Endangered Species

Two years ago this week, I was in Binghamton, New York for an Eastern League game between the Double-A affiliates of the Yankees (the Trenton Thunder) and Mets (the Rumble Ponies). While my most vivid memory was Tim Tebow's bases-clearing double, there was plenty more to capture with my camera.

Sitting close to field -- honestly, in most minor league parks, as is nearly everyone -- I paid plenty of attention to the home team's mascot, an homage to the region's carousel heritage. As tradition has it, a Rumble Pony is a steed so fierce no carousel center poll can contain it.

This Rumble Pony swaps a fierce persona for a more family-friendly attitude, perfect for entertaining kids and less-than-serious fans while prospects pursued their baseball dreams.

But the Pony isn't strutting this summer -- and might never again stand proudly atop a dugout. Binghamton, despite being a reasonable drive from Citi Field, and an even easier one from the Mets Triple A team in Syracuse, is scheduled to lose its club in the planned downsizing of the minor leagues. Apparently, there won't be a farewell tour, either. With the minors on hold while the majors struggle to re-start this pandemic damaged season, this might be the last we see of this local version of a ballpark tradition.


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