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Muckdogs fans warm up to new season with annual Hot Stove Dinner

By Howard B. Owens

The Genesee County Baseball Club hosted its annual Hot Stove Dinner last night at the Clarion Hotel. The event featured a silent auction and a live auction. K-9 Destro with Deputy Chis Erion also made a guest appearance.

The Batavia Muckdogs first home game is at 7 p.m., June 14.

Muckdogs announce 2014 coaching staff

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs have announced their manager and coaching staff for the 2014 season. For the second season in a row, this year’s squad will be lead by manager Angel Espada, pitching coach Brendan Sagara and hitting coach Rigoberto Silverio.

The 2014 campaign marks Angel Espada’s third year as the manager for the Marlins’ short-season Single-A affiliate, second as manager of the Batavia Muckdogs. Espada led the Muckdogs to a 39-36 record in 2013, finishing in third place in the Pinckney Division. Espada spent the 2012 season as the manager of the Jamestown Jammers and the year prior as the hitting coach for the Jammers. Prior to his time with Jamestown, he spent two years working as the hitting coach for the Gulf Coast League Marlins.

Espada was a 42nd-round pick of the Atlanta Braves in the 1994 First-Year Player Draft. In addition to the Braves, he also played in the Mets’ and Yankees’ systems. His playing career spanned 14 years and he finished with a .305 career batting average over 940 games played.

Brendan Sagara begins his third season as pitching coach for the Marlins’ short-season Single-A affiliate. Sagara has served as a pitching coach for 12 seasons with various teams. He broke into the coaching profession with the Dubois County Dragons of the Frontier League in 2001 as the Club’s pitching coach. He has also worked for the Braves as a part-time scout (2010-11) and the Mets as an associate scout (2006-09). In 2007, he was named Coach of the Year in Windy City of the Frontier League, while boasting the league’s top pitching staff.

Rigoberto Silverio returns for his second campaign as Batavia’s hitting coach and his sixth year in the Marlins organization. Prior to 2013, he spent two seasons as a coach for Jupiter. He spent his first three seasons with organization as a coach for the Jamestown Jammers. In his five seasons in the Marlins farm system, the former infielder was a career .243 hitter in 225 games.

Michael Bibbo will serve as the trainer for the 2014 season, his second year with the both the Muckdogs’ and Marlins’ organizations. Bibbo previously was the interim Head Athletic Trainer at Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia. Prior to that, he spent four years (August 2007-September ‘10, September 2011-June ‘12) as the Assistant Athletic Trainer at Malvern Preparatory School. He spent seven months (February-August 2011) as the Rehabilitation Intern with the Philadelphia Phillies. Bibbo received his Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science from California University of Pennsylvania in 2012 and his bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., in 2007.

The Muckdogs home opener is set for Saturday, June 14th vs. Auburn at 7:05. Season tickets, coupon books and ticket packages are all on sale now. They can be purchased at Dwyer Stadium or by calling (585) 343-5454.

2014 Batavia Muckdogs Hot Stove Dinner & Auction

By Russ Salway

The 2014 Batavia Muckdogs annual Hot Stove dinner and auction is set for Saturday March 22nd at the Clarion Hotel. Doors open at 4pm to preview the auction items along with drinks and hor dourves with dinner, "A taste of Italy" at 5pm. Todd Jantzi of Bontrager's Auction House will have a live auction with some great  baseball and related items along with gift certificates for area businesses. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children under 12 and are available at Dwyer Stadium as well as the office of Dr.

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Muckdogs Hot Stove Dinner announced for March 22

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Baseball Club will hold its annual Batavia Muckdogs Hot Stove Dinner and Auction on Saturday, March 22nd, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel at 8250 Park Road in Batavia. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour followed immediately by dinner. The Hot Stove Dinner is a time for good food, friendship and baseball talk. The night also features silent and live auctions of baseball-related memorabilia (including signed bats and balls), work by local artists, and gift certificates from a variety of local businesses. This year’s dinner will also benefit the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit.

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

Muckdogs announce 2014 season schedule

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Muckdogs, Class A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, have announced their schedule for the 2014 season. Batavia will open the 2014 season Friday, June 13, when the Auburn Doubledays host the Muckdogs at Falcon Park. Batavia opens its home schedule Saturday, June 14 when they entertain Auburn at 7:05 p.m.

The Muckdogs will host their annual Independence Day celebration on July 3 this year, as they are not home on July 4th. In addition to their Pinckney Division rivals, the Muckdogs will welcome the New York Yankees (Staten Island), Boston Red Sox (Lowell), New York Mets (Brooklyn) and the Detroit Tigers (Connecticut) farm teams to Dwyer Stadium in 2014.

Here is a month-by-month and day-by-day breakdown of Batavia’s 2014 home schedule:

Month    Home Games      Day      Home Games

June       8                         Sunday           7

July        16                       Monday           7

August    14                      Tuesday          4

                                          Wednesday    4

                                         Thursday        4

                                          Friday             6

                                         Saturday         6
    
Ticket packages, coupon books and season tickets for the 2014 season will go on sale beginning Nov. 1. They can be purchased by calling 343-5454 or in person at Dwyer Stadium, Monday thru Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For a complete schedule, visit www.muckdogs.com

Muckdogs vs. Crosscutters First 50 kids FREE with paying adult

By Russ Salway

It's Kids Tuesday Night Tickets! The first 50 kids accompanied by an adult will receive a free general admission ticket. Presented by New York's 529 College Savings Program. Gates open at 6 pm and first pitch is 7:05 pm. Muckdogs take on the Williamsport Crosscutters at Dwyer! Bring the family out for a end of summer game!

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Muckdogs vs. Crosscutters 1 pm Labor Day Game

By Russ Salway

Muckdogs take on the Williamsport Crosscutters on a Labor day afternoon game with first pitch at 1:05 pm. It's also Muckdog Monday! With a coupon from the Saturday edition of The Daily News, fans can purchase buy one get one free General Admission tickets. Presented by The Daily News. Come on out to Dwyer and have lunch and enjoy America's past time in your own backyard.

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Muckdogs vs. Doubledays Empire Tractor Night

By Russ Salway

It's Empire Tractor Night! Tuesday's also means Kids Tuesday Night Tickets! The first 50 kids accompanied by an adult will receive a free general admission ticket. Presented by New York's 529 College Savings Program. Muckdogs are fighting for a spot in the playoffs. Come on out to Dwyer and cheer our "Boys of summer" on and enjoy dinner at Dwyer when you do!

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SUDSY SATURDAY Muckdogs vs. Ironbirds & TEAM PHOTO GIVEAWAY

By Russ Salway

Saturday night means "Sudsy Satruday" at Dwyer Stadium. Gates open at 6 pm with a pregame Concert featuring Papa and Mama Root. Enjoy oldies rock and roll in the concourse. Presented by Tim Horton's of Batavia and New Buffalo Impact. Sudsy Saturday is from 6:00-7:00 pm, 12-oz. Bud, Bud Light and Genny Light draft beers are just $1.00! Presented by Eastown Beverage and Batavia Redemption Center. It's also Team Photo Giveaway night! First 500 fans entering the gates will receive a 2013 Muckdog team photo presented by Hillside Family of Agencies and Connolly Printing.

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FRIDAY NIGHT FIREWORKS Muckdogs vs. Ironbirds

By Russ Salway

Friday night is Muckdogs vs. Ironbirds! Cal Ripken's Aberdeen Ironbirds come to town to take on our Muckdogs! Will Cal Ripken be joining his team at Dwyer? Be sure to come out and see in person and not hear about it the next day! You never know when Cal will watch his ballclub. Post-Game Fireworks! Fans will be wowed by the post-game fireworks show after every Friday home game. It's also Launch-A-Ball to benefit the Hillside Family of Agencies. Fans can purchase tennis balls for just $1.

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Three Muckdogs picked for NYPL all star game

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The 2013 New York-Penn League All-Star roster will include three players from Batavia. They will send infielders Avery Romero and Felix Munoz and pitcher Ryan Newell to the game to be held Tuesday, Aug. 13 at Dodd Stadium, home of the Connecticut Tigers.

Avery Romero

Romero, a 3rd round pick in the 2012 draft, has played in 44 games for the Muckdogs this year and has been among the league leaders in hitting all season. Romero currently ranks third in the league in hitting, with a .340 batting average, third in hits with 54 and fourth in on-base percentage at .408.

Felix Munoz was an undrafted free agent signing in 2008 and has started 43 games at first base for the Muckdogs this season. He is currently batting .295 with 26 runs scored, 13 doubles, four home runs and 28 RBIs. Munoz has also showed great plate discipline this year, as his 23 walks rank third in the league.  

A 7th round pick out of Shorter University in the 2012 draft, Newell is 4-2 in nine games started for the Muckdogs. The right-hander’s ERA of 2.09 ranks him 6th in the league and his 48 strikeouts ranks 4th in the league. Opposing batters are hitting just .229 against Newell so far this season.

Batavia currently holds the 4th-place spot in the Pinckney Division with a record of 23-22 but sit only 3.5 games out of the Wild Card. The Muckdogs sent five players to the 2008 All-Star game, three in 2009, five in 2010, six in 2011, and five in 2012.

KIDS EAT FREE Muckdogs vs. Renegades

By Russ Salway

Kids Eat Free! It's that simple! If your a kid and your one of the first 100 kids 12 & under entering Dwyer stadium you will receive a free hot dog, soda and snack item! Presented by Bob Evans Restaurant. Muckdogs are taking on those Renegades from Hudson Valley! Gates open at 6 pm and first pitch is at 7:05 pm.

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FAMILY 4 PACK NIGHT Muckdogs vs. Renegades

By Russ Salway

It's Family 4-Pack Night! 4 General Admission tickets, 4 Hot Dogs, 4 12-oz. sodas, and a program for only $30. Presented by MVP Healthcare. Where else can a family of 4 go out to eat and be entertained for a few hours? Just $30!!! Dinner and a game for a family of 4!!! It's also a Muckdogs Car Decal Giveaway. First 500 Presented by CSEA.

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First 50 Kids FREE with an Adult Muckdogs vs. Renegades

By Russ Salway

The Muckdogs return to the friendly confines of Dwyer stadium to take on the Hudson Valley Renegades. Gates open at 6 pm and first pitch is at 7:05 pm. Kids Tuesday Night Tickets! The first 50 kids accompanied by an adult will receive a free general admission ticket! Presented by New York's 529 College Savings Program. Bring a friend, co-worker or neighbor out and show them what a great time you can have at a Muckdogs game!

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Muckdogs announce youth baseball camp

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Join us at Dwyer Stadium Aug. 6th, 7th and 8th for our youth baseball camp!

Kids ages 6-14 will receive two days of on-field instruction from the Muckdogs players and coaches on Aug. 6th & 7th 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. 8th, 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 Hudson Valley Renegades (Tampa Rays affiliate).

Campers will also receive a special T-shirt not available in the team store, a camp photo, two tickets to the Aug. 8th 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 early registration is encouraged.

Muckdogs vs. Spikes

By Russ Salway

Muckdog Monday! Fans can buy one ticket and get one free! All they have to do is get the Saturday edition of The Daily News and cut the coupon out and bring it to Dwyer. Buy one general admission ticket and get one free. Presented by The Daily News. Muckdogs take on the Spikes from State College. Gates open at 6 pm and first pitch is 7:05 pm.

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BARK IN THE PARK Muckdogs vs. Spikes

By Russ Salway

Bark in the Park is back! Bring your four legged friend with you to the ballpark and enjoy a game together. All dogs must be leashed and under control of their owners. Presented by Batavia Animal Hospital. Also every Sunday is Post-Game Run the Bases with Homer. Every Sunday, kids have the opportunity to run the bases with Homer after the game and receive a coupon from Bob Evans Restaurant. Presented by Bob Evans Restaurant.

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Photo: Today's first pitch tossed out by Hiram Kasten

By Howard B. Owens

Hiram Kasten, who appeared in numerous television shows, such as "Seinfeld" and "Everybody Loves Raymond," during his acting career in Hollywood, throws out the first pitch prior to today's Batavia Muckdog's game, which started at 11:05 a.m. Kasten's wife, Diana, is a Batavia native and the Kastens now live in Batavia while Hiram pursues roles on Broadway.

Carlos Lopez, who caught the first pitch, and Hiram Kasten.

Rain shortens game on Jim Perry night as Muckdogs fall 7-0

By Howard B. Owens

The rain didn't come soon enough for Batavia pitchers Max Garner and Brian Ellington who surrendered all seven runs over four innings the Jamestown Jammers would need to secure a victory Tuesday night.

The legendary Jim Perry, 1970 Cy Young Award winner, threw out the first pitch following an autograph session with fans, but it was Jamestown's Chad Kuhl who turned in the masterful pitching performance. Kuhl went five innings and didn't give up a run and only three hits.

Yefri Perez, Justin Bohn, Avery Romero, Austin Dean and Coco Johnson each had a hit for Batavia.

Garner took the loss, giving up six hits and four runs (three earned) in two and a third innings. He walked one. Ellington lasted three and two thirds and gave up two hits and three runs, all earned. He walked two and struck out four.

Garner had been pretty dominating in four of his previous five starts. His ERA jumped by a full run, rising to 1.93. He's yet to secure a win and took the loss Tuesday night.

The game was called because of rain after seven innings, giving Jamestown a 7-0 victory.

Game time for Wednesday's game is 11 a.m. Hiram Kasten, formerly of Hollywood, with roles in hit TV shows such as "Seinfeld" and "Everybody Loves Raymond," and now of Batavia, will throw out the first pitch.

Taco.

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