The future of a local minor league baseball team appears uncertain, at best, after some comments from the commissioner of the New York Penn League.

Ben Hayes said the Batavia Muckdogs need to make more money and draw more fans to keep the team in Batavia. Hayes made the comments after attending Thursday night’s Muckdog’s game at Dwyer Stadium.

The Rochester Red Wings, who took control of the Muckdogs three years ago, have announced it will not be back for another season without additional and significant corporate support.

“If the market is not supporting the ball club, or if you have a stadium that does not support professional baseball, either one of those can end a franchise, and that's where we are," said Ben Hayes, commissioner (Courtesy: WBTA)

For the franchise’s current ownership and the fans the commissioner's comments have forced them consider what life without baseball would really be like.

“I’d hate to see them go. But I don’t know what can be done,” said Muckdogs Fan Tom Elliott.

Since 1939 Batavia has been home to minor league baseball.

"It gives you something to look forward to each summer. I'm an old guy and I really enjoy having something to look forward to," said John McGowan, Muckdogs Fan.

The community owned franchise has a history of winning, and this season is no different. Off the field the franchise is struggling financially and some fear this could be the last season. Even with the financial support of the Rochester Red Wings. The current ownership group says without a major corporate sponsor the franchise could indeed be gone.

"We've been here for a long time and I think a lot of businesses have benefited from that. Now I think it time for us to some reciprocity," said Brian Paris of Genesee County Baseball Club.

Like any baseball fan will tell you “it ain't over till it's over.”

"Hope. You’ve got to have hope you know," Elliott said.

After 70 years of history this really could be it.

"This is a slice of Americana. There's not much of that left in this country. And it’s hard to imagine that could all be gone," said Paris.

Batavia Muckdogs