AtL York Revolution

The War continues between York and Lancaster

by Marc Viquez
Published on August 6, 2009 under Atlantic League (AtL)
York Revolution


The War of the Roses, historically, was a civil war in England five hundred years ago, but in the Atlantic League it is a civil war for baseball supremacy between the cities of York and Lancaster in Pennsylvania. The York Revolution and the Lancaster Barnstormers are separated by twenty-six miles and the Susquehanna River, creating a rivalry, possibly, unmatched in minor league baseball.

A recent twin day doubleheader created a unique opportunity to visit both teams' home ballparks, but as I was originally interested in the building themselves, I discovered that the fans were also as unique as the stadiums they play in.

Barnstormer fan Matt Johnson was with his allegiance of fans as they held up signs that read: FORK YORK, he was very adamant about the opposition.

"Lancaster fans are homegrown," Johnson said. "This has been the tradition for five years; we are here every year supporting our team."

The Barnstormers entered the league in 2005, ending a 44-year absent of minor league baseball. The original Lancaster Red Roses played various seasons from 1894-1961 in the Eastern League, Interstate League and Tri-State League. They played their last season as an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals and finished with a 60-80 record.

Lancaster's absent of minor league baseball was almost parallel to that of York's who fielded teams in numerous leagues from 1884-1969 and were known as the York White Roses. However, by the time they won their last championship in 1969, they were known as the Pirates. In 2007, The York Revolution entered the Atlantic League, creating a "new" War of the Roses.

Kay Baker was with a companion and both were wearing War of the Roses t-shirts in their lawn seats in the centerfield grass area. Baker, originally, from Delaware, spent a lot of time watching the Wilmington Blue Rocks (Single A- Carolina League).

"The War of the Roses is a good rivalry," Baker stated "The Blue Rocks don't have anything like this at their stadium; it is definitely different over here and I feel comfortable coming here."

The ballparks are a bit of a rivalry themselves, mirrored after one another, but with enough tangibles to make them standout. York's Sovereign Bank Stadium features the Brooks Robinson Rose Garden at the main entrance and Lancaster's Clipper Magazine Stadium features a large mosaic mural that showcases civic leaders who helped bring baseball back to the city. They both feature a carousel, grass berm seating, affordable menu items and a loyal and dedicated fan base. There are a few other differences that make them standout among one another.

The Arch Nemesis in York is a 37-foot, 8-inch wall that is almost an exact duplicate of Fenway Park's Green Monster (but is 6-inches taller); it is named after the street it protects from home run balls leaving the ballpark. However, according to the team officials, there are some houses that have installed plexi glass windows. The park also has a Revolutionary War cannon that goes off every time a Rev's player hits a homerun or after a home victory.

"The Arch Nemesis makes this place the better ballpark," said York fan Scott Hurt.

The Homerun Harbor is the standout facet over in Lancaster and features a large pool with ten bumper boats; there is only one other ballpark that has bumper boats in professional baseball. The large wooden ramp looms above the pool in center field, giving fans the opportunity to check out the game while they wait for their ride.

Homerun Harbor"It's my entertainment for the summer," said Lancaster season ticket holder Mindy Reed. "I like the atmosphere and I just think it's a great ballpark."

The day-night doubleheader began in York and there was a large contingency of Barnstormer fans in the right field seats. They made their presences know with the clanking of cowbells and were treated to a Lancaster victory.

"I've been to York many times and every time I've been there, we've been the loudest contingency in the entire place," Johnson added.

The night game was held in Lancaster and over 7,500 people were in attendance; they were treated to a close game that featured three plays at the plate and a last inning rally that ended up short for the home team, much to the dismay of fans who were shaking their boxes of macaroni and cheese-a somewhat ballpark tradition. Fans of both teams were loud, boisterous and many decked out in their respective teams' official merchandise.

"I think on either side of the river here, there's a good rivalry," said York season ticket holder Mark "Tank" Conway who attended both games. "There's a good rivalry with the Barnstormers [fans] coming in with their cowbells and then making a big to do over in York, creating a bigger annoyance. The Revs' fans come over here and we have a great time over there."

The Community Cup is an annual championship that is awarded to the best overall record between the two teams; each team has won the two-year trophy. However, can this rivalry be compared to another on in the American League?

"It's competitive; both have similar records and good players right now. I'd compare it the Red Sox-Yankees," added Sager.

Time will tell how this rivalry will manifest, but as of right now each team is averaging over 4,000 fans (Lancaster almost 5,000) and baseball is back in Southern Pennsylvania that looks to continue the epic battle-the War of the Roses.

Check out the York Revolution Statistics

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Atlantic League Stories from August 6, 2009


The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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