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After two summers without baseball, America’s Pastime returns to Staten Island.
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and Staten Island Entertainment (SIE) LLC announced Thursday that Staten Island Ballpark will host an Atlantic League franchise from the 2022 season.
“We are excited to bring Atlantic League baseball to Staten Island,” said Rick White, president of the Atlantic League. “We are confident that the leaders of the team will become a fixture in the community and deliver world-class baseball and entertainment to the people of Staten Island for years to come.”
Atlantic League is an independent organization that is an official partner league for Major League Baseball. A notable existing member is defending league champion Long Island Ducks, who plays in Central Islip.
Staten Island Ballpark was without a renter for the past two years after the Staten Island Yankees-New York Yankees’ former Class A minor league-affiliated company was dissolved in November after COVID-19 canceled the minor league season 2020.
“NYCEDC was so excited to conclude this agreement to bring professional baseball back to Staten Island,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Rachel Loeb. “We paid special attention to choosing a partner who will work to ensure that Staten Island Ballpark benefits the larger community and is a place for youth and amateur sports, along with concerts and other events. We thank Staten Island Entertainment for their partnership , along with the mayor’s commitment to invest in the stadium to help it return to all its glory next spring. ”
SIE - led by President John Catsimatidis and President Eric Shuffler - includes many well-known investors, including Yankees President Randy Levine, XFL President Dany Garcia, and Saturday Night Live cast members and natives of Staten Island, Colin Jost and Pete Davidson, along with SNL -castmate Michael Che.
“Staten Island is a district of passionate sports fans, and we are excited to partner with the community to create something great for everyone on Staten Island — from high-quality professional baseball to local youth sports, high school and college athletics — to make the stadium a central part of the Staten Island sports community, ”said Shuffler.
Participating in the celebration of Staten Island’s return to the baseball scene was the Mets 1986 World Series champion and former Yankee, Dwight Gooden and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
“I’m excited to see minor league baseball return to Staten Island,” said Gooden. “I love New York and know that the Atlantic League represents high quality baseball. Congratulations to the owner group SIE, Borough President, NYCEDC and Mayor for helping to make this happen. And most importantly, congratulations to the people of Staten Island. ”