The Boys of Summer!
Crack! The ball flies into right field and over the fence at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia. Or at least that’s what the Batavia Muckdogs and their fans hope will happen when they are up to bat. The Batavia Muckdogs are a minor league baseball team that is the short-season, Class A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. The Muckdog’s seasons began in mid-June and their home schedule concludes on Saturday, September 5th against the Auburn Doubledays (affiliate of Washington Nationals). Some of the players on the field in Batavia will eventually make it on the roster of a professional team. Current Major League Baseball all-stars Ryan Howard, Matt Carpenter and Chase Utley all got their professional careers started playing for the Muckdogs.
Yes, there’s something inherently magical about baseball. It’s a game that brings families and communities together. Picture it, a warm, summer evening, with the sun hanging on the horizon. The smell of hotdogs, the fans milling about, the opening ceremonies, the roar of the crowd when a play is missed; all these things add to the drama. Of course, the Muckdogs go all out to make each game an event. No matter what home game you attend, you’ll find a theme. The opportunities change daily, but you may discover: children’s admission deals, family packages, entertainment, a playful mascot, Friday fireworks and more! The most expensive ticket is $8, so it’s definitely a tremendous value.
One more thing...so, what is a Muckdog? Good question. The team name was selected in 1998 in conjunction with the newly built Dwyer Stadium. I happen to think Batavians chose well in re-naming their team. The unique moniker reflects Genesee County’s agricultural roots and the rich muck land perfect for growing onions in Elba. (Besides, the hats and t-shirts provoke all kinds of questions. What a great ice breaker for a party!). Make your way to Dwyer Stadium this summer and see tomorrow's superstars, today!
