BATAVIA, NY -- It's cold. There are still patches of snow on the ground with more fluffy showers predicted for this week. But it's not too early to start thinking about spring.
In Arizona and Florida, pitchers and catchers have reported. And Friday Muckdogs faithful gather for the team's annual hot stove league dinner.
But before we look toward a new season, let's reflect once more on an incredible 2008 Muckdogs season.
How incredible? According to Brian Walton of Scout.com, it was remarkable in a number of significant ways.
With a record of 46-28 (.622) the Muckdogs posted the best winning percentage of any team in the St. Louis Cardinals system.
It was Batavia's first championship since 1963 and the first New York-Penn League championship for a Cardinal's affiliate since 1994.
The last Cardinals New York-Penn League affiliate to post a better record than the Muckdogs was the 1992 Hamilton (Ontario) Redbirds. That club went 56-20 (.737). Ironically, their manager was the current leader of the Memphis Redbirds, Chris Maloney.
No Cardinals minor league club at any level had registered a better record than the .622 2008 Muckdogs in the last 15 years! It is tops in the entire system since the 1993 Savannah Cardinals of the Single-A Sally League had a .662 winning percentage (94-48).
For more on the record setting season, read all of Brian's post.
Don't miss Friday's dinner. The 2008 season is well worth Batavians remembering, and we look forward to a great season in 2009 thanks to the Cardinals and Red Wings' organizations.
What's the current talk
What's the current talk about the Muckdogs' financial situation and their future in Batavia?
Looks pretty good for this
Looks pretty good for this year Russ but, they need people to support the team with season tickets. I bought two last week; it’s still a great deal even in hard times.
The city is also going to work with the team on a celebration to kick off the season.
Charlie, Any chance that
Charlie,
Any chance that GCC's baseball and softball teams might be able to play some games at Dwyer to prime the pump for the Muckdogs season and to promote our local kids who play for the college?
Good idea, Russ.
Good idea, Russ.
I'm pretty sure baseball will
I'm pretty sure baseball will play some games there, but softball will not because a softball field has totally different dimensions than a baseball field, not to mention the pitcher throws from a flat surface rather than off a mound.