By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The curse of Larry Hillman on the playoff fortunes – or rather misfortunes – of the Toronto Maple Leafs is still alive and well. That’s even after the spell-master himself said he had removed the hex nearly four years ago, after the Maple Leafs finally paid off on a 50-year debt for what Hillman perceived to be a disrespectful contract offer. But … [Read more...] about Stanley Cup curse cast in 1968 by former Amerk Larry Hillman still dooms Leafs
Syracuse catcher uses a little old-school baseball to defeat Red Wings
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA In an era of launch angles, care-free swings and exaggerated shifts, Syracuse Mets catcher Nick Meyer chose a little old-school baseball to send the Rochester Red Wings to defeat on Sunday afternoon. Meyer’s two-out bunt down the third base line on a 1-0 pitch from Rogello Armenteros drove home Sebastian Elizalde from third with what turned out to be … [Read more...] about Syracuse catcher uses a little old-school baseball to defeat Red Wings
In breaking MLB umpiring record, Joe West surpassed a Rochester native
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Over the course of a 45-year career, umpire Joe West has issued 193 ejections during Major League Baseball games. On Tuesday night he issued a different sort of ejection, bouncing Rochester native Bill Klem – a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame – from the MLB record book. West broke one of baseball’s longest-held records when he umpired game No. … [Read more...] about In breaking MLB umpiring record, Joe West surpassed a Rochester native
With full trust in his pitches, Braymer leads Wings past RailRiders
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA For Ben Braymer to be at his best, the Rochester Red Wings left-hander needs to know his fastball is fast enough and good enough. He doesn’t throw 99; most of the time his fastball is around 89. If he leaves one up in the zone to a high-quality hitter, there’s a good chance the FAA will assign the ball a flight number. For evidence, see Tuesday’s … [Read more...] about With full trust in his pitches, Braymer leads Wings past RailRiders
After 624 days, Red Wings baseball is finally back at Frontier Field
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The Rochester Red Wings held a family reunion last night at Frontier Field, welcoming back fans and baseball to the downtown ballpark. It was a reunion 624 days in the making -- and boy did it ever look good, feel good and sound good. Who knew you could so miss the sound of baseball cowhide hitting an ash bat? Of a 93-mph fastball popping the … [Read more...] about After 624 days, Red Wings baseball is finally back at Frontier Field