By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The general impression for years has been that the sport of harness racing, especially in Western New York, has been at best treading water. Batavia Downs Gaming is bucking that trend. While the track is just nine race programs into the 65-race-day 2019 season, there has been an unexpected wagering resurgence. Handle from all sources — one-track, … [Read more...] about Harness racing’s demise greatly exaggerated
De Aza’s slam spoils Triple-A debut for Anderson as Wings win
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA It was a pseudo homecoming for Ian Anderson on Tuesday night at Frontier Field. Having grown up in the Albany suburb of Clifton Park, Anderson was promoted from Double-A Mississippi to make his Triple-A debut with the Gwinnett Stripers against the Rochester Red Wings. His parents were in the Frontier Field stands behind home plate. As were his … [Read more...] about De Aza’s slam spoils Triple-A debut for Anderson as Wings win
Wings derail Yankees top prospect, have pitcher bat, lose best hitter — and win
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Listen to a New York Yankees game on the radio and you're guaranteed to hear John Sterling say to broadcast partner Suzyn Waldman, "You just can't predict baseball, Suzyn." None of the 12,248 fans at Frontier Field on Wednesday night would disagree, either. Oh, Wilin Rosario hitting another home run — his 15th — and driving in three more runs was not … [Read more...] about Wings derail Yankees top prospect, have pitcher bat, lose best hitter — and win
Schwind a natural fit on Pirates Triple-A coaching staff
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The home-run derby hoopla has subsided; Jon Schwind is back to just being the third base coach and assistant hitting coach for the Indianapolis Indians. Which is just fine with him. Oh, being the derby pitcher during the Major League Baseball All-Star festivities for slugger Josh Bell — his good friend with the Pittsburgh Pirates — was good fun. Real … [Read more...] about Schwind a natural fit on Pirates Triple-A coaching staff
Kerrigan anti-homer swing produces two HRs as Wings win
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA You would think, just on mechanics alone, Jimmy Kerrigan would be perfect for today's game of hit it high and hit it far. The right-handed hitting Rochester Red Wings outfielder doesn't need to work on launch angle in order to ensure balls are propelled skyward with the desired trajectory. Except he contends his natural swing isn't what he needs to … [Read more...] about Kerrigan anti-homer swing produces two HRs as Wings win