Assembly Resolution No. 636

BY: M. of A. Hawley

HONORING Batavia Muckdogs Baseball upon the
occasion of its designation as recipient of the
Entrepreneurial Business of the Year Award by the
Genesee County Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are enhanced by the concerned and dedicated efforts of business
organizations and individuals that generously contribute to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Batavia Muckdogs Baseball upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the Entrepreneurial Business of the Year Award by the
Genesee County Chamber of Commerce to be celebrated at its 50th Annual
Awards Ceremony on Saturday, March 12, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Batavia Muckdogs Baseball is receiving this auspicious
award for its demonstrated growth and commitment to Genesee County; and

WHEREAS, Professional baseball has been a staple of summer life in
Batavia, New York, for 80 years; originally founded in 1939, Batavia
Muckdogs Baseball was an original member and birthplace of the New York
Penn League; and

WHEREAS, Unfortunately, after a successful 2019 season, Major League
Baseball cut 42 minor league teams, including Batavia; and

WHEREAS, In February of 2021, Robbie Nichols announced he had
negotiated a lease with the City of Batavia to bring a Perfect Game
Collegiate Baseball League franchise to Dwyer Stadium; the PGCBL
consists of college baseball players hopeful of being drafted into
professional baseball; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Robbie Nichols and his family had
approximately 100 days to put together an entire organization from
scratch, from recruiting college players, to selling tickets and
advertising, to revitalizing the field and stadium to market the new
team to the community; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unremitting commitment to the game of
baseball and the community-at-large, the new Batavia Muckdogs were a
huge success, crushing attendance records despite their late start; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Muckdogs was truly a family affair;
Robbie and his wife, Nellie, are always at the stadium, along with their
son-in-law, Marc Witt, who serves as the team's General Manager; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, truly devoted to their beloved community, the
Batavia Muckdogs give tirelessly to countless local organizations,
including Challenger Baseball, the Battle of the Badges (police vs fire)
softball game, the PRIDE Festival and the Alzheimer's Walk; they also

host a youth baseball academy, a Halloween Trick or Treat event, as well
as high school and collegiate baseball games; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, the players are always available for
community appearances and even marched in the City's Memorial Day
Parade; and

WHEREAS, The success of Batavia Muckdogs Baseball is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its owners and general manager, as well as
its dedicated staff, whose involvement is, and always has been,
characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and
an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of
the business and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business and its contributions to the
local and State economies, fully confident that it will continue to
enjoy the sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Batavia Muckdogs Baseball upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the Entrepreneurial Business of the Year Award by the
Genesee County Chamber of Commerce; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Batavia Muckdogs Baseball.