Now that the New York-Penn League is taking over the operations of the Batavia Muckdogs, the City of Batavia has passed a resolution to transfer the Dwyer Stadium lease to the circuit.
Last month, it was learned that the New York-Penn League would assume ownership and control over the operations of the Muckdogs. Previously, the Muckdogs operations fell under an arrangement that saw the Rochester Red Wings (Class AAA; International League) run the club in exchange for proceeds from a sale. However, that agreement was terminated last fall, clearing the way for the league to take over.
While questions about the team’s long-term status remain–the circuit is expected to eventually sell the Muckdogs–the Batavia City Council has taken a step to allow the league to operate the team at Dwyer Stadium. The council recently passed a resolution to authorize the transfer of the ballpark lease to the New York-Penn League, and the circuit reportedly wants to begin evaluating the ballpark’s condition soon. More from The Batavian:
“We had several conversations (with NY-P officials) in late fall, and they expressed a desire to stay in Batavia for 2018,” City Attorney George Van Nest said at tonight’s meeting at City Centre Council Chambers.
Van Nest said the issue of extending the lease and sublease is time sensitive since the NY-P hopes to begin assessing Dwyer Stadium later this month. He said the all terms of the current lease will remain the same – removing the GCBC from the lease — and the extension will be in force through April 2019.
In 2016, the Muckdogs were on the verge of being purchased by an investment group that would move it to Waldorf, MD, where its major league affiliation would have changed from the Miami Marlins to the nearby Washington Nationals. However, the sale fell through due to territorial issues, as Waldorf is part of an area that is controlled by the Baltimore Orioles.
RELATED STORIES: New York-Penn League Takes Control of Muckdogs; Batavia Muckdogs Operating Agreement Expires