Ballparks across the Empire State will have a more local flavor this summer, thanks to partnerships between Taste NY and five New-York based Minor League Baseball teams.
As part of an initiative to expand the reach of products made within the state, Taste NY began reaching out to minor league teams last season, when they announced a partnership with the Tri-City ValleyCats (Short Season A; NY-Penn League). This year, four other teams have joined the ValleyCats in featuring Taste NY food and beverages at the ballpark, including three New York-Penn League rivals in the Auburn Doubledays, Batavia Muckdogs, and Staten Island Yankees. Also on board are the Rochester Red Wings (Class AAA; International League).
“New York grown and made food and beverages are second to none and building upon the great success of the Taste NY program, we are partnering with local baseball stadiums to expose even more New Yorkers to these great Empire State products,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a press statement. “When New Yorkers buy New York products from New York businesses, the home team wins every time.”
Being able to add local goods to concession menus is often a plus for MiLB teams, and Taste NY covers several ballpark offerings. Along with staples such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cream, Taste NY also brings several unique items to concessions, including the wraps, salads, and nachos that are featured at ValleyCats’ games. The teams will also feature wine and craft beer that is made in New York.
“The ValleyCats organization takes great pride in the relationships that we’ve developed with local vendors to provide top-quality products at ‘The Joe’’” general manager Matt Callahan said in a statement. “We value the partnerships that we have with many local establishments across the Capital Region and New York State, which has helped make our stadium a destination for baseball, dining, entertainment, and more.”
“The Muckdogs are proud to be a part of the Taste NY program,” said general manager Travis Sick. “We believe strongly in supporting as many local vendors as possible and look forward to featuring all of their great and, more importantly, delicious products at Dwyer Stadium this season.”
“The Auburn Doubledays are excited to continue our partnership with Taste NY again this summer,” said operations manager Andrew Sagarin. “We are thrilled to support local businesses and to offer their incredible products to our fans.”
“Sabrett hotdogs are manufactured right here in NYC,” said Yankees president Will Smith. “We are increasing our points of sale for Flagship Brewery which is brewed within walking distance to the ballpark. We continue to find local purveyors for options at Richmond County Bank Ballpark and we look forward to expanding our partnership with Taste NY.”
“At Rochester Community Baseball, community is literally our middle name, and local communities and fans are what the Rochester Red Wings and Minor League Baseball are all about,” said Wings general manager Dan Mason. “What better way to showcase this than by offering our fans products that are made right here in New York State. Not only does this partnership with Taste NY highlight what New York has to offer, but it also opens doors to new potential local partnerships down the line.”