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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Batavia, NY – Today, Batavia Muckdogs General Manager Travis Sick announced that the Red Wings will continue to operate the Batavia Muckdogs for the 2010 season.

“We have been in discussions for several weeks regarding next season, and given the improved financials during the 2009 season, we feel encouraged that further improvement is possible.  The Red Wings have decided to continue to support our operation here, and we’re eager to start planning for next year”, Sick said.

While the Batavia Muckdogs operation did sustain a loss, its revenues saw a slight improvement over the prior year.  That, combined with strong efforts to hold expenses down enabled the Ballclub to have a better year.  “We know that even with the more favorable financial results, continued increases in advertising and ticket sales will be necessary for this franchise to be a success over the long term.  We need the community of both businesses and individuals alike to support the Muckdogs through advertising and attendance.  This community is very fortunate to have a professional baseball franchise, and I think and hope that people want it to remain here for a long time to come.  We’ll do everything this off-season to promote opportunities to support the Ballclub, and you can be sure we will be at our offices at Dwyer Stadium working hard to plan for the 2010 season.”

Naomi Silver, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of the Rochester Red Wings and its affiliates stated “While it has been difficult for communities the size of Batavia to sustain a professional baseball franchise, it doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to have a franchise. The trend in sports has been for bigger cities to buy up small-town clubs, but I think small towns like Batavia need these ballclubs, maybe more than anyplace else.  After all, what makes a community livable if not for wholesome entertainment like a professionally run baseball club?  We just hope to do well enough through the support of our sponsors and fan base to make it work financially.”

Brian Paris, President of the Genesee County Baseball club added, “Batavia is very fortunate to have the Red Wings organization as a partner in our community.  They continue to strive to make baseball in Batavia successful.  The news of their return for a third season in 2010 is a true indication of their high level of integrity and persistence.  I would ask all of our business leaders and citizens within Genesee County and the surrounding areas to support their efforts.  The Batavia Muckdogs are a vital part of our historic and social fabric as a community. It is wonderful to be able to say I’ll see you at the ballpark in June!”

Muckdogs 2010 season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Dwyer Stadium or by calling (585)343-5454.