Nine of the Most Significant Black Players in Syracuse Baseball History

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In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at some of the most significant Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

In honor of Jackie Robinson’s number nine, which he wore in his lone minor league season with the Montreal Royals in 1946, here is a look at nine of the most significant Black baseball players ever to suit up for Syracuse.

Moses Fleetwood Walker

Moses Fleetwood Walker played for the Syracuse Stars in 1888 and 1889 and is known as the first Black man to play in the major leagues. Although research shows that William Edward White was the first Black man to play in the majors (playing as a substitute in one game), White passed as a white man, whereas Moses Fleetwood Walker was the first to be open about his heritage. Walker played one season in the majors with the Toledo Blue Stockings in 1884, playing in 42 games, primarily as a catcher. After stops with other minor league teams, Walker finished his professional baseball career with Syracuse. He helped the Starts win the International Association pennant in 1888. The Stars were in the International League in 1889, and Walker played in 50 games before he was released from the team near the end of the season. Walker was the last Black player to play in the International League before Jackie Robinson did so in 1946 with Montreal.

Vic Power

Vic Power is the first Black player to play a full season with the Syracuse Chiefs. Power played for the Chiefs in 1951 as part of the New York Yankees organization, hitting .294 with 22 doubles and 56 RBI as a first baseman and outfielder. By some accounts, Power should’ve been the first Black Yankee player, but he wasn’t, and Elston Howard holds that title. Instead, Power combined for a .284 career batting average in 12 seasons in the majors between the Philadelphia Athletics, Kansas City Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels, and California Angels. Power was inducted into the Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame in 2008.

Willie Smith

Willie Smith pitched for the Syracuse Chiefs in 1963 and played two games in 1964 while he was a member of the Detroit Tigers system. Smith earned the nickname “Wonderful Willie” while putting together an outstanding 1963 season with Syracuse, going 14-2 on the mound with 14 complete games in 19 appearances and 145 innings pitched, including a franchise-record ten consecutive games with a win. Smith’s 2.11 ERA was the best in the league, as was his winning percentage. After his first eight wins, including seven complete games, Smith was called up and made his major league debut on June 18, 1963. After a few other appearances, Smith was sent back to Syracuse where he was named the starting pitcher for the league’s All-Star team in an exhibition against the defending champion New York Yankees. Smith threw three scoreless innings of no-hit baseball while allowing just one walk. Smith was named the International League’s best pitcher of the 1963 season and was also solid at the plate with a .380 batting average (30-for-89). Smith went on to be used primarily as a hitter in nine major league seasons, including a .301 batting average in 118 games with the Los Angeles Angels in 1964 while pitching nearly 32 innings with a 2.84 ERA. Smith was inducted into the Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame in 2000.

Willie Horton

Willie Horton played briefly with the Syracuse Chiefs in 1963, but his breakout season happened in 1964. After starting the season with Detroit, Horton struggled and was sent down to Syracuse where he flourished, hitting .288 in 135 games with 28 home runs and 99 RBIs. His production in Syracuse earned him a late-season call up to Detroit. Horton remained in the majors from 1964-1980, earning four All-Star Game selections with the Tigers and winning the 1968 World Series with Detroit. Horton finished his career with a .273 career batting average and 325 career home runs in 18 seasons between the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners. Horton is also a member of the Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame Class of 2000.

Deion Sanders

Deion Sanders is one of the best athletes of all time and is possibly the greatest multi-sport athlete ever. Sanders played 14 NFL seasons while playing 11 seasons of professional baseball, including nine years in the Major Leagues. Sanders played part of just one season with Syracuse, but it was where he ended his professional baseball career, playing 25 games with the Syracuse SkyChiefs in 2001. In his final professional baseball game, Sanders hit a home run and had an RBI single for Syracuse in a 12-6 win against Toledo. Sanders is the only person to play in both a Super Bowl and a World Series.

Terry Whitfield

Terry Whitfield played three seasons with the Syracuse Chiefs from 1974 to 1976 and was named an International League Mid-Season All-Star all three seasons. Whitfield worked his way up to Syracuse, the New York Yankees’ top minor league affiliate at the time, after he was drafted by the Yankees in the first round of 1971 MLB June amateur draft. Whitfield played briefly in three seasons with the Yankees from 1974 to 1976, but his best Major League seasons came from 1977 to 1980 with the San Francisco Giants where he played 514 games and had a .289 batting average in his four seasons with the Giants. After three years in the Japan Pacific League, Whitfield played for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1984 to 1986. Whitfield is a 2008 inductee of the Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame.

Greg “Boomer” Wells

Boomer Wells was a team leader and fan favorite while he played for the Syracuse Chiefs from 1978 to 1981. In those four seasons, Wells combined for a .274 batting average, 50 home runs, 64 doubles, and 226 RBIs in 379 games. Wells was a 1979 Minor-League Gold Glove winner at first base and a 1981 International League Post-Season All-Star. Despite his solid stats, Wells only played parts of two seasons in the Majors: 32 games in 1981 with Toronto and 15 games in 1982 with Minnesota. In 1983, Wells went to the Japan Pacific League where he played ten seasons. Wells is a member of the Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame Class of 2008.

Clarence “Choo-Choo” Coleman

Choo-Choo Coleman played one season in Syracuse but was a member of the New York Mets in their inaugural season in 1962. Coleman hit the first home run in Mets history, albeit during an exhibition game, on Match 11, 1962 against the Cardinals. Despite this, Coleman did not make New York’s Opening Day roster and instead was sent to Triple-A Syracuse where injuries limited him to a .195 batting average in 71 games. Coleman did get an opportunity later in the season with the Mets where he hit .250 in 55 games as New York’s catcher. Coleman went on to play with the Mets in 1963 but then did not play in the majors again until 1966 where he played just six games with New York.

Bobby Mitchell

Bobby Mitchell played three seasons with Syracuse from 1969 to 1971 as a member of the New York Yankees organization. Mitchell played 69 games with the Chiefs in 1969 where he had a .328 batting average with 13 home runs, 18 doubles, 8 triples, 57 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases. Mitchell’s 1969 season included a five-hit game on July 16, 1969 at Louisville. He is one of 45 Syracuse players to have at least five hits in a game since 1961. In 1970, Mitchell played 107 games with Syracuse and ten games with the New York Yankees where he made his Major League debut. Then, Mitchell played 73 games with Syracuse in 1971 before he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. Mitchell played parts of four seasons with the Brewers before he played the rest of his career in the Japan Pacific League with the Nippon Ham Fighters.

Black History Month:  A Look Back With Cory Vaughn

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In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at some of the best Black players to suit up for their club.
We will be showcasing these players – in no particular order – throughout the month and introducing a video

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at some of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

We will be showcasing these players – in no particular order – throughout the month and introducing a video series where we chat with each player about their time in Brooklyn and where life has taken them since their time on Coney Island.

First up is Cory Vaughn. Without a doubt, Cory Vaughn was the most prolific power hitter in Cyclones history during their time in the New York-Penn League. His 14 home runs and 56 RBI were both franchise records, until the Cyclones became a full-season affiliate following the 2019 season. Cory also led the NYPL with a .557 slugging percentage and a .953 on-base percentage. The 4th Round selection in the 2010 MLB Draft was a New York-Penn League All-Star in 2010 and made it all the way to Triple-A Las Vegas with the Mets in 2015 before finishing his career in the Independent Atlantic League with Southern Maryland.

MiLB Announces “The Nine” to Celebrate, Engage and Welcome Black Fans

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NEW YORK, NY, Feb. 1, 2022 — Minor League Baseball® (MiLB™) today announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, The Nine will connect MiLB teams’ existing, Black-community focused development efforts with new national programming and future special events in a coordinated and centralized campaign. The new inclusion initiative follows MiLB’s Copa de la Diversión Latino fan engagement platform introduced in 2017 that included 76 MiLB teams in 2021.

The Nine will recognize and honor numerous Black pioneers and trailblazing civil rights leaders in all 120 MiLB communities, ensuring the heroes of the past and their contributions continue to be celebrated through ceremonies and events at MiLB ballparks and in the community. Recent tributes and celebrations have included Negro Leagues commemorative games honoring the Austin Black Senators in Round Rock (TX), the Bradenton (FL) Nine Devils, and Page Fence Giants near Lansing (MI). Additional tribute games are being planned for the 2022 season and beyond.

“The Nine will shine bright spotlights on these successful initiatives and transform them into national campaigns reaching more fans and communities, further showcasing our teams’ commitment to representing, honoring, and welcoming all fans to MiLB’s unique brand of fun,” said Kurt Hunzeker, MLB’s Vice President of Minor League Business Operations. “The Nine is just the latest example of MiLB teams being true community champions.”

In addition to player- and team-related content, The Nine will focus heavily on creating new opportunities for youth participation among young Black boys and girls, particularly in communities where youth baseball and softball programming is either nonexistent or difficult to access.

Central to this youth-focused push is a planned expansion of Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program throughout MiLB’s national footprint. New competitions in MLB’s Pitch, Hit & Run and Junior Home Run Derby event series will also debut in MiLB markets beginning in 2022.

MiLB teams will continue to build relationships with local Black-owned and operated businesses, local artists and entertainers in an effort to embrace Black culture and make MiLB ballparks a hub for culturally relevant concerts, shows, and community events.

With several MiLB teams having a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in their community, opportunities will be provided for those schools to start internship and mentorship programs with their local team, creating opportunities for on-the-job experience for students prior to entering the job market. Additionally, MiLB recently partnered with TeamWork Online to create a more inclusive virtual job fair and ongoing talent pipeline that aims to recruit and position qualified and ready-for-hire candidates from across the country for potential management- and executive-level roles within MiLB team front offices.

Learn from the Pros at the 2022 Cyclones Kids Camp

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The Cyclones Kids Camp will return for the 2022 season to give the next generation of baseball stars the chance to learn the fundamentals of baseball with an emphasis on FUN. The camp will run from Wednesday, August 17th – Friday, August 19th. The registration fee is $150 if registered by January 15, 2022 and $200 after.

Campers will be broken up into groups based on their age and will be working with our Cyclones players (if possible based and health and safety protocols), coaches and staff members and learn the fundamentals of hitting, pitching, and fielding.

What’s included? Camp t-shirt, Cyclones hat, Daily Lunch, Autograph card from the 2022 Cyclones team, 4 Field Box Tickets to August 19th Game, on-field pre-game acknowledgment, opportunity to watch post-game fireworks on the field, 4 box tickets to any regular-season game of your choosing.

Prizes! – when campers are broken up into their stations, coaches will be given raffles to hand out to the most enthusiastic, most improved, the fastest runner, etc. Those that receive a raffle ticket will have a chance to win unique prizes at the end of the three days.

Weather – Camp goes on rain or shine. In the event of rain, campers will be taken inside to learn about the history of baseball and will have a question-and-answer session with our players and coaches. They will also spend time in our batting cages.

Timing Overview – Check-in Day 1 (August 17th) – 8:15 AM. Check-in Day 2 (August 18th) – 8:45 AM. Check-in Day 3 (August 19th) – 8:45 AM. Pick-up every day will be at 2:00 PM.

For questions e-mail [email protected]

Mets Job Fair coming January 15th

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PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – The St. Lucie Mets will host their annual Job Fair for New York Mets spring training and the St. Lucie Mets season on Saturday, January 15th at Clover Park.

The Job Fair, which features several game day positions, will run from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the conference room just to the left of the Box Office. Positions of need are security for open workouts and stadium, gate checkers, camera operators and more.

Concessions, run by Aramark, will host a separate job fair with details to be announced at a later date.

For more information email [email protected].

Mets announce 5K to kick off spring training festivities

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PORT ST LUCIE, Fla. – The St. Lucie Mets are excited to unveil plans for the first Swing into Spring Training 5K to be held on the eve of spring training, Sunday, February 13th at Clover Park.

The Swing into Spring Training 5K, sponsored by the Hospital for Special Surgery, will begin at 8 a.m. and is open to participants of all ages and skill levels.

Runners will receive a race bib, custom finisher medal, Swing into Spring Training T-shirt, swag bag and a ticket to a Mets spring training game (March 5th vs. Washington, March 18th vs. Pittsburgh or March 18th vs. Houston).

“The beginning of spring training is always an exciting time of year and this is great new way to kick off the season,” Lauren DeAcetis, St. Lucie Mets Director of Corporate Sales, said. “The Swing into Spring Training 5K will be fun for all runners, as they get to enjoy racing a new course in and around Clover Park.”

Adult entry fee is $50 prior to January 14th. After January 14th the cost is $55 and on race day it is $60. For kids 12-and-under the cost is $45 prior to January 14th, $50 after January 14th and $55 on race day. There is no fee for children under three.

A portion of the proceeds from the Swing into Spring Training 5K will benefit the Treasure Coast Hope for Homeless Foundation.

To sign up, click here.

The race course begins near the Clover Park main gate, goes out along Peacock and California Boulevards, winds back around through the practice fields and concludes at home plate of the stadium. After the race participants can gather in the stadium to enjoy refreshments and live music while waiting for the awards ceremony.

General inquiries about the Swing into Spring Training 5K should be sent to [email protected].

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Lauren DeAcetis, Director of Corporate Sales, at [email protected].

Amazin’ Mets Foundation Donates Food Truck to Food Bank of CNY 

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SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Mets and the Food Bank of CNY will host a food drive in the parking lot at NBT Bank Stadium on Thursday, September 30th in conjunction with the game that night.The Food Bank of CNY is using this game to debut the new refrigerated food truck donated to the Food Bank of CNY by the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. The food drive will begin at 5 p.m. and will last until 7 p.m. The first 150 people to donate non-perishable food items will receive an Amazin’ Mets Foundation tote bag.

“The Amazin’ Mets Foundation is proud to support the great work of the Food Bank of Central New York and the communities in Syracuse,” said Alex Cohen, President of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. “We are committed to providing needed services and opportunities to underserved groups, especially when it comes to hunger relief, which continues to be a growing issue throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We are dedicated to making a positive impact in all of our affiliates’ communities and neighborhoods.”

“The Amazin’ Mets Foundation is making a huge impact in the Central New York community, and we are privileged to be working with them, alongside the New York Mets,” said Jason Smorol, Syracuse Mets General Manager. “The Food Bank does so much to support people around our community, and this donation will help them focus and spend on food instead of vehicle maintenance. This donation by the Amazin’ Mets Foundation is just that, Amazing!”

The Syracuse Mets will play the Buffalo Bisons on Thursday, September 30th, and fans attending the game are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate before entering the stadium. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

“We are thrilled to reveal our new refrigerated straight truck during Thursday night’s Syracuse Mets game,” said Karen Belcher, Executive Director at Food Bank of Central New York. “The Amazin’ Mets Foundation and the Syracuse Mets are terrific partners of the Food Bank, providing funds, awareness, and support for our work to provide nutritious food in the community for people struggling with hunger. This truck, funded by the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, will be on the road every day helping to pick up food donated to us from local retail partners for distribution in various locations in the community later that same day!”

Tickets for September 30th and all remaining Syracuse Mets home games for the 2021 season are available at the Onondaga Coach Ticket Office at NBT Bank Stadium, over the phone (315-474-7833), or in-person during regular office hours, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online anytime at syracusemets.com.

Maimonides Park to Host Pete Alonso Homers for Heroes Charity Event September 27

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Join us at Maimonides Park on Monday, September 27th for The Battle of the Boroughs presented by Citi. Watch the top youth baseball players from around NYC compete in a home run derby hosted by Pete Alonso. The event will start at 7:00 PM with gates opening at 6:00 PM. Pete will be joined by other surprise guests that are sure to make the night AMAZIN’. Pete – the 2-time MLB Home Run Derby Champion – will even take some swings himself. Plus there will be fan prizes, giveaways and more.

Tickets for the event will be $10 with ALL PROCEEDS to benefit Pete Alonso’s Homers for Heroes. The charity was created in 2019 with the mission of helping and recognizing the everyday heroes who impact all of our lives. From first responders to teachers to healthcare workers, Homers for Heroes has been able to put our everyday heroes in the spotlight.

Cyclones Are Going, Going, Gold for Pediatric Cancer

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The Cyclones are Going, Going, Gold for Pediatric Cancer

Team Goes to Bat for Connor & Gianna

  • To Purchase Tickets to Benefit Connor’s Cure — CLICK HERE

BROOKLYN, NY – September 9, 2021 — The Brooklyn Cyclones are going gold for pediatric cancer this September and joining forces with Connor’s Cure to join in the fight against Pediatric Cancer. For all remaining September home games – starting Tuesday, September 14th and running through Sunday, September 19th – the Cyclones will be raising funds for this very worthy cause.

Connor’s Cure, which was originally established at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation in memory of Connor Michalek – an 8-year-old who battled medulloblastoma, a rare tumor that affects the brain and spinal cord – and has since partnered with WWE ® and The V Foundation for Cancer Research to raise millions of dollars in the fight against cancer.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Connor’s Cure to raise funds for such a worthy cause,” said Cyclones Assistant General Manager, Gary Perone. “We pride ourselves as an organization on being active members of our community and there are few causes that mean more to us than the fight against Pediatric Cancer and what Connor’s Cure stands for.”

As part of the Cyclones efforts, fans can purchase special ticket packages which will include the opportunity to take a photo with the Brooklyn Cyclones WWE Championship Title – which is awarded to the game MVP after each Cyclones victory. Proceeds from this ticket package will benefit Connor’s Cure. Those who already have tickets will also be able to pose with the championship belt for a donation the night of the game as well.

In addition, the team will be auctioning off a one-of-a-kind Connor’s Cure WWE Championship Title signed by Cyclones players to raise additional funds.

On Thursday, September 16th the fundraising will become even more personal for the organization as we honor one of the members of our kid’s dance team Pee Wee’s Dance Crew who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and battled bravely for years before passing away earlier this year. We will be honoring the life of our beloved Gianna throughout the game, including special dance performances from her friends and teammates, as well as a special ceremony with her family prior to the start of that night’s 7:00 PM game. Proceeds from tickets purchased for this game, through THIS LINK will benefit the Gianna Effect Foundation.

Gianna was a WWE fan herself, and even had the chance to meet WWE Superstars while undergoing treatment.

“Gianna was a beautiful light in this world that shined both on and off the field,” said Cyclones Director of Community Relations Christina Moore. “She was loved by all of her teammates on Pee Wee’s Dance Crew and will be remembered as a performance powerhouse, who packed a punch and brought joy to everyone around her. As an organization, it is a privilege to be able to honor the legacy of such a special young lady.”

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a month where we honor children with cancer, children who have survived cancer and children who have passed away as a result of cancer. It is a month where we will be “Going Gold” to make sure that childhood cancer is put in the spotlight.

Vegan Night Set for Saturday, July 24

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The Brooklyn Cyclones will be hosting Vegan Night at Maimonides Park on Saturday, July 24th when they take on the Wilmington Blue Rocks at 6:00 PM.

As part of the night, we will be converting one of our main concession stands into a Vegan Only stand. Here’s a look at the additional Vegan Items that will be available that evening:

  • V-Italian Meatball Hero – Vegan Meatballs, Tomato Sauce, Cheese on Hero Roll
  • Mac & Cheese – Vegan Pasta, non-dairy cheese with mesquite beyond sausage crumble
  • Tomato & Garden Vegetable Soup
  • Baked Potato with Vegan Chili Con Carne
  • Plus our standard offerings of vegetarian pizza, falafel, Beyond Burgers, and Sausage.

The first 1,000 fans in attendance will also receive a Jacob deGrom Bobblehead and the team will be offering a special BasebALL You Can Drink package – which beer, seltzer and mixed drink starting 30 minutes before first pitch and running through the end of the sixth inning for just $45. For more info – CLICK HERE.

Mets to support military families at Clover Park on Friday

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PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (July 8, 2021) – The St. Lucie Mets will show their support to military families and RememberEveryoneDeployed.org (R.E.D.) on Friday, July 9 when they take on the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels at 6:10 p.m.

R.E.D. is an organization that raises awareness about the hardships of those deployed and their families. They act in support of the ‘silent soldiers,’ the families of those deployed and provide direct aid to active duty military and their families. R.E.D. was founded in 2016 in Jacksonville, N.C. at Camp LeJeune, a Marine Corps Base, to show solidarity and support for deployed service members.

The Mets will support the organization with a promotional giveaway at Clover Park on Friday, July 9. The team, along with Fiserv, will give away a military-themed T-Shirt to the first 1,500 fans in attendance in support of RememberEveryoneDeployed.org.

R.E.D. representatives will be throwing the ceremonial first pitch and will conduct on-site activations on the concourse at Clover Park where fans can donate to the cause and support active duty military and their families.

R.E.D. and Fiserv will honor the Hometown Hero of the Game, SGT Eliza Ale-Finks, who serves in the United States Army and has recently returned home from deployment.

Fans interested in learning more about the cause or how to donate can visit remembereveryonedeployed.org. All military members and veterans can receive a free ticket to the game courtesy of A & G Concrete Pools by showing their military ID at the box office.

Syracuse Mets to host first virtual Education Day in MiLB History

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SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Mets are excited to announce details for a virtual Education Day that will take place on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. The game against the Worcester Red Sox was originally scheduled for a 6:35 p.m. start and has been officially changed to a noon start to accommodate the educational element.

The Syracuse Mets game will be available on the day of the game for all students via a free broadcast link on syracusemets.com. Classes can participate in school as a group, or students can join on the link as they are home in remote learning environments. Educational components will be built into the broadcast by John Dalgety, a teacher from the Phoenix (NY) School District that has helped the Mets incorporate more education components into Education Day over the years. Dalgety worked closely with Shaun Moriarty, a teacher from the Worcester School system, who is coordinating the effort to get students from Massachusetts involved.

“Education Day is a time-honored tradition across the minor leagues, and we wanted to find a way for this to continue to happen in this time of COVID-19,” said Syracuse Mets General Manager Jason Smorol. “This was an idea presented to us by our creative teachers in CNY, so we asked for permission, and with support from MLB, we will be able to let students participate in the fun of Education Day from home and school.”

Approvals for game time changes were provided by the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Major League Baseball.

Tickets for home Syracuse Mets games in June will go on sale May 28th at 10 a.m. Fans can purchase tickets for virtual Education Day or other June games at the Onondaga Coach Ticket Office at NBT Bank Stadium or over the phone at 315-474-7833 during regular office hours (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or online anytime at syracusemets.com.

For any questions about the virtual Education Day, email Michael Tricarico at[email protected].

Syracuse Mets and Onondaga County Team Up to Provide Free COVID-19 Rapid Testing for Fans to Attend Syracuse Mets Games

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SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Mets and Onondaga County are partnering to provide free COVID-19 rapid testing at NBT Bank Stadium for fans during the 2021 season. New York State guidelines require fans to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test prior to entry. This rapid test that will be provided by Onondaga County at NBT Bank Stadium will fulfill the testing requirement set forth by New York State.

Testing will take place on the day of Syracuse Mets home games Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. There are no games on Mondays this season. This gameday testing is available for fans who are attending the Syracuse Mets game on the same day. Fans will need to register in advance at https://covid19.ongov.net/appointments/testing-registration-form/

The tests will be administered outside NBT Bank Stadium in clearly marked areas. All fans will be directed to an initial screening area. Those already with proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test will proceed to one of the gates clearly marked for entry into the stadium. Fans without proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test will be directed to the testing tent where they will check in, get tested, and wait for the test result. After receiving proof of a negative test, those fans can then proceed to the one of the entrance gates. Fans should plan accordingly as the test may take up to 30 minutes to deliver results.

Since the testing begins more than four hours before all games, fans can come early to get tested and then return later in the day for the game with proof of negative test already in hand.

Fans are encouraged to get proof of a negative COVID-19 test ahead of time in order to reduce the amount of people needing a test at the stadium and the wait time.

Proof of full vaccination is only valid if the individual has received their second Moderna or Pfizer shot, or first Johnson & Johnson shot at least 14 days prior to the event date. Negative COVID-19 tests must be dated within 72 hours of the event if it is a PCR test, or within 6 hours of the event if it is an Antigen test. The Syracuse Mets will be screening fans upon entry to the stadium, including temperature testing.

Tickets for the 2021 Syracuse Mets baseball season are now on sale. Fans can purchase tickets at the Onondaga Coach Ticket Office at NBT Bank Stadium or over the phone during regular office hours (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or online anytime at syracusemets.com.

Opening Day is scheduled for Tuesday, May 4th at 6:35 p.m. at NBT Bank Stadium. Please follow the Syracuse Mets on social media or check our website for the most up-to-date information on 2021 Syracuse Mets tickets, promotions, and more.

St. Lucie Mets Community Market Coming April 25th

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PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (April 14, 2021) – The St. Lucie Mets are excited to announce the launch of the St. Lucie Mets Community Market.

The mission of the St. Lucie Mets Community Market is to promote and support regional artists, crafters and food vendors by providing a viable and productive market place where local producers can create mutually beneficial interactions with area residents and visitors. Promoting healthy food and local commerce fosters a sense of a community supported economy. There are over 30 vendors ranging from food, crafts, artists and vegan/all-natural products that will be joining us.

The launch date of the first market is Sunday, April 25th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Clover Park. Moving forward the Community Market will take place two Sundays per month. Parking and entry to the market is free.

“The St. Lucie Mets look forward to sharing recently renovated Clover Park with our neighbors and friends in the a different way,” Doug Dickey, Mets Manager of Fantasy Camp & Events, said. “The Market is an opportunity for our fans and newcomers to the facility to explore locally made foods, home items and other unique times that are available to purchase from local vendors. We invite those who enjoy outdoor markets to visit us on Sunday, April 25th.”

Future Community Market dates are May 9th, May 23rd, June 6th and June 20th. Guests are asked to follow CDC guidelines by wearing a mask, social distancing and using hand sanitizer while attending.

People or businesses interested in becoming vendors should apply at milb.com/st-lucie/community or contact Doug Dickey at [email protected].

Syracuse Mets Fan Cutouts will Raise Money for COVID-19 Support in CNY

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SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Mets are raising money to benefit local residents and organizations in Central New York that have been affected by COVID-19 by selling fan cutouts. Similar to the fan cutouts that the New York Mets did at Citi Field in 2020 and at Clover Park for Spring Training in 2021, fan cutouts at NBT Bank Stadium will be featured in the stands throughout the 2021 season. Funds raised will benefit the Central New York Community Foundation COVID-19 Community Support Fund.

“The Syracuse Mets are proud members of the CNY community and will be forever thankful to the essential workers and organizations like the CNY Community Foundation that helped our friends and neighbors in CNY through the pandemic,” said Jason Smorol, general manager. “The struggle will continue on for many in our community and we look forward to working with our fans to help give back in a fun, yet meaningful way.”

Fan cutouts are being sold online for $50 (plus taxes and fees) & will be sent photo submission details after purchase. Cutouts can feature anyone, including your pet, but there can only be one individual featured in each cutout. To purchase a fan cutout, or for more information on cutouts and photo submissions, please visit https://www.milb.com/syracuse/ballpark/cutouts.

For guaranteed installation by Opening Day, please be sure to purchase your fan cutout and submit your photo by Friday, April 23rd. Fan cutouts will remain on sale until further notice and will be installed as soon as possible if purchased after the April 23rd deadline.

Fan Cutout Details:

· Fans should wear their favorite Mets gear in their photo!

· Fans cannot request cutout placement & cutouts cannot be guaranteed to be placed together, even if they are ordered at the same time

· Cutouts cannot be accepted if they contain any of the following: commercial advertisements, slogans, websites or phone numbers, social media handles & hashtags, offensive or negative references to any MLB team, any names of MLB players, statements or endorsements of political candidates, third party logos/branding

· The Syracuse Mets reserve the right to refuse any photos

· All fan cutout sales are final – no refunds

Orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis & once installed, the cutouts will remain in the stadium until the end of the 2021 season. Fans will be able to claim their fan cutout after the conclusion of the 2021 season, date and time TBD. Fans that purchase a cutout will be notified of pick up dates & times at a later in the year. Cutouts cannot be mailed or shipped.

The Central New York Community Foundation is a public charity that collects contributions from private donors, manages them to grow over time and then distributes funding to local charities to help them thrive. The CNY Community Foundation raised over 2.2 Million for their COVID-19 Community Support Fund and donated it back to our community in the form of grants that focused on food security, technology for non-profits to deal with COVID-19 and youth serving programs. Home – Central New York Community Foundation (cnycf.org)

Tickets for the 2021 Syracuse Mets baseball season are not yet on sale, but Opening Day is scheduled for Tuesday, May 4th. Please follow the Syracuse Mets on social media or check our website for the most up-to-date information on 2021 Syracuse Mets tickets, promotions & more. Please contact Katie Stewart at [email protected] with questions about your Syracuse Mets fan cutout.

Syracuse Mets Fan Cutouts Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I purchase a Syracuse Mets fan cutout? Fan cutouts can be purchased online at syracusemets.com. Fan cutouts can only be purchased online as photos must be submitted digitally.

2. How much is a Syracuse Mets fan cutout? Fan cutouts are $50 (plus taxes & fees)

3. How do I submit my photos for my fan cutout? After you complete payment for your fan cutout online, you will receive a confirmation email for receipt of your payment. There will also be a Microsoft Forms link where you can submit your photo at that time.

4. How do I make sure my fan cutout photo will be accepted? Please see the Mets Fan Cutouts Photo Submission guide on syracusemets.com

*a. *Pro tips: wear your Mets gear or colors, only one person per cutout photo, avoid backlighting, use a solid color background, don’t use a selfie & make sure your photo is appropriate!

5. Can I pick where my fan cutout will be located? No, the Syracuse Mets cannot guarantee the location or placement of fan cutouts. Cutouts that are purchased together also cannot be guaranteed to be placed together.

6. Can I take my fan cutout home with me? Fan cutouts will remain in place for the duration of the 2021 baseball season. At the completion of the season, fans will be given the opportunity to pick-up their cutout at NBT Bank Stadium (date & time TBD). Fan Cutouts will not be mailed or shipped.

7. Can I get a refund if I don’t like my cutout? No, all sales are final & no refunds will be issued for fan cutouts.

8. Will I get to see my fan cutout on Opening Day, May 4**th**? Fan cutouts must be purchased & photos submitted by Friday, April 23rd in order to be installed by Opening Day.

9. How long will fan cutouts be on sale? Fan cutouts will be on sale until further notice.

10. Where does the money I pay for my fan cutout go? Proceeds of fan cutout sales will go to the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. The Amazin’ Mets Foundation will then donate those funds to the CNY Community Foundation COVID-19 Community Support Fund. The funds will support local CNY residents that have been affected by COVID-19 for home security as well as mental health support for teens.