Batavia Muckdogs

Press Release:

The Batavia Muckdogs are excited to announce their fourth annual Muckdogs Trick or Treat at Dwyer Stadium. The event is Saturday, October 19, from 3 to 6 p.m. It is free to enter and trick or treat around Dwyer Stadium.

“We started this tradition during our first season as owners of the Muckdogs in 2021 and we are so glad the community has come together to grow this event to what it is today. It is a kind of curtain call for Dwyer Stadium before we gear up for High School baseball in the spring of 2025 and then of course Muckdogs Baseball. An event like this is great because it really showcases how this great Stadium can be utilized for the community and by the community. Muckdogs Trick or Treat is made possible by all our great sponsors and we can’t thank them enough for providing a fun day for local families” says Owner Robbie Nichols.

The previous year’s event had over 2,000 families Trick or Treat around the field. It is free for attendees to enter and Trick or Treat around Dwyer Stadium and the Muckdogs are encouraging you to bring out your best Halloween costumes. There will also be music, activities, and food at the Stadium. 

For questions, please call the Muckdogs at 585-524-2260. 

If you are a local business looking to be involved with the event, please email Marc Witt, Muckdogs General Manager, at mwitt.canusa@gmail.com. 

Press Release:

The Batavia Muckdogs had an amazing season on the field, finishing first place overall in the West Division, and another amazing year off the field.

The Muckdogs kicked off the season walking in the annual Batavia Memorial Day Parade during training camp. Players & coaches visited local schools as well. 

Then the day before the season started the Muckdogs hosted a special meet & greet at Eli Fish Brewing, where season ticket holders met the Muckdogs.

As the season kicked off the Muckdogs hosted over 500 youth baseball & softball buddies during the year playing catch pre-game before games at Dwyer Stadium.

The Muckdogs hosted the Challenger Division Baseball for an incredible day as player & coach buddies, assisting players with physical and intellectual challenges throughout the day. Dwyer Stadium along with Muckdogs staff and players hosted baseball training camps as well, throughout the season. 

The Batavia Muckdogs teamed up with over 21 non-profits or charity organizations helping spread awareness and raise funds for their causes. On Friday, July 21, the Muckdogs hosted Strike-Out Cancer Night in partnership with Wilmot Cancer Institute. 

On July 6 the Muckdogs hosted Military Appreciation Night with all veterans receiving free entry. 

Thursday, July 18 the Muckdogs and Stop DWI teamed up to educate over 500 youth fans on driver safety. 

Then the Muckdogs closed out the regular season on July 28 collecting donations for the Genesee County Animal Shelter. 

Throughout the year the Muckdogs shared some great community programs with their Katie’s Star Memorial Fund Night (assisting in organ donor recovery), Live Like Levi (St. Joseph’s Schools), and First Responder Recognition (Honoring Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello).

Dwyer Stadium had some amazing visitors this season as well too. Buffalo Bills current rookie Guard Keaton Bills threw out a first pitch. Savannah Banana’s dancing first baseman Maceo Harris entertained fans at a game in June. In honor of the 2024 Olympics Jana Kolukanova 2x Olympian in swimming (sprint freestyle) representing Estonia came for a special appearance & first pitch as well. The Muckdogs also honored their baseball past hosting Batavia Clippers night with original 1939 Batavia Clipper Samuel “Sam” Dretto son throwing out the first pitch.

Dwyer Stadium will host several events before closing for the summer. Saturday August 10 Casella will have a company picnic & kickball game. Sunday August 25 the annual Battle of the Badges – Charity Softball Game (City of Batavia Police vs City of Batavia Fire). Then on Saturday October 19 Muckdogs Trick or Treat makes it’s return for the 4th straight year, a free event for the children of our community. 

The Batavia Muckdogs would like to thank their great community for all the support and are honored to keep the Batavia Muckdogs strong in our community. 2025 season tickets are on sale now starting as low as $99. If you are looking for tickets or to sponsor one of the upcoming events email General Manager (Marc Witt) mwitt.canusa@gmail.com.

Press Release:

The Batavia Muckdogs, City of Batavia Police, and City of Batavia Fire Department have teamed up with Batavia Youth Baseball for their annual Battle of the Badges at Dwyer Stadium on Sunday, August 25 at 5 p.m. 

Doors open at 4 p.m., and tickets start at just $10, with proceeds benefiting the Foundation. 

This will mark the 4th event for both sides with the Fire Department holding a 2-1 record on the Police Officers with the most recent victory coming from the Police. However, it is the first time the event will benefit Batavia Youth Baseball. 

“The City of Batavia Benevolent Fireman’s Association, along with the Batavia Police Benevolent Association are excited to participate in another charity softball game at Dwyer Stadium this year," said Detective James DeFreze, City of Batavia Police Detective.

“It felt very fitting to have our city’s local youth baseball organization benefit from this charity game. We know how important youth sports are to shaping adolescence in our community,” said Nate Flint from the City of Batavia Fire Department.

Dwyer Stadium is happy to host this event and thrilled to organize these events for the community. 

Marc Witt, Muckdogs General Manager, stated “This event is always fun and an awesome tradition we started here in Batavia since our company CAN-USA Sports took over the Dwyer Stadium. Glad the Muckdogs organization can help give back to youth baseball as well.”

Tickets are on sale now available through online here. All youth baseball and softball players receive free entry to the event as well. If you own or operate a local business or organization who would like to sponsor the event, please email Marc Witt at mwitt.canusa@gmail.com.

Press Release:

Genesee County STOP-DWI and the Genesee County Youth Bureau are partnering with the Batavia Muckdogs to host the annual STOP-DWI Night at the Ballpark on Thursday, July 18 at Dwyer Stadium. 

The Genesee County Youth Bureau has a limited supply of complimentary tickets available for youth and their families. Get your tickets before they run out by calling 585-344-3960.

This year’s STOP-DWI event is dedicated to the families of Genesee County law enforcement officers. Our officers put their lives on the line every day to serve & protect, while often missing holidays, celebrations, and other milestones with their children, spouses, parents, partners, siblings, and other family members. 

Genesee County STOP-DWI will be recognizing this sacrifice with a special tribute to the Sanfratello family. Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello made the ultimate sacrifice when his life was lost in the line of duty on March 10. Throughout his 32 years of service, Sgt. Sanfratello spent countless hours away from his family dedicated to STOP-DWI work details. 

Help us cheer on Sgt. Sanfratello’s family as they throw out this year’s first pitch. Join us for this family-focused evening with the Batavia Muckdogs. Gates open at 5:35 p.m. and the game starts at 6:35 p.m.

A special thank you to all event sponsors and contributors helping make this event possible including Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, Chapin Manufacturing, UConnect Care, Gerace Realty, Graham Corporation, Kiwanis of Batavia, LeRoy Moose Family Center, Lions Club of Batavia, Marchese Computers, Polish Falcons Nest #493, and the WNY Association of Chiefs of Police.

Press Release:

The Batavia Muckdogs are excited to announce the signing of 10 players to the 2024 roster this summer. 

Diego Alvarado (INF, Hendrix College, Jr.), Justin Austin (INF/OF, Cerro Coso Community College, So.), 2023 Returner - Trey Bacon (RHP/UTIL, University of Auburn-Montgomery, Sr.), 2023 Returner - Garrett Beaver (RHP, Salisbury University, So.), Bryceton Berry (RHP/OF, Flagler College, Fr.), 2023 Returner - Tucker Beving (RHP, University of Wisconsin-Stout, So.), James Bolton (Catcher, SUNY-Courtland, So.), Devin Brooks (RHP, Alabama State University, So.), Garrett Brunstetter (LHP, University of Missouri-St. Louis, So.), Jake Butler (INF, George Mason University, Fr.). 

The Muckdogs will also take part in several events this season including walking in the Memorial Day Parade, Eli Fish Season Ticket Holder Party, The Tiney Piney Meet & Greet, and Bowling with the Muckdogs at Mancuso Lanes.

Diego Alvarado is a 6’ utility player from Hendrix College. A native of Visalia, California, Alvarado is starting his first season with the Muckdogs. Alvarado played at Gateway Community College where he played in 38 games, hitting for a .279 average, and having 14 runs batted in. In his first season at Hendrix, Alvarado started 12 games for the Warriors while posting a .211 batting average, while driving in 8 runs, on 8 hits.

Justin Austin is a 5’7” infielder from Cerro Coso Community College. A native of Winter Park, Florida, Austin is starting his first season with the Muckdogs. In 27 games played for the Coyotes, Austin had a .318 batting average, with 27 hits, 28 runs batted in, and 1 home run.

Trey Bacon is a 5’11” right-handed pitcher from the University of Auburn at Montgomery. A native of Tampa, Florida, Bacon is a familiar face amongst Muckdogs fans as he is returning for his 4 th season. Bacon in 13.2 innings had 13 strikeouts for the Warhawks, and hitters having a .209 batting average against him. Coach Bush at Auburn-Montgomery had high praise for the senior pitcher.

Garrett Beaver is a 6’1 right-handed pitcher from Salisbury University. A native of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, Beaver is returning for another season in Batavia. Beaver, last season at Salisbury, pitched 36.1 innings, with a 3-2 record and 3 saves, struck out 34 batters with a 2.94 earned run average. His career numbers with the Seagulls are 47 innings pitched, with a 3-2 overall record, 3 saves, 46 strikeouts, and a 2.87 earned run average, with hitters having a .190 batting average against him.

Bryceton Berry is a 6’1 right-handed pitcher and outfielder from Flagler College. A native of Batavia, Berry is starting his first season with his hometown team. Berry’s first season at Flagler had him make appearances in the outfield and on the mound for the Saints. On the mound, Berry pitched 13.1 innings, while striking out 11, posting a 4.73 earned run average, and hitters had a .239 batting average against him. At the plate, Berry had 1 hit in 3 at bats, giving him a .333 batting average. Berry was also the MVP of the Batavia Rotary Club Tournament this summer at Dwyer.

Tucker Beving is a 6’ right-handed pitcher from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. A native of Norwalk, Iowa, Beving is entering his second season with the Muckdogs. Beving had 39.2 innings pitched, with 35 strikeouts for the Blue Devils. In his career, he has 82.1 innings pitched, with 73 strikeouts, tallying a 7.43 earned run average. Hitters have a .309 batting average against him. This season, Beving’s goal this season is to drop his ERA and opposing batting average to lead the pitching staff.

James Bolton is a 6’2” catcher from SUNY-Courtland. A native of nearby Webster, New York, Bolton is entering his first season with the Muckdogs. Bolton is looking to bring leadership and playoff experience to Batavia following his college season where SUNY-Courtland made a deep playoff run. 

Devin Brooks is a 6’3” right-handed pitcher from Alabama State University. A native of Alabaster, Alabama, Brooks is starting his first season with the Muckdogs. In his most recent season at Alabama State, Brooks pitched 27.2 innings while striking out 22 batters, giving him a 1-2 record. In his career with the Hornets, Brooks has 31.1 innings, with 24 strikeouts, and a 1-2 record, with opposing hitters having a .239 batting average against him.

Garrett Brunstetter is a 6’2” left-handed pitcher from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Brunstetter is starting his first season with the Muckdogs. In 52 innings pitched for the Tritons, Brunstetter struck out 65 batters, posting a 5.71 earned run average, and hitters had a .254 batting average against him.

Jake Butler is a 5’11” infielder from George Mason University. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Butler is starting his first season with the Muckdogs. In 23 starts for George Mason University, Butler has a .256 batting average with 21 hits, in 82 at bats, 9 runs batted in, and 2 home runs. Butler is looking to make an impact for Batavia in his first season.

Fans can see the Muckdogs before the action starts on Monday, May 27 in the annual Memorial Day Parade. 

On Tuesday, May 28 the Muckdogs will host their annual Season Ticket Holder Eat & Meet at Eli Fish Brewing at 6 p.m. 

Then on Wednesday, May 29 join the Muckdogs at The Tiney Piney (5609 Main St. Batavia). 

Fans can bowl with the Muckdogs on Tuesday, June 4 at Mansuco Bowling Center/T.F. Brown’s at 6 p.m. as well. They can contact Manscuso Bowling Center directly at 585-343-1319 to reserve their spot to Bowl with players. 

Opening Day is Saturday, June 1 at 6:30 p.m. vs the Elmira Pioneers with Post Game Fireworks presented by Graham Corporation & Batavia Downs. Call 585-524-2260 for single-game tickets & season ticket plans start at just $99.

Calling it “a good market that just needs some work,” Robbie Nichols is ready to perform his baseball magic in Niagara Falls.

Nichols, owner of Can-USA Sports along with his wife, Nellie, (photo above) confirmed today that his organization has purchased the Niagara Falls Americans’ franchise of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League and has signed on to manage Sal Maglie Stadium, the team’s home ballpark.

Can-USA Sports also owns the Elmira Pioneers and the Batavia Muckdogs, both members of the PGCBL. Nichols, General Manager Marc Witt and their staff have been credited for rejuvenating baseball in Batavia.

“Niagara Falls, I believe, is a good market that just needs some work,” Nichols said. “The gentleman that owned the team last year wasn’t returning and I think our league needs a team there.”

Last year, the team was called the Niagara Power and competed in the PGCBL’s West Division along with Batavia, Elmira, Jamestown, Auburn, Newark and Geneva.

Nichols said Niagara Falls’ leaders have committed more than $2 million for repairs of Sal Maglie Stadium.

“They put in a new turf field. It will be a very good-looking ballpark,” he noted, adding that Michael Gabriele, a former Niagara University baseball player, will be the club’s manager. He said the team already is signing players for the 2024 season.

City and state politicians reportedly are enthusiastic about the team’s prospects with Can-USA Sports on board.

“We are really excited to introduce them to the city of Niagara Falls and the Sal Maglie Stadium,” Mayor Rob Restaino told WIVB-TV.

State Sen. Rob Ortt echoed his sentiments, telling the television station that the Nichols team “chose Niagara Falls because of the stadium, because of the history, because they believe in Niagara Falls.”

“And hopefully that will inspire and tell a lot of other people here that we too should believe in Niagara Falls.”

Nichols announced that Niagara County Community College and D’Youville University baseball teams will play their home games at Sal Maglie Stadium next year. He said he plans to book many other events there, just as he does with Dwyer Stadium in Batavia.

When asked if he was stretching himself too thin – having to juggle the activities of three franchises, Nichols said he will continue to be “stationed” in Batavia once the season starts but will rotate among the three.

“I’ll probably be at 65 baseball games, working, so it will be a busy summer,” he said. “Nellie and I are excited about the new opportunity. It’s a market that needs work, but we’re not afraid of a little work.”

Nichols admitted he’s taking a financial risk as the Niagara Falls team did not attract many fans last year,

“Definitely, it’s a risk because it’s no Batavia. They weren’t drawing the crowds that we were drawing last year,” he said. “Everything’s a risk, but our staff – and how hard we work – I’m confident that we can turn Niagara Falls around.”

File photo: Robbie and Nellie Nichols by Jim Burns.

Press Release:

The Batavia Muckdogs are excited to announce Cooper French as the Muckdogs Assistant Manager for the 2024 season.

Cooper is entering his first season with the Muckdogs and the PGCBL. He found a great deal of success in the Commonwealth Collegiate Baseball League of Kentucky, leading his team to an 18 & 2 record, league championship, as well as winning the Coach of the Year Award. 

Cooper coached players of all levels ranging from Division I to Division III. Cooper enters his second season as the Assistant Baseball Coach at Hanover College in Indiana during his collegiate regular season. Cooper Primarily works with pitchers & outfields for the Hanover College Panthers & has learned a great deal from the entire Hanover staff. While coaching he plans on studying to achieve his MBA. 

The Muckdogs will have Holiday office hours all day on Thursday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fans can get their favorite Muckdogs gear, get their 2024 season tickets, or pick out something special for that baseball fan in their life.

The ever-popular trick-or-treat event at Dwyer Stadium drew hundreds again this year as part of a yearly Halloween tradition at the Bank Street facility that's home to Batavia Muckdogs.

The October event is just one of several that Muckdogs owner Robbie Nichols and staff host at the site, but it's definitely the sweetest. Businesses an organizations also participate with booths at the field, and hand out candy to the onslaught of little ghosts, goblins and whatever cartoon character may be trending. 

Photos by Nick Serrata

Press Release:

The Batavia Muckdogs are excited to announce their 3rd annual Muckdogs Trick or Treat at Dwyer Stadium on Saturday, October 21 from 3 - 6 p.m. 

“This tradition started when we took over the team in 2021 as a free event for the community to get together and have some fun around Halloween. Last year we saw over 5,000 people attend the event and we are expecting another great crowd. We really can’t thank the businesses that are involved who help make this event possible.” Owner Robbie Nichols.

The event is free to enter and is for all ages. Attendees can trick or treat, participate in games & activities, and enjoy the Halloween festivities at Dwyer Stadium. If you or someone you know wants their local business to be involved please email Muckdogs General Manager, Marc Witt mwitt.canusa@gmail.com.

These past two years may have seemed like a honeymoon phase for Batavia Muckdogs owner Robbie Nichols and the City of Batavia, but he and his CAN-USA Sports team are ready to take it to the next level, he says.

“You know, we've had great success here in Batavia with the Muckdogs and all the different things that take place at the Dwyer Stadium. And we're willing to make a long commitment to the city. And I think the city's willing to make a long commitment to us,” Nichols said after getting the City Council’s nod of approval for a lease renewal Monday evening. “It's been a great marriage. And we've really enjoyed working with the city. And I think they enjoy working with us. So we're ready to make a long-term commitment.”

Nichols, aka CAN-USA Sports, took over the lease for Dwyer Stadium in January 2021 and operated for three seasons as part of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. 

Due to the success at the stadium — which features local favorite Batavia Muckdogs, live concerts, a dance team, high school baseball, festivals, and kid-friendly events, including the upcoming blow-out for Halloween, a trick-or-treat night — city leaders offered a longer contract this time around.

Beginning in April, there will be a rent payment of $7,500, which will increase to $10,000 in 2025. Then in 2026, the rent is to increase to $11,500, along with a capital payment of $5,000. Rent and a capital payment will gradually increase from there for a total rent of $17,758 and a capital payment of $9,900 on April 1, 2040.

Capital payments will be placed in a reserve fund for use on facility improvements, per agreement between the landlord and tenant for projects of more than $25,000. 

Part of the lease includes targeted capital improvement program projects, including painting and installing new flooring in the home and visiting team locker rooms; replacing home and visiting team locker room signage; installing new and upgrading sound equipment; repairing and or replacing outfield fencing; redesigning Dwyer Stadium landscaping and repairing or replacing home and visiting team bullpen areas.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski recommended that the council move a resolution forward for a vote to approve the updated lease agreement. Nichols has pledged “to make aesthetic improvements at the stadium and to pay rent in each of those years as listed in the contract and capital fees,” she said. The extension is in three terms of five years each.+

“I just want to say thank you for all you've done out there. I mean, I see signs all over the place, fireworks, Fourth of July, you're really doing a great job,” Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. said. “Thank you very much. Are we in consensus?”

Council members gave an unofficial thumbs up, with the official vote to come during the next business meeting on Oct. 10. 

Nichols, his wife Nellie, and General Manager Marc Witt patiently sat through the entire meeting to get that good news since the agenda item was near the end. As per their usual, the Nichols and Witt were dressed in red and white Muckdogs gear, representing the team they have fully come to embrace as part of the Batavia community.

There have been many different events at the stadium, from various types of musical groups and entertainers to the latest annual Halloween fest, which last year drew a line of ghosts and goblins that wrapped around the corner. The Batavian had heard that the stadium might host a future Italian festival and asked Robbie if there was any truth to that.

“There's a rumor going around that we're looking at that. So we're always looking. We've always said it's the city's building, you know, the citizen’s building. Whatever we can do there that attracts more people, we’d love to do,” he said. “We definitely want more events and different events, and we're open to a lot of different things. We've already had a lot of different things there. The Halloween event has had huge success, and so whatever we can think of, we'll try it.”

Stop by our booth at the July 3rd Muckdogs game for a chance to win an electric guitar kit! Fill out an entry form with your best drawing of an eagle to be entered to win!

We'll also be talking about our newest feature –  Early Access Pass. Click here for more information or to join now.

Press Release:

Stop by our booth at the July 3rd Muckdogs game for a chance to win an electric guitar kit! Fill out an entry form with your best drawing of an eagle to be entered to win!

We'll also be talking about our newest feature –  Early Access Pass. Click here for more information or to join now.

Press Release:

Join Wilmot Cancer Institute at our Survivors Night to celebrate cancer survivorship on Saturday, June 24, at 6:35 p.m. (game time) at Dwyer Stadium, 299 Bank St., Batavia.

The event will feature the Batavia Muckdogs playing against Elmira Pioneers, fireworks and a ceremony honoring cancer survivors.

Survivors receive 1 free game ticket (each additional ticket $10).

Call the Muckdogs Box Office to purchase at 585-524-2260. Must be purchased prior to game day.

*Cancer survivors are invited to arrive by 6 p.m. to join in the on-field celebration.

It took a few minutes for Batavia Muckdogs owner Robbie Nichols to answer the phone Tuesday, which is understandable.

Not only does he plan for special events, network and take care of finances for the business, but also the minor details of minor league baseball.

“I was just moving garbage cans around the ballpark,” he said. "Whatever needs to be done."

Nichols had recently made a request that $4,000 originally granted to GO ART! for Picnic in the Park be instead given to Batavia Muckdogs for a Fourth of July fireworks display after the July 3 ball game. City Council approved the request during its business meeting Monday, and The Batavian called Nichols for comment.

“We're glad that it was approved, and we're just gonna give it back to the city and the show. So we're excited about that. We do have fireworks on that night, it's going to be more grandiose, like a big city fireworks show sponsored by the city,” he said. “And so obviously, this will be a much larger show. And thank you to the city. And like we said, we'll get tickets out to those people that could use them.”

In his letter requesting the additional funds, Nichols pledged to donate 100 tickets for families in need. On Tuesday, he said it would likely be more than 100 tickets, as he wanted to make it possible for any families that couldn’t otherwise afford to attend to be able to also enjoy the Fourth of July festivities.

“We enjoy being part of the community, and we enjoy being involved in as many events as possible in Batavia,” he said in his letter to council.

Julia Rogers, coordinator of the Batavia City Community Schools program, will be referring families for the tickets, City Manager Rachael Tabelski said.

Nichols and staff were glad that the money was awarded to them, he said, and they have no plans to keep it, treating it in the same vein as they do Dwyer Stadium:  “This is a city facility. It’s not our facility. We’re just the holders of the keys,” he said.

“You know, we're really excited. We put a lot of hard work into Batavia. (General Manager) Marc Witt does a great job with all the groups and people that he brings here. This Friday is Batavia Blue Devil night, and it's gonna be a large crowd, and Monday's game got rained out, and we already had a large crowd coming Monday night, so Friday should be another sold-out game, and we're really happy,” he said. “We had three sell-outs in our first four (games). So we're pretty happy, and we know we're going to sell out this next one. So the crowds keep coming out. We're just happy. They like our product and like what we do here.

“And we want people to enjoy it. You know, every weekend, people don't know we have baseball games, from morning to night. GLOW uses our field every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday,” he said. “So if the Dogs aren't playing, we have youth baseball being played from eight in the morning ’til eight at night almost every Friday, Saturday, Sunday.”

That was enough talk. He had other tasks to do.

“We get a lot of trash,” he said.

Press Release:

The West Division Champion Batavia Muckdogs are happy to welcome the newest members of the team for the upcoming 2023 season! Among the many newcomers joining the reigning champs are Outfielder Anthony Calabro, and First Baseman/Outfielder Henry Daniels, both coming from the University of West Georgia. 

Calabro, a 6’0 185 pound junior, comes from St. John’s, Florida. A Division II player of the year candidate, Calabro had an excellent season batting .418 and mashing 14 home runs on his way to a 1.225 OPS while also swiping 17 stolen bases along the way.

Daniels, a 6’5 220-pound junior, is from Norman Park, Georgia. Daniels, the first base/outfield hybrid, mashed 15 home runs with a .634 slugging percentage.

Along with these new assets, many familiar faces are returning for another year of Muckdogs’ baseball. Among these include Alex Hale, Trey Bacon, Julian Pichardo, Josh Leadem, Caleb Rodriguez, Brice Mortillaro, Ryan Kinney, and Tyler Henshaw.

Standing at 5’11 and weighing 180 pounds, Alex Hale is a junior pitcher from Niagara County Community College. Hale, who throws an 86-mile-per-hour fastball, has been limited this season, striking out three in three innings with no runs allowed.

Standing at 5’11 and weighing 160 pounds, Trey Bacon is a junior utility player and pitcher from Saint Pete College. Bacon recently averaged eight strikeouts per nine innings at Santa Fe Community College. Last summer for Batavia, Trey performed at a high level with a 1.59 ERA. 

Standing at 6’5 and weighing 225 pounds, Julian Pichardo is a senior pitcher from the University of Fort Lauderdale. Pichardo will be returning for his third stint with the Muckdogs. His first year with Batavia saw him clock in with a 2.45 ERA in 55 innings pitched, along with 42 strikeouts. Last year Pichardo pitched a 3.20 ERA while striking out 17 batters in 19 innings.
Julian also won a championship playoff game last year for the Muckdogs.

Standing at 6’2 and weighing 190 pounds, Josh Leadem is a senior outfielder from the University of Rochester. Leadem is making his return to the team after playing this year for the University of Rochester, where across three seasons there, he’s accumulated a career .334 average and 61 stolen bases. Leadem hit a walk-off grand slam in this year's liberty league tournament against RIT.

Standing at 5’10 and weighing 170 pounds, Caleb Rodriguez is a senior middle infielder from Kean University. Rodriguez will be making his return to Batavia after bumping up his batting average from .252 his sophomore season to .331 his junior season at Kean University. This year he also finished with a .434 on-base percentage and 23 RBIs.

Standing at 6’0 and weighing 187 pounds, Brice Mortillaro is a sophomore catcher from Georgia Southwestern University. After a year off from the Muckdogs, Mortillaro will be returning to the team. Brice, in his 2022 campaign at Georgia Southwestern University, posted a .432 on-base percentage and .745 OPS, and in his entire collegiate career, has never made an error.

Standing at 6’5 and weighing 190 pounds, Ryan Kinney is a senior pitcher from Xavier University of Louisiana. Kinney will make his way back to Batavia this year. This past season saw Ryan continue to perform well, pitching in 19 innings along with 24 strikeouts.

Standing at 5’9 and weighing 165, Tyler Henshaw is a sophomore pitcher from Potomac State. Henshaw has been dominant this season with Potomac State, averaging 10.15 strikeouts per game while holding opponents to only a .242 batting average while he’s on the bump.

The entire Batavia team will begin their quest to repeat as West Division champions with their home opener at Dwyer Stadium against the Elmira Pioneers on Saturday, June 3rd. Following the opener will be a fireworks display for all to enjoy. For both individual and season tickets, as well
as keeping up with future games and promotional nights, please check out our website https://www.canusamuckdogs.com/ or call 585-524-2260!

Submitted photos

GLOW YMCA’s annual meeting had a few surprises this year, as the nonprofit’s leaders, including CEO Rob Walker, presented Community Partner awards to two Batavia entities that have been key players in the community.

Awards went each to Batavia Muckdogs and the City of Batavia for their contributions to YMCA’s mission and vision.

In turn, City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. said just how much YMCA’s presence here has impacted him.

“The YMCA as been a positive influence in our community for as long as I can remember.  As a young child growing up in Batavia, the YMCA health and wellness programs were a big part of my life,” Jankowski said. “Their mission continues today in partnership with the city to manage Batavia’s after school and parks programs. I’m looking forward to the next chapter as they complete the new Healthy Living campus in our downtown.”

City Manager Rachael J. Tabelski and Jankowski were proud to receive the recognition, they said. YMCA has been “all in” to assist the city in ways that advance the mission of health and wellness, Tabelski said.

“And we share a very strong mutually beneficial partnership.  The YMCA worked with the former Youth Bureau Director, Jocelyn Sikorski, (currently director of Cornell Cooperative Extension) as a founding member of Teen City, an afterschool program for middle and high school aged children,” Tabelski said. “The YMCA stepped up when the city needed to find a private sector partner to run the afterschool program and the summer recreation program, which are both still offered free of charge to families in Batavia. The YMCA has also been a leader in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) partnering with (Rochester Regional Health and United Memorial Medical Center) to build a new $30 million Healthy Living Campus in the heart of downtown Batavia.

“The City is proud to be partners with Rob Walker, the YMCA, and their amazing staff, and we appreciate the honor of this award," she said. 

A request for comment from Batavia Muckdogs owner Robbie Nichols was not returned by the time this article was published.

Top Photo: Steven Krna, Muckdogs General Manager Marc Witt, Batavia City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr., and GLOW YMCA CEO Rob Walker; and above, Steven Krna, City Manager Rachael Tabelski, Eugene Jankowski Jr., and Rob Walker. Photos submitted.