the Buffalo Destroyers, an Arena Football League team. After resigning in 2003, he made his way back to the television screen, becoming a color analyst for ESPN college football games, the job he still holds today.

For tickets, call the Muckdogs box office at (585) 343-5454, ext. 1005.

Two Muckdogs named to all-star team

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The 2016 New York-Penn League All-Star roster will include two players from Batavia. They will send infielder J.J. Gould and pitcher Shane Sawczak to the game to be held Tuesday, Aug. 16th at Dutchess Stadium, home of the Hudson Valley Renegades.

Gould, a 24th round pick in the 2016 draft, has played in 39 games for the Muckdogs this year and has been among the team leaders in hitting all season. Gould has 11 doubles, which is tied for fourth in the NY-Penn League, to go along with a .252 batting average, three home runs and 15 RBIs. Gould has been dominant versus left-handed pitching with a .386 batting average and .636 slugging percentage.

Shane Sawczak was selected in the 19th round of the 2016 draft out of Palm Beach State University. Appearing out of the bullpen in 12 games, the left-hander has a record of 1-1 and has racked up 20 strikeouts in 21.1 innings pitched. On the year, Sawczak has compiled an ERA of 1.69 and a WHIP 1.27.

Batavia currently holds the sixth place spot in the Pinckney Division with a record of 12-38. The Muckdogs sent five players to the 2012 All-Star game, four in 2013, four in 2014, and six players in 2015.

Muckdogs game postponed due to weather

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Tonight’s game between the Batavia Muckdogs and State College Spikes has been postponed due wet and unsafe field conditions. This game will be made up as part of a double header on Tuesday, July 26th. We will play two seven innings games, with the first game starting at 11:05 p.m. Gates will open at 10:00 a.m. Any person with tickets to tonight’s game can exchange their tickets for any other regular season game, subject to availability.

The Batavia Lions Club bike raffle that was originally scheduled for tonight will be rescheduled at a to be determined home game. 

Muckdogs-Spikes game postponed due to rain

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 

Tonight’s game between the Batavia Muckdogs and State College Spikes has been postponed due wet and unsafe field conditions.

This game will be made up as part of a double header on Tuesday, July 26th. We will play two seven innings games, with the first game starting at 11:05 p.m. Gates will open at 10 a.m. Any person with tickets to tonight’s game can exchange their tickets for any other regular season game, subject to availability. 

The Batavia Lions Club bike raffle that was originally scheduled for tonight will be rescheduled at a to-be-determined home game.

Muckdogs host youth baseball camp Aug. 18-20, deadline for paid registration is Aug. 5

By Billie Owens

Join the Muckdogs at Dwyer Stadium Aug. 18th, 19th, and 20th for our youth baseball camp!

Kids ages 6-14 will receive two days of on-field instruction from the Muckdogs players and coaches on August 18th and 19th from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Children will learn from the pros in the areas of hitting, fielding, pitching, catching, base running and bunting. Then on Aug. 20th, campers will be able to come back to Dwyer for a private autograph signing with the team 30 minutes before the gates open (5:30 p.m.) and then be recognized on the field prior to the Muckdogs game vs. the West Virginia Black Bears (Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate).

Campers will also receive a special T-shirt not available in the team store, a camp photo, two tickets to the Aug. 20th game, as well as daily lunch, all for only $70. Registration forms are available at Dwyer Stadium and online at muckdogs.com. Space is limited and all registrations and payments must be turned in by Friday, Aug. 5th

**************************

The Batavia Muckdogs are the short-season, Class A affiliate of the Miami Marlins and are the lone remaining founding members of the New York-Penn League, dating back to 1939. The Batavia Muckdogs are operated by the neighboring Rochester Red Wings.

Location: Dwyer Stadium, 299 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020

Phone: 585-343-5454; Fax: 585-343-5620

Website: www.muckdogs.com

Next two nights, Muckdogs will face top pitching prospects in Orioles system

By Howard B. Owens

Visiting teams are bringing more top prospects to Batavia over the next couple of nights, with a first-rounder starting for Aberdeen tonight, and the son of a former major leaguer who missed last season because of an injury tomorrow night.

This evening, Cody Sedlock, the 27th overall pick for the Baltimore Orioles, takes the mound against the Muckdogs in his second professional start. Hailing from Rock Island, Ill., Sedlock set a new school record in strikeouts this season for the University of Illinois. 

On Saturday, Hunter Harvey (photo) continues his comeback effort. The son of former major league pitcher Bryan Harvey was a first-round pick for the Orioles in 2013.

Last night, Aberdeen also put a prospect from Rochester on the mound. Steven Klimek, a graduate of Greece Arcadia before attending St. Bonaventure, pitched two and a third innings, fanning six and not allowing a hit against eight batters.

Photo of Hunter Havery courtesy Mike Janes/Four Seam Images.

Photos: Baseball and fireworks at Dwyer Stadium

By Howard B. Owens

On a night when the Batavia Muckdogs fell to 4-14 in a 5-1 loss to Brooklyn, at least there were fireworks after the game.

There was also the professional debut of the New York Mets' #1 draft pick, Justin Dunn, who brought his own kind of heat, striking out two in the ninth of a jittery eighth frame.

In the eighth, the Muckdogs managed two hits off of Dunn, matching the total number of hits they got over seven innings against starter Merandy Gonzalez (2-0, 2.21 ERA).

Muckdogs starter Reilly Hovis took the loss, giving up four runs and seven hits over four innings to fall to 1-2 with a 5.60 ERA. Relievers Chevis Hoover and Parker Bugg held things down over the final five innings, giving up a run and two hits.

For the Muckdogs, Isaiah White had two hits.

The Muckdogs face Brooklyn again tonight at Dwyer. Game time is 7:05. 

Top photo: Dunn delivering his first professional pitch.

Batavia second baseman Rony Cabrera gets ready to apply the tag on Gene Cone's steal attempt in the sixth inning.

In the second, Samuel Castro attempted to bunt for a base hit, but seemed to wait for the umpire to call his bunt foul before running toward first. He was thrown out at first.

Dale Burdick steals second in the second. Burdick is the nephew of Tom Turnbull, president of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

Reilly Hovis pitching.

Aaron Knapp gets a stolen base, his second of the season.

Justin Dunn

Mets top pick for 2016 could make debut against Muckdogs tomorrow

By Howard B. Owens

New York Mets fans in the area might be interested to know that Justin Dunn, this year's #1 draft pick by the Mets, and 19th overall, could make his professional debut tomorrow against the Batavia Muckdogs at Dwyer Stadium.

It's July 4th and there will be post-game fireworks, so expect a sellout anyway.

Game time is 7 p.m.

Dunn was born in Freeport and attended Boston College before being drafted.

Photo courtesy Mike Janes/Four Seams Images.

New York products promoted at Muckdogs' games

By Zachary Lee

The Batavia Muckdogs at Dwyer Stadium is one of five Minor League Baseball teams statewide offering New York food and beverages this season, Gov. Cuomo's office announced this week. This is the second year that the Muckdogs have partnered with the Taste NY branding and sales initiative began by Cuomo in 2013.

Taste NY is overseen by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and was launched to create opportunities for our food producers to showcase their goods at large public events like the Great New York State Fair and other places crowds gather, like Minor League Baseball games.

The expanding program has also opened stores at Thruway rest stops along the state’s highways and in transportation hubs, enabling travelers to buy New York State’s homegrown and homemade products. Approximately 1,100 local companies have participated in these opportunities, thereby expanding New York's food and beverage markets, according to a press release from the governor's office.

For the 2016 season, four craft beer companies in the Empire State have products for sale at Dwyer:

  • Brooklyn Brewery
  • Ellicottville Brewery
  • Genesee Brewing Company
  • Rohrbach Brewing Company

Plus, there are hot dogs and sausages from Zweigle's, breads and rolls from Di Paolo Baking Company, both of Rochester, and Akron-based Perry's Ice Cream.

"The Muckdogs are proud to be a part of the Taste NY program," said Muckdogs' General Manager Travis Sick. "We believe strongly in supporting as many local vendors as possible and look forward to featuring all of their great and, more importantly, delicious products at Dwyer Stadium this season."

The other participating teams and stadiums are:

  • Tri-City ValleyCats at Joe Bruno Stadium
  • Auburn Doubledays at Falcon Park
  • Staten Island Yankees at Richmond County Bank Ballpark
  • Rochester Red Wings at Frontier Field

Together, these stadiums see approximately 820,000 seasonal visitors and those fans will be treated to the same great ballpark staples, such has hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice-cold beer -- now sourced from some of New York State’s best agricultural producers. Taste NY has helped vendors triple their gross annual sales from 2014 to 2015, and with this increased promotion, they are on track to doubling those sales in 2016, according to the governor's office.

“New York grown and made food and beverages are second to none and building upon the great success of the Taste NY program, we are partnering with local baseball stadiums to expose even more New Yorkers to these great Empire State products,” said Governor Cuomo in a press release.

“When New Yorkers buy New York products from New York businesses, the home team wins every time.” 

For more information about Taste NY, click here.

West Virginia's strong 7th inning ends Muckdogs streak

By Steve Ognibene

Pictured above, Pablo Garcia watching two West Virginia runs being scored.

A quiet start but energetic night coming into tonight’s second game versus West Virginia Black Bears, but the Batavia Muckdogs ended a three-game winning streak losing at Dwyer Stadium 9-4.

After the first few innings being tied, in the bottom of the sixth, Isaiah White stirs the field on a forced out grounder advancing Rony Cabrera to third who scored on Aaron Knapp’s single next at bat taking the game lead by one. Pablo Garcia hit a sacrifice fly to left which brought White in to score leading the Muckdogs after six innings 3-1.

Top of the 7th Muckdogs Justin Langley comes in, West Virginia unloaded on Batavia, scoring six runs runs by, George, Krause, Baur, Craig, Pabst for the Black Bears. Ty Provencher replaced Justin Langley, Provencher  escaped the inning allowing two runs by Leffler and Owen which brought West Virgina’s lead 9-3.

No change until the bottom of the ninth with two outs Batavia’s Jhonny Santos homers on a fly ball to left field to eventually end the night with Batavia losing 9-4, tying the series 1-1.

Muckdogs will play tonight ending the three-game home stances against West Virginia game time 7:05.

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