EL1 Binghamton Rumble Ponies

Fans Pick Kraly In Bobblehead Election

Published on April 19, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Binghamton Rumble Ponies News Release


The Binghamton Mets announced Steve Kraly, former Binghamton Triplets pitcher and official B-Mets' scorekeeper, as the winner in the Verizon Wireless Fans' Choice Bobblehead giveaway. Kraly will be immortalized in his Binghamton Triplets uniform on a bobblehead that will be given away to the first 1,500 fans attending Saturday, August 23rd home game. The announcement was made during a post-game ceremony last night at NYSEG Stadium.

The contest came about following last season's popular David Wright Bobblehead giveaway. The Binghamton Mets offered fans a voice in selecting the personality for the 2008 giveaway. The voting took place online and through balloting at the stadium over the span of six and half weeks. Fans submitted 18,433 votes during open balloting and had the option of voting for several iconic personalities including:

- Buddy the Bee and Ballwinkle, the team's mascots,

- Local Fox 40 weatherman Mick Dwyer,

- WNBF's on-air radio talent Roger Neel,

- Longtime fan Mike "Jingles" Rubino, the 7th inning dancer,

- The team's Stadium Operations Director & U.S. Army Captain Richard Tylicki, who is currently serving overseas on the Sinai Peninsula,

- Current Field Manager Mako Oliveras, and

- The option to write in votes.

Indiana native, Steve Kraly, burst onto the Binghamton baseball scene in 1953 when he posted a 19-2 record with a 2.08 E.R.A. and 139 strikeouts with the Triplets, the top farm team of the New York Yankees. Kraly's 19-2 record with the Triplets is the best winning percentage in Eastern League history. He led the league in shutouts (7) and E.R.A, completing 19 of 22 starts.

The gritty lefty, who stood 5' 10" and weighed just 162 pounds., earned a late season call up to the big leagues with the New York Yankees on August 9, 1953. He appeared in 5 games allowing 9 earned runs in 25 innings with the Yankees and earned a World Championship Ring with the Yankees in '53.

Kraly settled in the Southern Tier and began working for IBM Owego after injuries and illness ended his baseball career. After his retirement from IBM Kraly became the Binghamton Mets official scorer and has served in that capacity in every year of the team's existence.

Tickets for the August 23rd Verizon Wireless Bobblehead Night are $9 for box seats and $8 for grandstand reserved seating and children ages 14 and under are discounted $2. Tickets may be purchased several ways, including in person at the NYSEG Box Office from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday and on game days beginning at 9 AM, online at www.bmets.com, and by phone at (607) 723.6387. For a complete schedule of games and promotions, please visit www.bmets.com.

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Eastern League Stories from April 19, 2008


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