NYSEG Stadium
Binghamton, NY
Team: Binghamton Mets
Affiliation: New York Mets
Capacity: 6,000
League: Eastern League
Completed: 1992

Usually when I sit down to write about a park, I think about its appearance, the amenities, any unique physical aspects about the setting or the stadium itself, and so on.  But, every once and a while, an experience at the park transcends those things and takes center stage.

My first visit to NYSEG Stadium was much like most of my first visits.  I walked around the place, getting different photo  angles and trying to get a general sense of the atmosphere.  Usually, in the midst of this, the game itself sometimes fades into the background, since I usually hold very little rooting interest in the teams playing.  But, by the bottom of the eighth inning, I was standing near a concession stand where I could hear the radio broadcast, and the announcer said something about a no-hitter.  I quickly glanced at the scoreboard, and to my great surprise, the top line sported nothing but donuts.

I quickly grabbed a seat.

By the start of the ninth inning, the crowd of 3,000 plus was electric.  Every pitch, every swing of the bat,  was crucial.  When the third baseman recorded two straight putouts, the crowd, which hadn't stopped clapping since the announcement of the first batter, got on their feet.  When they heard the crack of the bat, the crowd gasped collectively, as the ball looked as though it might have a chance at dropping.  But, the right fielder shifted ever so slightly, squeezed the ball, and ...

I had seen my first-ever no-hitter.

After that, I didn't really think too much about the fact that NYSEG Stadium is a pretty run-of-the-mill type of place.  At that moment, it had earned a special spot in my memory. 

Since that night, I haven't really thought much about the details of the stadium.  But, since you probably  clicked on this page to get a description, I'll give it a try.  NYSEG Stadium, which is named after the New York State Electric & Gas Corporation, is built according to a basic (yet not that commonly used) template for building ballparks.  It is somewhat similar to New Britain Stadium, in that it consists mostly of a very large grandstand with a concourse underneath.  While the seating area is somewhat attractive, utilizing 100% blue individual seats, the concourse is surprisingly dark.  There are only a handful of luxury boxes on either side of the press box, and there is a comparatively small roof on top of the whole thing. 

The setting is unspectacular, being in an apparently run-down section of town, but the view is quite nice.  Instead of old the old buildings in the neighborhood, the park faces away from the city and towards the mountains in the distance.  There's also an occasional train that passes by just past the outfield wall during games. 

As far as amenities, the concession prices are actually relatively cheap, with $1 hot dogs, there is a picnic area down the left field line and a games area down the right field line.   

Bottom Line:  In my book, the park is average, but the memories I have of my game here are outstanding. 

Bob Keppel acknowledges the crowd after pitching his first no-hitter (Saturday, August 2, 2003)

"Ballwinkle" and "Buddy Bee"