Minor league baseball is more than just a game; it is the heartbeat of downtown Binghamton – and has been for decades. For our community, Mirabito Stadium serves as an invaluable anchor, driving local business and providing a unique sense of civic identity.
When professional sports franchises hit the market, cities nationwide compete vigorously to secure them. We are fortunate to hold a crown jewel of the New York Mets organization in our backyard – the defending Eastern League champion Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
The Southern Tier has a storied baseball legacy, beginning with the legendary Binghamton Triplets (1923–1968) and continuing through the arrival of the Binghamton Mets in 1992, who embarked on a new chapter as the Rumble Ponies in 2017.
The famed Triplets called Johnson City home for 45 years. During that time countless future legends of the game crossed home plate at Johnson Field. Icons like Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle and Thurman Munson to name a few.
Sadly, professional baseball in Greater Binghamton vanished for nearly a quarter-century after the Binghamton Triplets disbanded and Johnson Field was demolished in 1968. That 24-year drought finally ended with the arrival of a new era in 1992.
Since the Mets first arrived in Binghamton, the stadium has offered fans a front-row seat to baseball history – for a fraction of the cost of a big-league ticket. Over the past three-plus decades, hundreds of future big leaguers have sharpened their skills on our diamond before getting called up to the majors. The talent has been undeniable, from Mets icons like David Wright, Pete Alonso, and Noah Syndergaard to legendary visitors like Derek Jeter and Aaron Judge.
Baseball is woven into Binghamton’s history, but its future here isn’t set in stone. The Rumble Ponies’ license to serve as the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets is set to expire after the 2030 season. At that time, the Mets will have the opportunity to renew their partnership with Binghamton or move the team to a new city. And while negotiations are multi-faceted, strong attendance is the best leverage we have to ensure the road to Queens continues to run through Binghamton.
While attendance was solid during the 2023 season, it hasn’t been as robust the past couple of years. If we want professional baseball to remain a permanent fixture in our community we must show our support now, while we still can.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or haven’t been to a game in years, I encourage you to rediscover the ballpark this season. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the vast offerings available while you take in the sights and sounds of the stadium.
The decision to move a franchise is almost always permanent. Let’s commit to ensuring the Rumble Ponies remain a vital part of our community’s future for the next generation.
Bucci served as Mayor of Binghamton from 1994-2005.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Your help is needed to ensure Mets stay at Mirabito Stadium | Opinion
Reporting by Richard Bucci, Guest Columnist / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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