{"id":26082,"date":"2025-11-02T19:30:29","date_gmt":"2025-11-02T19:30:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/26082\/"},"modified":"2025-11-02T19:30:29","modified_gmt":"2025-11-02T19:30:29","slug":"baseball-with-a-view-a-trip-through-the-2025-season-with-the-staten-island-ferryhawks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/26082\/","title":{"rendered":"Baseball with a view: A trip through the 2025 season with the Staten Island FerryHawks"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2025 Staten Island FerryHawks season came to an end a month ago, but great memories of exciting baseball action and heart-felt moments remain. <\/p>\n

The last Sunday game of 2025, Sept. 7, celebrated \u201cWe Love Staten Island Day\u201d at Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) Community Park, home of the FerryHawks.<\/p>\n

Civic and cultural organizations like the Art Lab Inc., AARP of Staten Island, and H.E.A.L.T.H. for Youth got community members of all ages involved in art projects and games. That weekend also saw the team raise $10,000 for pediatric cancer care, notably on Pediatric Cancer Awareness Night (Sept. 6).<\/p>\n

\"ferryhawks\"Fireworks on Saturday nights are one of the highlights of the Ferryhawks experience, July 4 (Courtesy\/Lori Weintrob).Third-Party-Submitted<\/p>\n

If a movie were to be made about the FerryHawks, the Sept. 7 game would have provided the Hollywood ending. FerryHawks starter Christian Allegretti and three relievers had held the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars in check until the top of the 8th inning when they scored a run. <\/p>\n

Trailing 1-0, the FerryHawks had one last chance to win. <\/p>\n

With Kolby Johnson and Eddy Diaz on base, and two outs, FerryHawks outfielder Tyler Dearden hit a single to centerfield to score two runs and win the game 2-1 in a walk-off, sending everyone home happy. <\/p>\n

\"ferryhawks\"Ferryhawks Superfan Chris Bauer, whose \u201cpanda bear\u201d hat is a tribute to Ferryhawks infielder and former MLB player Pablo Sandoval, August 22, 2025 (Courtesy\/Lori Weintrob)Third-Party-Submitted<\/p>\n

This was one of several walk-off wins last season for the FerryHawks. After the game, children and their families ran the bases. The FerryHawks hosted the annual BBQ for season ticketholders in a show of camaraderie with its fans and in appreciation for their support. <\/p>\n

\"EducationStaten Island baseball product and FerryHawk David Melfi signs a team towel for a young fan on Education in Baseball Day. (Photo courtesy of the FerryHawks)FerryHawks photo<\/p>\n

Three players had the opportunity to play for their hometown team in 2025. Pitchers Matt Bedford (#43) and Matt Zguro (#8), both alums of St. Peter\u2019s High School, made their professional debuts with the FerryHawks.<\/p>\n

\"ferryhawks\"David Melfi at Italian Heritage Night, August 9, 2025. The Staten Island FerryHawks rebranded their team to the “Staten Island Cornicellos” for a special Italian Heritage Night, referencing the Cornicello, an Italian horn-shaped good luck charm (Courtesy\/David Melfi).Third-Party-Submitted<\/p>\n

Catcher David Melfi, a graduate of Wagner College, was back for a second season with the team. Melfi (#9) was gratified to be part of the FerryHawks.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a native Staten Islander and former Wagner Seahawk, it was special to be able to compete at the professional level representing the place that has given me so many memories,\u201d Melfi said. <\/p>\n

\"StatenWagner College’s David Melfi hit his first professional home run in York to lead Staten Island to a victory. (Courtesy of the FerryHawks)FerryHawk staff<\/p>\n

In addition, Mike Mauro, head coach of the College of Staten Island baseball team, returned for a fourth season in the FerryHawks dugout as an assistant coach.<\/p>\n

The FerryHawks got off to a fast start in late April, winning eight of the team\u2019s first 10 games, including the home opener 4-2 against the Hagerstown Flying Box Cars as ace Morgan McSweeney pitched five scoreless innings. After a six-game road trip, the FerryHawks returned to SIUH Community Park to face the Gastonia Ghost Peppers, in a three-game series. <\/p>\n

\"PabloFerryHawks third baseman and 2012 World Series MVP, Pablo Sandoval celebrates the win after collecting 3 hits. (Courtesy Staten Island FerryHawks)Staten Island FerryHawks<\/p>\n

In one of these games — First Responders Day (May 18) — FerryHawks fan favorite and former MLB World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval, delivered a thrilling walk-off single in the bottom of the 10th inning. Sandoval is affectionately known as \u201cPanda Bear.\u201d <\/p>\n

\"StatenPort Authority Police Officer Anthony Varvaro, 37, has been added to the New York State Police Officers Memorial at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. He was killed on Sept. 11, 2022, on his way to work in a head-on collision with a wrong-way driver on the New Jersey Turnpike.(Courtesy of the Port Authority Police Department)<\/p>\n

That day, the team not only honored the community\u2019s police, fire, corrections, and EMT workers, but also featured a moving tribute to former MLB player, Port Authority police officer, and Staten Island native Anthony Varvaro who tragically lost his life in a head-on collision by a wrong-way driver on Sept. 11, 2022, while traveling to Manhattan to take part in the 9\/11 Memorial ceremony. Varvaro\u2019s #24 was retired by the team. <\/p>\n

Many events hosted by the FerryHawks blended community engagement and baseball action. Among them were celebrations of Staten Island\u2019s ethnic diversity with Irish, Jewish and Italian Heritage nights, with menus to match. LGBTQ + pride was on full display at the ballpark on May 16. <\/p>\n

On Military Appreciation Day in June, the team said \u201cthanks\u201d to our veterans and active-duty service members with a FerryHawks camouflage baseball hat giveaway sponsored by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers (T2T) Foundation. <\/p>\n

\"BobbyBobby Thomson, who called Staten Island home during his playing days, always maintained strong ties with the borough in 2000. (Staten Island Advance)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

On Father\u2019s Day, the team honored Staten Island baseball legend and former New York Giants second basemen Bobby Thomson with a limited edition bobblehead giveaway sponsored by Thomson Law, LLC. <\/p>\n

Thomson, who graduated from Curtis High School, was famous for \u201cThe Shot Heard \u2018Round the World\u201d homerun off Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca, sending the Giants to the 1951 World Series against the New York Yankees. Thomson\u2019s family, who still live on Staten Island, attended the game, making it a truly special day. <\/p>\n

\"ferryhawks\"Antoinette Donegan, Flynn Ferguson, Robert Adams (NYPD), Ronald Woody (NYPD, Harbor Hero), Josephine Marino, Heather Butts, Loretta Cauldwell. Police Officer Ronald Woody was being celebrated as Harbor Hero at the “I love Staten Island” game, Sept. 7, 2025 (Courtesy: Lori Weintrob).Third-Party-Submitted<\/p>\n

In September, the team invited fans to bring their dogs to the game on Waggin\u2019 Wednesday. <\/p>\n

The FerryHawks celebrated Jackie Robinson Day on June 20 with a \u201cSalute to the Negro Leagues\u201d presented by Stratford Funeral Home in partnership with the National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the Jackie Robinson Museum. The team took the field against the York Revolution from York, Pennsylvania, wearing a special edition jersey that paid tribute to the Black Yankees, the iconic Negro League team that played in New York. During the game, the FerryHawks honored members of the team who hailed from Staten Island including Julie Bowers, Sonny Logan, and Glenn Richardson Mosley. <\/p>\n

\"ferryhawks\"Nicholas Papas, Flagstar Harbor Hero, and his son Phillip enjoy the ballgame at SIUH Community Park, July 4, 2025 (Courtesy\/Lori Weintrob).Third-Party-Submitted<\/p>\n

The Fourth of July saw one of the largest crowds of the season as 3,200 fans, many wearing patriotic colors, filled SIUH Community Park to cheer on the FerryHawks against the York Revolution. The FerryHawks offered special red, white, and blue baseballs for purchase, designed and painted by Staten Island artist Scott LoBaido. The proceeds went to help fund the T2T Foundation. <\/p>\n

During the seventh inning, the Macy\u2019s Fireworks spectacular near the Brooklyn Bridge could be seen beyond the rightfield wall. Although the FerryHawks lost 13-9, after the game fans enjoyed the largest fireworks display of the season lighting up the nighttime sky with the Freedom Tower as the backdrop. After every Saturday night home game FerryHawks fans were treated to colorful fireworks.<\/p>\n

\"ferryhawks\"Flagstar Harbor Hero Ed Burke, former deputy Borough President and Wagner College alum, surrounded by family, friends and the Hawk City hype squad, August 22, 2025 (Courtesy\/Lori Weintrob).Third-Party-Submitted<\/p>\n

An advocate for environmental conservation, former Deputy Borough President Ed Burke was feted with a special bobblehead giveaway on Aug. 22, Parks and Recreation Night, presented by Cause and the Effects. Burke was celebrated for his many years of public service and his dedication to the \u201cBorough of Parks.\u201d The bobblehead depicted him in hiking gear next to the island\u2019s favorite weather prognosticator Staten Island Chuck. An alum of Wagner College, Burke was led out onto the field surrounded byfriends and colleagues. <\/p>\n

\"ferryhawks\"The Weintrob family at the Ferryhawks home opener on May 2. (Couresy\/Lori Weintrob).Third-Party-Submitted<\/p>\n

At each home game, the FerryHawks in partnership with Flagstar Bank honor local individuals for their service, dedication, and volunteerism. They are the team\u2019s \u201cHarbor Heroes\u201d and are recognized for making a difference in the community. \u201cHarbor Heroes\u201d are volunteers, first responders, teachers, coaches, veterans, mentors, and community leaders. <\/p>\n

The public can nominate someone for the honor and, if selected, the honoree and their guests receive four tickets to the game. Among the \u201cHarbor Heroes\u201d for the 2025 season were Chris Bauer (Sept. 17), Jeff Benjamin (July 8), Gina Biancardi (Aug. 9), Bill Goffin (July 5), John Iasparro (May 3), Myron (Mike) Lasser (June 11), Yesenia Mata (June 20), Judge Mendy Mirocznik (June 11), Richard Pacettie (July 26), Nicholas Papas (July 4), former Councilwoman Debi Rose (June 20), Judge Remy Smith (June 11), Karen Soren (June 11), Terrance and Wendell Stratford (June 20), Cesar Vargas (June 20), Pastor Dave Watson (June 21), and Kecia Weaver (Aug. 6).<\/p>\n

\"TheHeather Butts attends the 14th annual Staten Island Black Heritage Family Day, featuring the People’s Parade marching through the communities of Clifton and Stapleton, and the We Are Family Festival in Tappan Park on Saturday, September 20, 2025. (Owen Reiter for the Advance\/SILive.com)Owen Reiter<\/p>\n

Accepting the Flagstar \u201cHarbor Hero\u201d award on Sept. 16, Heather Butts, co-founder of the non-profit H.E.A.L.T.H. for youth, shared her thoughts: \u201cGoing to the FerryHawks games has been delightful. We often take youth we work with to the games. It\u2019s an experience many of them enjoy immensely and allows us to engage with the students we work with in a fun and positive way.\u201d <\/p>\n

Butts has been able to work with the FerryHawks and the Staten Island Hunger Task Force on the Hunger Free Games. \u201cThis has brought resources and awareness to food pantries across the Island. A big thank you to the FerryHawks for all you do in the community,\u201d Butts added. One spectator that night, visiting from San Francisco, Peter Papas, observed: \u201cWhat a great game and an enthusiastic crowd. I can\u2019t image any ballpark with a more spectacular view.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some college students have been invited to take behind-the-scenes tours of SIUH Community Park. Seonghun Lee, Professor of Sport Administration at Wagner College\u2019s Nicolais School of Business, is grateful for that opportunity. Lee remarks: \u201cThe FerryHawks have offered great hospitality to the Wagner College business students. We have been welcomed by a remarkable staff and able to see how the FerryHawks operated, a true hands-on, practice-oriented experience.\u201d <\/p>\n

Player development is an important aspect of the FerryHawks and of the league in which play, the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB), an official partner league of MLB. The FerryHawks organization is proud of its record of mentoring players by promoting teamwork, character, sportsmanship, and leadership, and helping them to achieve their goal of reaching affiliated baseball. <\/p>\n

\"FerryHawksFerryHawks starting pitcher Morgan McSweeney prepares to fire a pitch during a game against the Flying Boxcars on May 2, 2025.Michael O’Brien<\/p>\n

The 2025 season saw several FerryHawks pitchers including ace Morgan McSweeney (Miami Marlins), Matt Dunaway (San Francisco Giants), Brennen Oxford (Minnesota Twins), Jack Mahoney (Athletics), and closer Tanner Andrews (Minnesota Twins) have their contracts purchased by MLB organizations. Infielder Damon Dues signed an affiliated contract with Uni\u00f3n Laguna of the Mexican Baseball League.<\/p>\n

The FerryHawks open the 2026 season at home against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Instead of traveling to Citifield or Yankee Stadium, there\u2019s nothing like seeing good friends, having fun with the family, and enjoying professional baseball close to home.<\/p>\n

\"StatenThe Staten Island Ferryhawks mascot Frankie dances with a young fan during ‘HawkFest’ at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park in St. George on Saturday, Mar. 4, 2023. (Staten Island Advance\/Jason Paderon)<\/p>\n

Come out to SIUH Community Park and meet Frankie, the FerryHawks\u2019 mascot, celebrate a birthday or special occasion, recognize an exceptional community member or organization, maybe win a free cookie from Crumbl, enjoy watching fan-based contests and performances by the Hype Squad between innings, and cheer on your hometown team: The Staten Island FerryHawks! <\/p>\n

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement<\/a> and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and\/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The 2025 Staten Island FerryHawks season came to an end a month ago, but great memories of exciting…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":26083,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[9,24,63,137,134,136,135],"class_list":["post-26082","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-staten-island","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-nyc","tag-processedbyclaro","tag-staten-island","tag-staten-island-headlines","tag-staten-island-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26082","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26082"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26082\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26083"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26082"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26082"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26082"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}