The Batavia Muckdogs lost less money in 2009 than in 2008, but the deficit still runs in six digits and their patron is hurting, too.
Named for “the rich Elba muck land” of the upper New York State region it calls home, the Batavia Muckdogs, the St. Louis Cardinals’ short-season Class A affiliate, continue to wallow in the financial muck – and they now have company.
On Monday, the New York-Penn League club’s operating parent, the Rochester Red Wings, announced the Muckdogs lost $143,495 during the fiscal year ending October 31. The total represented over 85 percent of the deficit reported by the combined entity, with the Wings also losing $24,349.
It was the second consecutive year under Rochester Community Baseball (RCB) that the Batavia franchise generated a six-figure deficit. In 2008, the Muckdogs lost $253,425. As such, an optimist might note that 2009 was less of a drain except for the fact that RCB had been profitable every year from 1995 until they took on the Muckdogs two years ago.
Prior to RCB stepping in, Batavia ownership had endured a series of losses, including another six-figure deficit in 2007. As a result, the locals were dangerously close to losing their franchise. Batavia had been a founding member of the New York-Penn League back in 1939.
There is not an immediate concern as the Red Wings already announced they will operate the Muckdogs for a third season in 2010. The plan beyond that is unclear as the negative effect on the Triple-A Rochester operation is evident.
When probed by the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, RCB Chief Operating Officer Naomi Silver declined to label 2010 a “make-or-break” season in Batavia, but called it “a critical year. … We can’t sustain these losses indefinitely,” she said.
It is worth remembering from an earlier report that RCB will receive 10 percent of the proceeds if the Muckdogs are sold. Unless Batavia operations can finally turn a profit in 2010, it would seem RCB will have lost more than a sale of the club could provide them.
The Cardinals are not contractually committed to remain in Batavia after 2010. Average attendance has dropped below 1,000 fans per game and has declined each season during the Cardinals affiliation, despite the locals having been provided a league champion club in 2008.
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At least management reduced losses from the Batavia operation.
But the local demographics and the broader economic outlook are not working in Batavia’s and New York’s favor.
Rochester also lost money. RCB needs to give priority to restoring Rochester to profitability.
The Rochester team suffered from poor summer weather, too many early spring (poorer weather) games and a losing team. That contributed to the Rochester loss in addition to carrying the Batavia team. As a Cardinal fan, I’m greatly appreciative to RCB for helping keep the Muckdogs alive. I go to a few Batavia games each summer.
As a baseball fan, I hope the Muckdogs can survive. As a Cardinal fan, I hope the Cardinals can help RCB help the Muckdogs survive.
Welcome, Cf17 and well put!
For those in the area: The Genesee County Baseball Club and the Batavia Muckdogs will hold their annual Hot Stove Dinner and Auction on Friday, February 12th at the Batavia Party House, 5762 E. Main St. Rd. Stafford, NY. Tickets are $25.00 for adults and $15.00 for children 12 and under and are available at Dwyer Stadium.
The financials must be a lot different from one league to the next. Batavia is next to last in attendance in the NY-P league, with several teams averaging 5 or even 10 times the attendance. Johnson City is next to last in the App league, with even lower attendance than Batavia. But in that league all the team’s attendance is similar and generally only a fraction of the attendance in the NY-P league. It”s clear that a team can operate on a lot less revenue in the App league. Perhaps the answer could be found by looking at how they do it.
The Cardinals probably own the Johnson City affiilate, as they may the Springfield (AA) team, and Palm Beach. In contrast, the Cards must sign contracts with Memphis, Quad Cities, and Batavia to supply players.
Last winter, the Cards almost bought the Memphis operation, but withdrew when the economy soured. The group that owned the Memphis Redbirds went into bankruptcy.
The Cards have been in the NYPa league for a long time, but have to hop around — Hamilton, Ontario; Augusta, NJ; State College, PA; now Batavia, NY.
The NY-Penn League team being relocated to Norwich, CT for this season will be announced on Friday. Speculation is that it will be Oneonta (Detroit), the only team in the league with lower attendance than Batavia. However, their ownership like the Muckdogs management, previously said they would remain put for 2010. At one point, Jamestown (Florida) was also mentioned as a possibility. Some group of people will be very unhappy tomorrow.
You are saying that baseball team owners and execs would mislead the fans? I’m outraged, I’m cancelling my subscription.
bb, this blog is free. Therefore, look for a full refund in your mail…
Norwich announcement delayed until Thursday the 28th. Oneonta seems the clear favorite to be moving.
I spoke with a Rochester Community Baseball official earlier in the week who confirmed the Muckdogs would not be moving for 2010. Now there is a release that confirms the Oneonta Tigers is the team moving to Connecticut. One happy community and one that is upset.