As it prepares for another season for the Batavia Muckdogs (Short Season A; NY-Penn League), Dwyer Stadium is receiving a series of upgrades.
Over the offseason, the New York-Penn League took 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 by the league last fall, clearing the way for it to take over.
While the league is hoping to eventually sell the team to a new owner, Dwyer Stadium is receiving some work ahead of the 2018 season. That includes an updated playing surface, along with a series of other improvements. More from The Daily News:
“The new infield dirt is the same dirt used in Miami by our parent club, the Miami Marlins and it’s the same dirt used in 22 Major League stadiums,” said Batavia Muckdogs General Manager Dave Chase, walking the park in a Miami Marlins golf shirt.
DuraEdge Products of Grove City, Pa., a division of Natural Sand Company, was at Dwyer Field as two different piles of dirt and infield clay were in the parking lot. The company said they specialize in the production of top-quality engineered soil products for athletic fields.
“They will dig down, mix this dirt and it will stop the water from pooling,” said Chase.
The Muckdogs were also fortunate to have a local soil expert and company on-site this week, as Chuck Hoover from Batavia Turf was also working on the field.
There was some speculation at the Winter Meetings over where the Muckdogs would play in 2018, but the improvements to Dwyer Stadium and the appointment of an experienced general manager in Dave Chase signal a commitment to Batavia for the coming season. However, the league is expected to continue to focus on a sale.
RELATED STORIES: Dave Chase New GM of Batavia Muckdogs; Dwyer Stadium Lease Turned Over to New York-Penn League; New York-Penn League Takes Control of Muckdogs; Batavia Muckdogs Operating Agreement Expires