Video: New era of Batavia Muckdogs baseball opens at Dwyer Stadium
New era of Batavia Muckdogs baseball opens at Dwyer Stadium
Photos below by Jim Burns. For more photos, click here.
New era of Batavia Muckdogs baseball opens at Dwyer Stadium
Photos below by Jim Burns. For more photos, click here.
By Griffin Della Penna:
The Batavia Muckdogs defeated the Elmira Pioneers in their inaugural game as a member of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League Thursday night 7-0 at Dunn Field.
Strong performances on the mound from Julian Pichardo, Andrew Parr and AJ Winger were crucial to halt the Pioneer offense. The Muckdog bats came through in big moments, as all seven of their runs were scored with two outs.
In the start, Pichardo hurled a scoreless four 2⁄3 innings on three hits, no walks, and nine strikeouts. With a runner on second base, reliever Andrew Parr struck out left fielder Kevin Serrano on three pitches to retire the side in the bottom of the fifth. Parr finished with four strikeouts while only allowing a hit in 2 1⁄3 innings pitched. Winger did not record a baserunner in the final two innings of work, retiring all six batters he faced in order.
Batavia’s runs came in bunches as the three runs came around to score in the third and ninth innings. Catcher Brice Mortillaro safely got to first after a drop third strikeout which would later be the first run of the game after an Abner Benitez line drive single. First baseman Daniel Burroway knocked in Alabama State University teammates Luis Rodriguez and Benitez to build the lead to 3-0.
Outfielder Spencer Marcus’ two-out single resulted in a Mortillaro opposite-field RBI single in the fourth inning to increase the lead to four. Batavia added their next trio of runs stemming from errors by Elmira’s Sam Polanco and Ryess Youmans. Utility player Charlie Szykowny and outfielder Trevor Dean were late-game substitutions who contributed with RBI singles to add some more insurance runs in the top of the ninth.
Elmira will travel to Dwyer Stadium in Batavia tonight with intentions to spoil the Muckdogs home opener. The Muckdogs will be playing their first home game in 637 days in what is anticipated to be a sold-out crowd. Make sure to secure your ticket by calling the box office at (585) 524- 2260 or come to Dwyer Stadium from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m. and can be viewed on Youtube Live by subscribing to BataviaMuckdogBaseball. Make sure to follow our Twitter @BataviaMuckdogs and liking our Facebook Page, “BataviaMuckdogBaseball.”
Go Dogs!
Press release:
A Basketball Training Camp for the experienced and serious player only will be offered to boys in grades seven through 12 in Batavia city schools, and college.
July 5th - Aug. 6th (5-week program)
Cost: $350* **
*Sibling Discount: First sibling full price each one after is $175
**Team Discount: $325 per player for teams of five or more attending.
Players must bring their own basketballs.
********Here's a two-page PDF containing the flier and the APPLICATION FORM.********
Coach is Buddy Brasky, Batavia High School's Varsity Boys head coach. Under his direction, Batavia has won 12 league titles, six sectional titles, and has reached the state semifinals four times over the last 18 years.
He has been awarded Section V Coach of the Year six times, Monroe County Coach of the Year six times and All-Greater Rochester Coach of the Year. Over this time, Brasky has developed numerous collegiate players including NJCAA and NCAA D3 All-Americans.
This year's Basketball Training Camp will also feature Pembroke Varsity Boys Coach Matt Shay, former D1 and overseas player Billy Truitt, and former Batavia standout Jalen Smith.
SESSION 1
Boys Grades 10th-12th & College
Monday & Wednesday 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. / Friday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SESSION 2
Boys Grades 7th-9th
Tuesday & Thursday 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. / Friday 9 to 11 a.m.
OFFENSIVE SKILL DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING:
WHY OUR CAMP?
Value – Campers receive 35 hours of basketball instruction.
Cost -- Compare our price of $350 to other camps, which can be over $500.
Repetition -- Your player will be receiving instruction and we'll be instilling them with positive habits over a five-week time period, not three or four days like most camps.
Some accomplishments by camp alumni:
From Glen Adams, head coach LeRoy Jr/Sr High Trap Shoot Team:
These are the season results for area high school trap team youth shooting at area clubs for their Spring Season.
New York State High School Clay Target League -- Spring 2021 Season
1A-Conference 4
1A-Conference 6
1A-Conference 7
1A-Conference 8
1A-Conference 10
1A-Conference 11
1A-Conference 12
Press release:
Horses and carriages! After skipping 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Northampton Driving Society will hold its annual pleasure driving show on June 13 at Silver Shoe Farm, 3336 Pratt Road in Batavia.
Time is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The judge will be Jeff Morse, current chair of the American Driving Society’s pleasure driving committee and a longtime Morgan breeder and driving competitor.
As always, there will be classes for both novice and experienced whips, and for equines from very small to horse. Marathon vehicles will be permitted as well as more traditional carriages.
Competitors are judged on “turn out” – the overall visually pleasing and appropriate combination of driver, horse, and vehicle – driving skill, and equine responsiveness. There will be cones classes in the afternoon which add the dimensions of patterns and speed.
A food truck and vendors are planned to add an extra dimension to the showing and spectating experience.
There is no admission charge for spectators. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the day!
File photo by Howard Owens, taken in June 2015 at Silver Shoe Farm's annual pleasure driving show.
At Falleti Ice Arena last night we were able to talk with seven members of the Genesee Ice Devils and Notre Dame Fighting Irish hockey teams about the proposal to merge the two teams. We also spoke with Mike Rapone, ND's athletic director since we hadn't spoken with him yet about the proposal.
Press release:
As a token of appreciation to their season ticket holders, the Muckdogs would like to announce “Eat and Meet” night at Eli Fish Brewing Co. on June 1st at 6 o'clock.
This event allows season ticket holders to pick up their tickets for all 29 home games, as well as a meet-and-greet session with Muckdog players and management.
Food and drinks at Eli Fish will be at your own expense.
If you are a season ticket holder and cannot come to “Eat and Meet,” other accommodations can be made to pick up your tickets if you come to Dwyer Stadium any weekday, 9 a.m. -5 p.m.
Season tickets and single game tickets are available now! To purchase, please call (585) 524-2260, or to buy in person, come down to Dwyer Stadium. Tickets for our home opener Friday, June 4th, vs. Elmira are selling out fast!
Please follow our Facebook page, “Batavia Muckdogs Baseball,” and Twitter @BataviaMuckdogs.
Go Dogs!
Press release:
As heavily requested, single-game tickets are now available for all 29 home games throughout the 2021 season. The official Muckdogs schedule can be found on the Perfect Game website (pgcbl.com) and on our Facebook page, “Batavia Muckdogs Baseball.”
To purchase tickets, please call (585) 524-2260 to be in attendance and cheer on your Muckdogs at historic Dwyer Stadium!
Season ticket packages are also still available for the 2021 season. For inquiries, make sure to call (607) 734-7825 before our home opener against Elmira on June 4th. Be on the lookout for more Batavia Muckdogs news as the season kicks off in less than two weeks!
Home Schedule
Jill Reimer Halpin, Class of 1997, of Batavia, joined the ranks of 126 other accomplished individuals who have been voted into SUNY Oswego’s Athletic Hall of Fame, forever solidifying themselves in the college’s athletic history.
A two-time State University of New York Athletic Conference Diver of the Year, Halpin was recognized as a member of the 2020 Hall of Fame inductee class in April during a virtual induction ceremony.
Oswego State’s Interim Athletics Director Dan Kane welcomed guests, which included family and friends of the inductees, current student-athletes, past Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, members of the selection committee and most importantly, this year’s current honorees.
“Lou Holtz said, ‘Show me someone that has done something worthwhile, and I’ll show you someone who has overcome adversity,’ ” Kane said. “We are so fortunate to have the example of our inductees, for we know that their journey was not without setbacks and sacrifices.
"Through their perseverance, they were able to achieve amazing things on the field and court. We celebrate your achievements. Your example of greatness provides the hope and inspiration to our coaches and student-athletes … our sacrifices are worthwhile and greatness is achievable.”
Event emcee and former member of the Oswego State men’s baseball team Roger Hancock, Class of 1974, read the official citation for each inductee, including Halpin.
In the citation, former coach for the Oswego State swimming and diving program John Moore described Halpin’s contributions.
“She supported her teammates at both ends of the pool and was instrumental in our recruiting efforts of some of the future top divers in our conference,” Moore said. “Jill was a great competitor and a joy to coach, and she and her teammates would also be the foundation on which SUNY Oswego would become a powerhouse in diving in our conference for 20-plus years.”
Halpin was a two-time SUNYAC Diver of the Year, winning the award in both 1996 and 1997. Overall, she won three individual diving SUNYAC Championships, winning both the 1-meter and 3-meter titles in 1996 and repeating on the 3-meter board in 1997. At the time of graduation, she held the diving records for both boards at Oswego. In 1997, her score on the 3-meter board was an NCAA qualifier.
During her acceptance remarks, Halpin acknowledged her teammates and coaches from her time at Oswego.
“This is an amazing honor,” Halpin said. “I couldn’t have asked for better teammates and coaches. We worked hard and we had fun … When I look back on those years, I look back with a big smile.”
“This year’s honorees represent some of the best athletes in Oswego State’s long athletic history,” said event organizer Stephanie Lamb, Class of 2007, senior associate director of Alumni Engagement. “We are honored to recognize them.”
About SUNY Oswego
Oswego, one of 13 university colleges in the 64-campus SUNY System, enrolls around 8,000 students, some 7,000 of them full-time undergraduates. About 4,400 students live on campus among the college’s 13 residence halls. Oswego’s lakeside campus stretches for almost 700 acres and includes 76 buildings. As a comprehensive college, Oswego offers more than 110 majors, minors, cooperative and graduate programs. In all, students receive more than $84 million in annual need-based grants, loans and work-study awards, including $6.5 million in merit-based scholarships, to support their success at Oswego.
One of the most storied rivalries in Section V hockey could come to an end as soon as next season if the Batavia Ice Devils and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish become a single team.
Team coaches presented the proposal to the Batavia City School District Board of Trustees tonight and the board gave both programs permission to continue exploring the idea of a merger and drafting a five-year agreement for Batavia-Notre Dame hockey teams at the junior varsity and varsity levels.
The concept has already been approved by the Notre Dame Board of Trustees.
Tonight, by consent, the Batavia board authorized the talks to continue between coaches and athletic directors. If a final agreement is reached, a final resolution will be presented to approval for both boards. Section V must also approve the merger.
If approved, it is likely that Marc Staley, who has coached Notre Dame for 21 years, would be the varsity coach of the merged teams. John Kirkwood, 14 years with Batavia, would be the assistant coach. And Brennan Briggs, varsity football coach and a coach with Batavia hockey, would be the JV coach.
"We think we can build a community," Batavia Athletic Director Mike Bromley told the board. "It’s more than Batavia and Notre Dame. It’s a community."
Batavia has been merged with other schools in the county for four years. Those mergers would end if this proposal is approved.
One of the big concerns both for coaches and board members was what happens to the six hockey players who do not attend Batavia High and have been members of the Ice Devils. Those players go to school in Alexander, Elba, Le Roy, Oakfield-Alabama and Pembroke.
Staley and Kirkwood both made assurances that all six players will be "grandfathered" into the Batavia-Notre Dame team and Staley said all six, given their experience and ability, will be integral parts of the merged team for the next season or two.
"All six players are going to be impactful players at the varsity level," Staley said.
Both Staley and Kirkwood said that their teams have been playing at a disadvantage against larger Monroe County schools, including merged programs, because filling out a complete varsity roster means putting seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-graders on their teams.
That is also a safety issue, Staley said.
"We just come to the conclusion that relying on seventh- and eighth-graders, and ninth-graders who are ill-prepared, and putting them on the ice, how do we answer this as a board, as adults, as administrators, if a seventh- or eighth-grader gets seriously injured in a hockey game because he’s hit by a kid who six-foot-four, 220?" Staley said. "We’ve got some real questions. Why are we putting these kids here and for what reason?"
Bromley said there are 24 hockey teams in Section V and 12 of them are merged programs. Few if any of those programs are putting players who should be playing JV in varsity uniforms.
The merger would create a JV program that would allow players to develop and become better varsity players.
It might even mean -- if enough kids sign up -- that the schools could have a modified program, creating the same sort of pipeline that Briggs has created with Blue Devils football leading to repeated sectional championships.
For the most part, parents and players have been receptive to the idea, both Staley and Kirkwood said.
There have been parents who have objected to the idea that their kid as a ninth-grader was on varsity and now will likely play JV as a sophomore but Staley said his counterargument is that at least they will get to play.
“To be an eighth-grader or ninth-grader and get to wear your jersey to school on game day and know darn well you’re probably not going to see a shift is a little different than going to school in your jersey knowing ‘I have a JV game. I’m playing tonight,' " Staley said.
Briggs said his JV-playing nephew can't wait for the merger. He's excited, Briggs said. His nephew knows if it happens he is going to get a chance to play every game and that he will play at a level throughout his prep-hockey career that he will compete every season for a championship.
There is an issue a team name. Ice Devils, or perhaps, Irish Devils, won't wash with a Catholic school. Blue Shamrocks or Ice Angels seem like nonstarters, too, but in response to a question from Trustee Shawna Murphy, there probably won't be time to poll the community. That's because the time frame is short for getting Section V approval and ordering new uniforms for both varsity and JV. The team name is a pending question.
Whatever the name, Staley is convinced the community will embrace the new team -- a club that is ready to compete at the varsity level with McQuaid or Victor or Pittsford.
"We haven’t had that building filled with 500 people all cheering for the same team for 25 years," Staley told the board.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
The 2021 Batavia Downs meet is only two months away and the excitement of getting back to normal racing at the oldest lighted harness track in America can be felt throughout the facility.
“Having a new meet start just on its own is reason enough for optimism. But with COVID numbers dropping to new lows in New York and yearlong restrictions now being lifted, everyone at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel is very much looking forward to the third week of July,” said Todd Haight, GM/director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs.
“There is so much going on at the track these days it’s hard to keep up and being able to welcome all our loyal customers back to the track leaves us with a very high level of anticipation for the season to begin.”
The 2021 Batavia Downs meet kicks off on Wednesday (July 21) at 6 p.m. and runs for 59 dates, ending on Saturday (Dec. 11).
In July and August racing will take place on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. (except opening night), Saturdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 1:15 p.m. Then in September, October and November the schedule shifts to Wednesday, Friday (except Nov. 19 & 26), Saturday with all post times at 5 p.m. December cuts back to just Wednesday and Saturday and both will go to post at 5 p.m.
There are two special matinee cards on Monday (Sept. 6) at 1:15 p.m., which is Labor Day, and Saturday (Nov. 6) at 3:15 p.m., which is Breeders Cup Day.
The stake schedule is enhanced from last year as the New York Sire Stakes will visit the Downs three times during the summer, bringing four of the eight divisions with them. On Wednesday (July 21), which is opening night, the NYSS 2-year-old trotting fillies will be in town. One week later on Wednesday (July 28) the Downs will host an all-stake double-header as 3-year-old pacers of both genders will be on hand. And then on Sunday (Aug. 4) the 2-year-old male trotters will close out the NYSS schedule.
The Excelsior A and B divisions will also be on hand for all the NYSS dates.
Batavia Downs also offers online wagering with bataviabets.com. Opening an account with bataviabets.com allows patrons to wager on all Batavia Downs races as well as every other harness and thoroughbred track racing each day. Plus they can also enjoy some of the top rewards nationwide for joining.
New customers who sign up will receive a $25 bonus after betting their first $100 through the service. Then customers who bet $2,000 or more (based on monthly play) will receive an 8-percent bonus added back to their account. And customers who wager between $500 and $1,999 (based on monthly play) will receive a 5-percent added bonus. Anyone 18 and over can easily open an account online and then bet from their phone, anytime and anywhere.
Batavia Downs Gaming has also brought back the “Rockin' the Downs” concert series and this year it’s bigger and better than ever. There will be a total of 12 Friday night concerts that will be held during June (starting June 11), July and August and include national acts like Vince Neal, Don Felder, Queensrÿche and Molly Hatchet. A complete list of bands, ticket details, dates and times can be found at www.bataviadownsgaming.com.
Press release:
The Batavia Muckdogs of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League are gearing up for their first season in their new league and are gearing up to make it the place to be in Batavia this summer!
With the release of the promotional schedule today the Muckdogs are proud to bring back exciting events like: Meet the Team; Postgame Fireworks; Free Posters; Thirsty Thursdays; Sahlen’s Dollar Dog Nights; Free T-shirt Night; O’Lacy’s Irish Night; 716 Night; Free Face Masks; and many more!
All of the Muckdogs promotions and their regular season schedule can be found at canusamuckdogs.com.
Baseball returns to Batavia on Friday June 4th as the Muckdogs take on the Elmira Pioneers with fireworks presented by the Graham Corporation immediately following the action!
Single game tickets are on sale now by calling the box office at (585) 524-2260! Be sure to like our Facebook page and subscribe to our YouTube channel, “Batavia Muckdogs Baseball.” Go Dogs!
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Here's the PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE for the 2021 season:
Press release:
As heavily requested, single game tickets are now available for all 29 home games throughout the 2021 baseball season. The official Muckdogs schedule can be found on the Perfect Game website (pgcbl.com) and on our Facebook page, “Batavia Muckdogs Baseball.”
To purchase tickets, please call (585) 524-2260 to be in attendance and cheer on your Muckdogs at historic Dwyer Stadium!
Season ticket packages are also still available for the 2021 season. For inquiries, make sure to call (607) 734-7825 before our home opener against Elmira on June 4th.
Be on the lookout for more Batavia Muckdogs news as the season kicks off in less than three weeks!
We hope to see you in the stands; Go Dogs!
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Le Roy's Trap Team tuned up this weekend at Northwoods for the final weak of the season. There are 16 members of the Oatkan Knights team participating in the NYS HS Clay Target Championship on June 13.
Photos and information from Tim McArdle.
Oakfield-Alabama beat Alexander in girls softball yesterday 22-7. The winning pitcher was CJ Ryan, who tossed five innings and gave up five hits will striking out four.
At the plate, Ryan was 4-5 with two triples and a double, and six RBIs.
Kelsey Schlagenhauf, 4-5, three RBIs. Katie Raziano, Jenna Gilbert, and Lily Davis each had two hits.
"This is a huge win for our young team," said Manager Jeff Schlagenhauf. "To be able to beat a great team in Alexander and one of the best pitchers in the area, Sam Sawyer, gives our kids a ton of confidence.
"We just want to keep improving each and every day. The girls are playing with a ton of energy and believe in each other. It’s a great recipe for success."
Photos by Kristen Smith. For more photos, click here.
2021 Genesee Region USBC Hall of Fame inductees, from left, Matt Balduf, Mark Brown and Brian Weber.
Guest speaker Tommy Kress with Rich and Jennifer Wagner.
Press Release from Genesee Region USBC:
The Genesee Region USBC on Saturday night celebrated the completion of a successful 2020-21 league and tournament season by inducting Brian Weber of Perry, Matt Balduf of South Byron and Mark Brown of Attica into the Hall of Fame and honoring Batavian Rich Wagner for his remarkable 899 series.
About 80 association members and guests attended the GRUSBC annual awards banquet at Batavia Downs Gaming. Tommy Kress of Hilton, New York State USBC and Rochester NY USBC Hall of Famer, was the guest speaker.
Weber and Balduf were enshrined in the Achievement Regular category and Brown was inducted into the Meritorious Service category.
Weber thanked former Perry Bowling Center owner Bill Beachner and current owners Brett and Joann Van Duser for supporting him on the lanes, which enabled him to win numerous association tournaments and events throughout Western New York. He has recorded more than 20 perfect games and two 800 series, posting honor scores in six different GRUSBC bowling centers.
Balduf thanked his wife, Darleen, for giving him the freedom to bowl in tournaments on the weekends, and his teammates, especially Mike Johnson of Batavia, whom he paired with in 2018 to win the association doubles crown. Balduf has 10 300 games, including a perfect game in a PBA Experience League on a demanding “Sport” lane condition. He also has three 800 series, with a high of 836.
Brown thanked his parents, Jerry and Donna Davis, and his wife, Penny, for encouraging and assisting him in running tournaments at local bowling centers, most of them for charitable causes. He credited Frank Formicola of Rochester, a noted tournament promoter, for instilling in him the need to distribute entry forms to area halls in an effort to attract bowlers to his events.
WAGNER HONORED FOR 899 SERIES
Following the Hall of Fame ceremony, association officials surprised Wagner with a special “shadow box” award recognizing his 300-300-299—899 series on Feb. 11 in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 5-Man League at Mancuso Bowling Center.
Wagner’s wife, Jennifer, shared her thoughts on the accomplishment – noting that the left-hander now has 44 perfect games, with the first one coming at the age of 15.
“We are all so proud of you and are excited to see what else you’re able to achieve,” she said. “Continue to stay humble but also stay hungry.”
Wagner, upon receiving the award from Association President Gary Kuchler, said he couldn’t feel his legs for the final six frames of that eventful night but managed to hit the 1-2 pocket each time – even on the final ball which resulted in the 6-pin standing.
“I played all sports growing up and baseball in college, but I never thought that it would be in bowling where I would be the most nervous,” he said.
Nevertheless, his 899 is the best in the nation thus far this season, which officially ends on July 31.
TWO EARN SCHOLARSHIPS
Other honorees were youth bowlers Haylee Thornley of Batavia and Jayden Neal of Albion, 12th graders who received $750 and $500 scholarships, respectively, from the GRUSBC.
Thornley will be attending Daemen College to study Physical Therapy and Neal will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology to study Robotics & Manufacturing Technology.
Kress shared stories from his illustrious amateur and professional career, which includes a dozen local tournament victories, as many Rochester NY USBC association titles and more than 30 top 24 finishes on the Professional Bowlers Association Tour.
Major accomplishments include a second place finish in the 1985 USBC Masters, highlighted by match play victories over legends Earl Anthony and Pete Weber on television, and leading the qualifying of the 1980 Quaker State Open in Grand Prairie, Texas.
KRESS: FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS
His message was that everyone should follow their dreams and don’t listen to those who say you’re not good enough.
“They said that I wasn’t good enough because I have a short backswing, but I didn’t listen to them,” he said. “I practiced and developed my game, what works for me, and I went into each match with confidence,” he said.
Kress, who is enshrined in the Frontier Field Walk of Fame, continues to excel on the lanes, despite two knee replacements. Two months ago, he rolled a 300 game in the Rochester Senior Masters – giving him perfect games in six consecutive decades.
Mike Pettinella, GRUSBC association manager, served as master of ceremonies. He thanked all of the bowling center employees for their hard work under stressful conditions created by COVID-19.
"It is important to recognize the proprietors, managers and their staffs for keeping their centers open -- having to disinfect and follow the guidelines -- so that we were able to enjoy the sport that we love," he said.
The GRUSBC also presented plaques to its association tournament winners and season leaders.
Association Tournament
Open Team, Oak Orchard Bowl, Albion, Ben Lennox, Matt Baker, Richard Heise, Robbie Hanks; Women’s Team, Brown II, Le Roy, Judy Blaun, Donna Davis, Robin Blaun, Penny Brown.
Open Doubles, Todd Mortellaro and Scott Shields, Batavia; Women’s Doubles, Patricia Gilbertson and Jeanne Rosa, Perry.
Open Singles, Harris Busmire Jr., Bergen; Women’s Singles, Katy Bzduch, Perry.
Open All-Events, Nathan Cordes, Batavia; Women’s All-Events, Rachel Huntz, Perry.
Season Leaders
Adult
High Game, Men – 300, 32 perfect games; High Series, Men, Rich Wagner, 899; High Average, Men, Curtis Foss, Medina, 249; High Game, Women, Amy Allis, Medina, 287; High Series, Women, Diane Hurlburt, Warsaw, 738; High Average, Women, Hurlburt, 201.
Foss’ 249 average is an association record.
Youth
High Game, Boys, Gavin Baney, Albion, 278; High Series, Boys, Ryleigh Culver, Medina, 751; High Average, Boys, Culver, 195; High Game, Girls, Thornley, 257; High Series, Girls, Juliana Allis, Medina, 676; High Average, Girls, Allis, 184.
GRAND PRIZE WINNERS
Grand prize drawing winners for $500 each were Jamie Watson of Leicester, Darleen Balduf of South Byron and Samantha Bacon of Pike. Twenty-five dollars winners were John Kamakaris of Geneseo, Tiffany Jewell of Holley and Mark Brown.
In an election for president, Johnson defeated Kuchler and will begin a three-year term on Aug. 1. Directors Pat Fuller of Medina, Tom Sardou of Bergen and Sharon Willett of Mount Morris were re-elected for another three years.
Scholarship winners Haylee Thornley and Jayden Neal with President Gary Kuchler.
Tournament champions, front, Patricia Gilbertson and Jeanne Rosa; back, Penny Brown, Donna Davis and Robbie Hanks.
President Gary Kuchler with Curtis Foss, who averaged a record 249 this season.
By Tim Bojarski, for Western OTB/Batavia Downs:
While it wasn’t quite as big as winning the lottery, there were smiles galore at the Western Regional Off-Track Betting (WROTB) branch locations and Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel after last Saturday’s (May 1) Run for the Roses.
As has been the case so often since 1974 when the public benefit corporation began accepting Derby wagers, WROTB patrons crushed it at the windows, winning over $1.4 million dollars. Based on total handle from all WROTB simulcast locations including Batavia Bets.com (the corporation’s online wagering platform), that number reflects the amount of money paid out to bettors was 9 percent higher than the national average.
Three customers ended up being OTB’s biggest winners when they each cashed for $18,912 after all three wagered $48 on a $2 Superfecta box ticket on the winning combination of 7-8-9-14. Two other patrons wagered just one dollar and hit the Superfecta in exact order of 8-7-9-14 and won $9,456.
WROTB President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek said “It was a thrilling horse race and I’m happy so many of our customers were winners. We thank everyone who bet through a WROTB outlet for their patronage on racing’s biggest day.”
Todd Haight, director/GM of Live Racing at Batavia Downs added “I think we did a good job getting the word out that Medina Spirit was a major player in this year’s race. We also gave several reasons to wager against heavy Derby favorite Essential Quality and it appears several of our customers took that advice.”
It also appeared that those who came to bet in person heeded the advice about masks and social distancing as all locations reported business going off without a hitch.
“We appreciate everyone following COVID protocols and working with our staff to make the Derby as successful as it was,” Director of WROTB Branch Operations Sean Schiano said.
Schiano added that preparations are well underway at Western Regional Off-Track Betting for the second jewel of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown, the 146th Preakness Stakes, to be run next Saturday (May 15) at historic Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Md.
Submitted photos and press release:
The Batavia Muckdogs are proud to announce the newest additions to the organization, Assistant General Manager Tyler Benenati and Head Groundskeeper Larry Hale!
A native of New Paltz, Benenati attended SUNY Cortland, where he studied Sports Management. In his senior year at Cortland, Benenati met Witt for the first time when Witt was a guest speaker in his Sports Management class.
They continued to stay in touch, and before Benenati graduated from Cortland in May of last year, he was offered an internship with CAN-USA down in Elmira.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Benenati didn’t have a “normal” summer with the Pioneers due to a canceled season in the PGCBL, but he still gained valuable experience. CAN-USA made it a priority to be involved in the Elmira community as much as possible, so they hosted youth camps at Dunn Field and allowed high school and travel teams to play games at the facility.
During those days, Benenati was involved in every aspect of game-day operations. He did it all from public address announcing, running the concession stand, and compiling data/research to help future sales.
“I’m excited to continue to work with CAN-USA while revitalizing baseball here in Batavia," Benenati said. "I appreciate the opportunity to work alongside Robbie [Nichols] and Marc [Witt] for another season. Can’t wait for the season to start and to see all the Muckdog fans at Dwyer Stadium throughout the season."
In 2000, he starting volunteering as a T-ball coach for his oldest son, Zach, and that is where he found his passion for coaching. Since then, Hale has coached teams simultaneously at nearly every level for Zach and his four other sons: Tyler, Jake, Alex and Dillon.
He has been fundamental to the success of dozens of players that would go on top play in high school and college.
Hale has served as treasurer for the Batavia Minor League Board along with president and vice president on the Batavia Little League Board.
He and his wife, Diane, have taken an active role in the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation since its inception in 2007, being one of the head coordinators in the memorial weekend baseball tournament for many years.
Larry was also an honoree of the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation of Genesee County, which named him an “Outstanding Italian-American" in 2018.
Hale's experience maintaining fields for two decades at nearby MacArthur Park ensure that Dwyer Stadium is in good hands for the upcoming season.
The Muckdogs are coming home to Dwyer Stadium on June 4th for their home opener after opening the season on the road in Elmira on June 3rd, which you can catch on YouTube Live on the Muckdogs YouTube page!
Make sure to call (607) 734-7825 and get your season tickets now before the 2021 season kicks off on June 4th. Be sure to like our Facebook page and subscribe to our YouTube channel, “Batavia Muckdogs Baseball.”
Congrats Tyler and Larry, Go Dogs!
Sign ups for the 2021 Batavia Bulldawgs Youth Football and Cheer League will be held this Saturday, May 8, at the Polish Falcons of America Nest, located at 123 Swan St. in the City of Batavia.
Times are 12 to 2 p.m. for returning athletes; 2 to 4 p.m. for new athletes.
Limited roster spots are available. Unlimited weight for ALL positions.
Sign up for:
Please provide: birth certificate, proof of health insurance, and proof of physical exam.
Cost for football is $225 and includes a personalized jersey.
Cost for cheer is $175 and includes a personalized cheer jacket.
Family discounts available for multiple athletes.
Cash, personal check and payment via Venmo are accepted.
"Once a Bulldawg, always a Bulldawg!"
Questions? Contact League Commissioner John Reigle at (716) 228-5787, or Cheer Director Kate Smith (585) 409-3604.
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