NOW HIRING: Bisons to hold Open Interviews on Saturday, February 26 

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

The Buffalo Bisons will hold Open Interviews for 2022 Seasonal and Part-time Employment on Saturday, February 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. inside the Consumer’s Pub at the Park restaurant of Sahlen Field.

Available positions include concessions stand managers, cashiers, cooks, porters and vendors and restaurant servers, bartenders, cooks and dishwashers. There are also positions available in merchandise retail, grounds crew and stadium operations, such as cleaning supervisor, first class stationary engineer and gate manager.

View the Bisons Employment page for more information on all positions. Applicants can apply online at any time.

Interested candidates who want to attend open interviews on February 26 should enter Sahlen Field via the Consumer’s Pub at the Park entrance on Washington St. and proceed up to the restaurant on the Mezzanine level of the ballpark. Applicants are encouraged to download an application from Bisons.com for faster interview service on Saturday.

Micah Hyde Charity Softball Game returns to Sahlen Field, May 15

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Because nobody circles the bases like the Buffalo Bills!!!

The Micah Hyde Charity Softball Game, benefiting his IMagINe for Youth Foundation presented by West Herr Automotive Group with support from Equitable Advisors, will return to Sahlen Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons, on Sunday, May 15 (1pm). >>>Tickets are on sale now

After guiding his team to victory in the inaugural event nearly three years ago, 2017 Pro Bowler and 2021 Second Team All-Pro Micah Hyde and the defense finally have a chance to defend their supremacy on the diamond! Be a part of the fun and the rivalry as both dugouts will be filled with Micah’s Bills teammates, coaches and other Buffalo legends as they battle it out on the diamond for charity!

The afternoon will also include a special pre-game Home Run Derby starting at 12 p.m. Ballpark gates will open at 11 a.m.

Micah Hyde shares,

“Growing up, I was fortunate to be heavily involved in sports. Though I was given the opportunity to do so, I witnessed the obstacles my family had to face in order to provide opportunities, not only for myself, but my siblings as well. With all of these activities came costs that were not easy for my mother to attain. I can remember being responsible for insurance and participation fees, travel costs along with purchasing the equipment needed. If it were not for my mom doing all that she could do, along with a support system that we were able to fall back on, I would not be where I am today. I know there are many kids that face similar circumstances, but unfortunately, they do not have a support system to depend on. That’s why the IMagINe for Youth Foundation is here to give children the support they need in order to participate.

Looking back, being involved in athletics was more than Xs and Os. I learned to take the good with the bad, the bad with the good, and playing with countless personalities taught me how to coexist and be a team player. These are fundamentals that stuck with me. I believe sports is a gateway to learning how to be successful in the real world. I strongly believe that every child deserves the same opportunity to learn and experience those successes.

I have always wanted to give back. Now is the time to do so. Please join me in making a difference. I’M IN. Are you?”

Ticket Information -On Sale Now

Tickets for the softball game are just $10 or $23 – Micah Hyde’s jersey number. *A very limited number of tickets are available for $85 for the best seats in the house that *include a Micah Hyde autographed Buffalo Bills mini-helmet. All tickets can be purchased at Bisons.com or in person at Sahlen’s Field Box Office.

If you are interested in group ticket, suites or sponsorship donation opportunities, please contact Carley Sanfilippo at Team Lammi Sports Management at (414) 507-6197 or [email protected].

For more information on the Imagine for Youth Foundation please visit https://www.IMagINeforyouth.org/.

Nine of the Most Significant Black Players in Syracuse Baseball History

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

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: The best Black players to play for the Bisons

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are looking back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club or play for a team within its market.

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.”

As part of the all new ‘The Nine’ initiative throughout minor league baseball, also be sure to check out some of the best to play for other clubs beside the Bisons at MILB.com.

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Buffalo Bisons.

Luke Easter

Of course, the only way to begin this list, or any list involving the best players to ever play for the Bisons, is with Luscious Easter. He was a giant in every sense of the word, from his six-foot, four-inch, 240-pound frame to the massive home runs he hit out of Offermann Stadium.

He was a legend. He was a folk hero. He was Luke.

“Buffalo fans have always worshipped their sport heroes, but few have ever attained the near mythical status accorded to Bisons great Luke Easter.” — plaque in the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame

Easter first joined the Bisons in 1956, signing on with the club two years removed from his sixth and final season in the Major Leagues. For the newly independent Bisons franchise that had just decided to sell stock to the general public in a plan to become community owned, the timing to add their most iconic player couldn’t have been any better.

From 1956-1959, Easter hit 114 home runs and drove in 353 with the Bisons. Of his many memorable games, he will always be remembered for one at-bat on June 14, 1957 when he became the first player ever to hit a home run over the Offermann Stadium centerfield scoreboard, which stood 60 feet tall and 400 feet away from home plate. It’s estimated the ball traveled as much as 550 feet.

Two months later, Easter accomplished the feat again. And with Offermann Stadium seeing its last game in 1960, Easter went down in history as the only player to ever clear the scoreboard… and he did it twice!

A member of both the International League and the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame, Easter’s iconic status still holds strong as one of the greatest athletes of any sport the City of Buffalo has ever seen. He is one of only three players to have their number forever retired by the Bisons.

Frank Grant

Ulysses Franklin “Frank” Grant played three seasons with the Bisons from 1886-1888 and led the team in average and slugging percentage in each of those campaigns. He was also the only Black player before the 1940s to play three consecutive seasons with one club in organized baseball and he may have in fact been the most talented Black player to play before the color line was drawn.

Grant hit .344 in his first season with the Bisons and wowed fans with his acrobatic fielding at second base. A year later, he batted .366 and led the league with eight home runs. He tripled, homered twice and drove in eight in one game and stole home twice in another contest. In his last season in Buffalo, he averaged .331 with a career-best 11 home runs.

For his career, one out of every four hits Grant produced went for extra-bases, an impressive stat when you consider his reportedly small frame of 5’7”, 155 pounds. In 2006, Grant was inducted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, 69 years after his passing.

Dorn Taylor

Lazy fly ball after lazy fly ball, nobody has had more success in the history of Sahlen Field than pitcher, Dorn Taylor.

The veteran was the ace of the Bisons pitching staff for the first three seasons of the Herd’s brand new ballpark in downtown Buffalo and the righty knew exactly how to take advantage of the park’s older, more spacious outfield configuration.

Not an over-powering pitcher -he had just 281 strikeouts in 504.2 innings of work- Taylor was a master of inducing soft contact and letting his fielders behind him do the work. In 39 career starts at then-Pilot Field, he was 21-7 (.750 winning pct.) with a miniscule 1.55 ERA that stands as the best in the ballpark’s history. He gave up just 202 hits in 273.1 innings of work in Buffalo.

That’s not to say the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Famer wasn’t excellent wherever he pitched for the Herd. He won 10+ games in each of his three Bisons seasons, and led the American Association with a 2.14 ERA in 1988 while finishing in the top 4 in the category in 1989 and 1990 as well.

A two-time Triple-A All-Star with the Bisons, Taylor finished his Bisons career with a 34-22 record and a 2.59 ERA.

Dave Roberts

A champion as a Bison, a champion in the big leagues as a player and a champion in the big leagues as a manager. It’s been quite a baseball career for Dave Roberts and it’s only getting better.

A 47th round draft pick of the Cleveland Indians in 1993, the fleet-footed outfielder made his Bisons debut as a late season call-up in 1998, helping the Herd to a Governors’ Cup title. He then took over on the base paths, stealing 39 bases in 1999 before matching the feat again the following season. All told, no Bisons player in the modern era has matched his 97 career steals in a Herd uniform, and he got there with an impressive 82.9% success rate.

The Buffalo Baseball Hall of Famer (2013) also hit .286 with 75 extra-base hits and 194 runs scored in 276 games with the Herd. He would go on and play 832 Major League games for five teams and will forever be remembered for his stolen base and run scored against Mariano Rivera and the Yankees in Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS that turned the series around and propelled the Red Sox to a World Series Championship.

Of course now, Roberts is also succeeding on the bench in Los Angeles. The Dodgers have won 542 games in six years with him as their manager and took home a 2020 World Series Crown over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Brandon Phillips

In 2004, the Bisons put together one of the great offensive clubs in the history of minor league baseball, as they shattered International League records for runs scored and team average that had stood for more than half a century.

One of the biggest cogs in that offense was Brandon Phillips. A constant force in the lineup, Phillips reached base in a modern era record 51 consecutive games. He averaged .303 with 158 total hits that would’ve set a new modern era team record had it not been for Jhonny Peralta’s 181 hits that same season. Phillips added 34 doubles, 50 RBI and 14 stolen bases to his impressive campaign and finished his four-year Bisons career with the third most runs scored in team history (206).

But as good as Phillips was at the plate, his impact in the field was even better. Splitting time between second base and short, the slick-fielder made the tough look routine. And it was his amazing, instinctive play in Game 3 of the 2004 IL Semi-Finals that saved the season. With the Herd trailing the Durham Bulls 2-0 in the seventh, a bloop single over first baseman Ryan Garko’s head threatened to increase the deficit, but Phillips raced to the ball and made a spinning, off-balance, fade-away throw to the plate to retire the side. The Bisons rallied to win the game 3-2 and then to win Games 4 and 5 to complete the 0-2 comeback before moving on to beat the Richmond Braves for the Governors’ Cup crown.

It’s no surprise Phillips continued his excellent play in the field in the Major Leagues, winning four Gold Gloves for the Cincinnati Reds. He would go on and play in a part of an impressive 17 seasons in the Bigs, hitting .275 with 211 home runs, 951 RBI and two All-Star Game appearances.

Black History Month:  A Look Back With Cory Vaughn

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

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.

Bisons join “The Nine”, a new initiative to Celebrate, Engage, and Welcome Black Fans

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Minor League Baseball has 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 — the 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. Details on ‘The Nine’ celebrations and tributes at Buffalo Bisons home games this season are to be announced.

“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.

Black History Month: The Best Black Players to Play for the Red Wings

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are looking back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club or play for a team within its market.

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.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Rochester Red Wings.

DON BAYLOR—Don Baylor played parts of three years for the Red Wings (1968, 1970-1971) winning The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year award in 1970 (.327-22-107 with 26 SB) before starring for the legendary 1971 Red Wings team that won the Governors’ Cup and the Junior World Series. Baylor would play 19 years in the Major Leagues as an outfielder, first baseman and DH accumulating 2,135 hits and 338 home runs. He won the American League Most Valuable Player award in 1979 with the Angels and played on the World Series winning Twins in 1987. After his playing days, Baylor managed the Rockies and the Cubs in the Major Leagues.

LUKE EASTER—Despite segregation keeping Luke Easter out of the big leagues until he was in his 30s, the slugging first baseman crushed more than 25 home runs three straight seasons for Cleveland from 1950 to 1952. Easter became one of the most feared sluggers in the International League after his Major League career was over winning the IL MVP with Buffalo in 1957. Even though he was well into his 40s, he played for parts of six years for the Red Wings at the end of his playing career, and—with his gregarious personality—became one of the most popular players to ever play in Rochester. His number 36 is one of only two retired numbers—along with Joe Altobelli—among former players in the long history of the Red Wings franchise.

BOB GIBSON—One of baseball’s greatest right-handed pitchers of all-time, Gibson won 251 games in a 17 year MLB career spent entirely with the Cardinals. A nine-time All Star, Gibson won the National League Cy Young Award in 1968 and 1970 while also winning the NL MVP Award in his historic 1968 season when he posted a 1.12 ERA. He was also one of the best fielding pitchers of all-time winning nine Gold Glove Awards. Additionally, Gibson performed well when it mattered most earning World Series MVP honors in 1964 and 1967. Gibson pitched in Rochester in 1958 and 1960 shortly after being a two sport athlete (baseball and basketball) at Creighton University in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. Gibson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981.

EDDIE MURRAY—One of only six men with 3,000 hits and 500 home runs in Major League history, Murray was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003. The first baseman played 21 years in the big leagues winning the 1977 American League Rookie of the Year Award with the Orioles while being selected to the All Star Game eight times. The Los Angeles native has the second most hits (3,255) and the second most home runs (504) of any switch-hitter in baseball history. Amazingly, Murray started switch-hitting in 1975 while in the Minor Leagues…just one year before he joined the Red Wings. On an IL pennant winning team in 1976, Murray hit 11 home runs and batted .274 in only 54 games before making his Major League debut one season later.

FRANK ROBINSON—The first African-American manager in Major League Baseball history, Robinson was also the first African-American manager in the history of the Red Wings. Robinson first managed in the big leagues as a player/manager for Cleveland in 1975-1977 at the end of his Hall of Fame playing career. He took over as the Red Wings manager in 1978 after Ken Boyer left the team early in that season to take over as the big league skipper of the Cardinals. Aside from his original managerial stint with Cleveland, Robinson would also manage the Giants, Orioles, Expos and Nationals at the Major League level. In his stellar playing career, Robinson amassed the 10th most home runs in MLB history (586). He won the American League Triple Crown with Baltimore in 1966 while winning Most Valuable Player honors in both leagues….1961 with the Reds and 1966 with the Orioles. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.

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

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

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.

Red Wings Join “The Nine”, A New Initiative To Celebrate, Engage, And Welcome Black Fans

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Minor League Baseball has 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

Minor League Baseball has 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 — the 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.

Food and Beverage hosting Open Interview Day February 26

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

The Red Wings Food and Beverage Department are in search of highly motivated and customer-orientated employees to join their food and beverage team for the 2022 season! The Open Interview Day is Saturday, February 26 from 10 am – 2 pm.

The Red Wings will be hiring the following: concessions workers, picnic staff, suite attendants, suite runners, kitchen, and warehouse positions.

Applicants must be 18 years of age, and be fully vaccinated to apply. Interviews will be held at Frontier Field, visitors may park in the VIP parking lot and enter the facility through the Suites/Administrative Entrance adjacent to the box office.

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]

APPLY TODAY: Internships available for 2022 Season

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The Bisons are now accepting applications for internship positions for the 2022 Baseball Season! APPLY TODAY

From working hands-on with the team’s video, promotional or merchandise departments to making great connections through sales and customer service, an internship with the Bisons will help you prepare for your career in the world of sports.

A full list of available positions and requirements can be found on the Bisons Internship Page. Applicants will be interviewed as applications/resumes are received, and there are a LIMITED NUMBER of internships available… so get yours in soon!

*Please note, all Bisons internships are unpaid and interns must be able to receive college credit.

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.