By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA When fans filed into Frontier Field on Sunday afternoon — aka, Hockey Day — bobbleheads of Brian Gionta were handed out to the first 2,000 fans. The Rochester Red Wings, or some iteration, have been playing baseball continuously since 1899, but they like their hockey, too. Harvest Gionta, Brian's wife, was among the first few hundred … [Read more...] about Transition to retirement has gone well for ‘coach’ Gionta
Wings’ Bray continues progression up the ladder
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Having grown up in the Minneapolis suburb of Eden Prairie, Adam Bray spent many a night watching Minnesota Twins baseball at the old Metrodome and then Target Field. And like any kid watching his home town team, he dreamed of someday becoming the hometown hero. While there's still plenty of work to do, the little-kid's dream seems more realistic than … [Read more...] about Wings’ Bray continues progression up the ladder
Harness racing’s demise greatly exaggerated
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