Brooklyn Cyclones
Encyclopedia
The Brooklyn Cyclones is a minor league
baseball team in the Short-Season A classification New York - Penn League
, affiliated with the New York Mets
. The Cyclones play at MCU Park just off the Coney Island
boardwalk
in the New York City borough
of Brooklyn
.
In its entire franchise history, the team has won seven division titles. As the Brooklyn Cyclones, the team has won 5 division titles, made the playoffs eight times and in 2001, the Cyclones were declared co-league champions with the Williamsport Crosscutters, being forced to prematurely end their championship series due to the September 11 attacks, despite the Cyclones leading the series one game to none.
-based St. Catharines Blue Jays
(later St. Catharines Stompers) in 1986 as a team in the New York - Penn League
. They were named for their parent club, the Toronto Blue Jays
. In 1995, the team was sold by the city of Toronto to a group of local investors which included former Toronto catcher Ernie Whitt
.
In 1999, New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani announced a deal that would bring two minor league baseball
teams to the boroughs outside Manhattan. New ballparks would be constructed for the Staten Island Yankees
and the Cyclones. Prior to the 2000 season, the team was bought and moved to Queens, New York, becoming known as the Queens Kings
. The club played its 2000 season at St. John's University in Jamaica, New York, in the borough
of Queens, remaining a Blue Jays affiliate for one last season.
A name-the-team contest was held to determine a new name for the Brooklyn franchise. The winning selection, Cyclones, refers to the famous Coney Island Cyclone
roller coaster
at nearby Astroland
amusement park
on Coney Island
. The team's new park, which was then called KeySpan Park
, was completed in time for the 2001 season. Brooklyn had been without professional baseball since the Brooklyn Dodgers left Ebbets Field
for Los Angeles, California in 1958. After approximately three weeks of play, additional seats had to be added to the stadium to accommodate fans.
The Cyclones managed by Edgar Alfonzo played well in their opening season with the best record in the league, 52–24 where the led the NY Penn-League with a 2.35 team ERA. They defeated the Staten Island Yankees in a classic NYPL opening playoff round. The deciding game won by the Cyclones 4 to 1 featured trickery by Catcher Brett Kay who faked giving up on a play only to receive a laser throw from John Toner to tag out a runner at the plate. advancing to the championship series against the Williamsport Crosscutters
. The Cyclones traveled to Bowman Field in Williamsport, Pennsylvania
, winning the series opener on September 10, 2001 by a score of 8 to 4. The potential championship clincher was scheduled for September 11 in Brooklyn. However, due to the September 11 attacks, all minor league baseball playoffs were canceled. The Cyclones and Crosscutters were declared co-champions.
The 2002 season was filled with inconsistent play and questionable pitching decisions by manager Howard Johnson leading to a .500 season. Scott Kazmir pitched to an incredible 0.50 ERA in five starts and had 34 strikeouts in only 18 innings pitched.
In 2003, the Cyclones managed by Tim Teufel won the McNamara division title with brilliant pitching led by starters, soon to be Major Leaguers, Matt Lindstrom and Brian Bannister and by relievers Robert Paulk and Carlos Muniz. Despite a drop in run production, the Cyclones pitching staff willed their way into the Playoffs, beating the Oneonta Tigers 2 games to 1 only to lose in the NYPL Championship to the Williamsport Crosscutters 2 games to none.
The 2004 season brought the most complete Cyclones team ever. Managed by Tony Tijerina, three batters hit over .300 and five starting pitchers made their starts in rotation for the last 55 games of the season except one game. The Cyclones won the McNamara division title only to lose to the Tri-City Valley Cats in controversial fashion. With the series tied, the Cyclones were leading 3 to 0 in the 3rd inning when the games was held up and eventually cancelled by rain, which wiped out the score. After another rainout, Game 3 was played from the beginning where the Cyclones lost the deciding game 7 to 1. A new rule was placed by the NY-Penn League that any games suspended because of rain, if a team or teams have scored runs in the game, the suspended game will be picked from the inning when the game was called.
The 2005 season managed by Mookie Wilson was hampered by inconsistent relief pitching that hampered games in the later innings despite a good offense. The Cyclones finished third and missed the playoffs. On August 23, 2005, The Cyclones and KeySpan Park hosted the first-ever New York – Penn League All-Star Game, which was won by the National League
-affiliated team by a score of 5–4. Also that year, the Cyclones became a major partner of Brooklyn's High School of Sports Management, a small school located down the block from MCU Park on West 19 Street and Mermaid Ave.
The 2006 season managed by George Greer mirrored the team name. A 7 game losing streak to start the season was followed by a 10 game winning streak which led the streaky Cyclones to the NYPL Playoffs in a dramatic extra-inning victory against the Vermont Lake Monsters in the final game of the season. The Cyclones would lose to the SI Yanks in the NYPL opening playoff round 2 games to none. On July 20, 2006, the Cyclones and the Oneonta Tigers
took part in the longest game in the history of the New York – Penn League, a 26-inning marathon that the Cyclones lost, 6–1. The game took 6 hours and 40 minutes to complete. The Cyclones scored their lone run in the first inning; Oneonta tied the game in the fourth and then did not score again until they scored five runs in the top of the 26th inning. Cyclones manager George Greer was ejected from the contest in the first inning for arguing an umpire's call on a force play at second base.
The 2007 season managed by Edgar Alfonzo had the second most successful season in team history with a 49–25 record. With a consistent offense, great pitching and the best defense in the league, the Cyclones powered their way to winning its fourth McNamara division title and sweeping the SI Yankees in two straight games in the NYPL opening playoff round. Game One produced the best road win in team history when the Cyclones beat the SI Yanks 8 to 4. However, the Cyclones went on to getting swept in disappointing fashion by the Auburn Doubledays for the NYPL Championship. After giving up a leadoff home run to shortstop Matt Bouchard, current Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Brett Cecil pitched one hit ball in 7 innings as the Doubledays won the game 4 to 1. On September 7, 2007, during the final regular season game (a 5–4 victory over the Lowell Spinners
), the Cyclones set an all-time single-game attendance record of 10,073—2,573 more than the stadium's seating capacity in 2001. That season, the team won its fourth McNamara division title.
The 2008 season managed again by Edgar Alfonzo was marred by a poor start but recovered with a torrid finish at 45–30, narrowly missing the playoffs after losing the final game of the season to the Aberdeen Ironbirds 5 to 3 in extra innings. The team produced Major Leaguers and current New York Mets Ike Davis and Jenrry Mejia. But the team was marred with an inconsistent offense with less than average results with runners in scoring position.
On June 23, 2009, the team was renamed to "Baracklyn Cyclones" in honor of president Barack Obama
. The team wore specially designed patriotic uniforms and the first 2,500 fans in got free Obama bobbleheads (with Obama in the new Cyclones jersey). Tickets prices were lowered for the game (Economic Stimulus Plan). They also gave away 1,000 band-aids (Universal Healthcare), let anyone named Barack in free of charge (naming rights), and gave away two tickets to anyone who was a plumber named Joe (Joe the Plumber special). Internet sensation Amber Lee Ettinger
(aka Obama girl) made a special appearance and threw out the first pitch. Anyone with the name Palin or McCain got a free bleacher seat (Bi-Partisan Consolation Prize), and fans were given discount coupons and American flags after the game (Clear Cut Exit Strategy).
On August 23, 2009, Cyclones pitcher Brandon Moore threw a 7-inning no-hitter
in the first game of a doubleheader against the Aberdeen IronBirds
, 5–0, at Ripken Stadium
. Moore walked three and hit one batter, with only one IronBird reaching second base. This came seven years to the day Miguel Pinango threw a nine-inning one-hitter for the Cyclones, pitching 8 ⅔ innings of no-hit ball.
On February 4, 2010 the team announced that the new name of their home would be called Municipal Credit Union (MCU) Park. (From 2001 to 2009 the stadium was known as KeySpan Park.) In addition to the naming rights, MCU and the Cyclones entered into a comprehensive 11-year marketing partnership that launches the Cyclones’ 10th season in Brooklyn. The partner agreement is scheduled to last till 2020.
The Cyclones' main rival are the Staten Island Yankees
, a rivalry often called the "Battle of the Boroughs", after the boroughs of Brooklyn and Staten Island, or the "Battle for the Bridge", after the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
which separates the two teams. Only 13 miles (20.9 km) apart, the two teams have the closest proximity in Minor League Baseball. The two teams generally sell out the games which pit them against each other. Other regional rivals include the Hudson Valley Renegades
and the Tri-City ValleyCats. A major contribution to this intense rivalry is the fact that both parent teams are also based in New York (the Mets
in Queens, and the Yankees
in the Bronx
).
. Scott Kazmir
, who played with Brooklyn in 2002, made his major league debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2004. Still with the Rays in 2008, Kazmir was tagged with the loss in Game 1 of the 2008 World Series
. He is the first former Cyclone to reach the World Series
, though Lenny DiNardo
, who pitched with the Cyclones in 2001, won a World Series ring with the Boston Red Sox
in 2004
while on the Disabled List.
Mike Jacobs, who was a member of the inaugural 2001 Cyclones team, made his Mets debut on August 21, 2005, hitting a three run pinch-hit home run off Washington Nationals
pitcher Esteban Loaiza
. In 30 games with 100 at bats for the Mets, Jacobs hit 11 home runs and had 23 RBI before being traded to the Florida Marlins
after the season.
In April 2006, Brian Bannister
became the first Cyclone pitcher to make his debut with the Mets in a game against the Washington Nationals at Shea. The following April, sidearm reliever Joe Smith, who pitched for the Cyclones in 2006, made his major league debut on opening day for the Mets against the St. Louis Cardinals
. Smith pitched a scoreless third of an inning in the Mets win. First baseman/outfielder Nick Evans
was called up on May 24, 2008 as an injury replacement. Evans, who played with the Cyclones in 2005, had 3 doubles in his first major league game. Ike Davis
, who played for the Cyclones in 2008, is now the first baseman for the Mets.
As of June 13, 2010, the Cyclones had sent 25 players to the Major Leagues. The then-current Major Leaguers who were former Brooklyn Cyclones were:
2002: Manager: Howard Johnson, Pitching Coach: Bobby Ojeda, Hitting Coach: Donovan Mitchell
2003: Manager: Tim Teufel
, Pitching Coach: Hector Berrios, Hitting Coach: Roger LaFrancois
2004: Manager: Tony Tijerina, Pitching Coach: Hector Berrios, Hitting Coach: Donovan Mitchell
2005: Manager: Mookie Wilson
, Pitching Coach: Steve Merriman, Hitting Coach: Donovan Mitchell, Coach: Juan Lopez
2006: Manager: George Greer, Pitching Coach: Hector Berrios, Hitting Coach: Scott Hunter, Coach: Guadalupe Jabalera
2007-8: Manager: Edgar Alfonzo, Pitching Coach: Hector Berrios, Hitting Coach: Guadalupe Jabalera
2009: Manager: Pedro Lopez, Pitching Coach: Rick Tomlin, Hitting Coach: Jack Voigt
, Coach: Joel Fuentes
2010: Manager: Wally Backman
, Pitching Coach: Rick Tomlin, Hitting Coach: Benny Distefano
, Coach: Joel Fuentes
2011: Manager: Rich Donnelly
, Pitching Coach: Frank Viola
, Hitting Coach: Bobby Malek
NOTES: Ojeda, Johnson, Teufel, Wilson, and Backman all played on the 1986 Champion NY Mets.
Malek played with the Cyclones in '02.
Brooklyn Dodgers: 4 (Duke Snider
); 14 (Gil Hodges
); 17 (Carl Erskine
); 36 (Don Newcombe
); 42 (Jackie Robinson
);
Brooklyn Cyclones: 6 (Danny Garcia); 19 (Brian Bannister
); 20 (Dillon Gee
); 35 (Angel Pagan
);
NOTE: A Cyclones player may still wear these numbers, with the exception of 14, & 42. Additionally, no Cyclone may wear 37 (Casey Stengel
) or 41 (Tom Seaver
) due to the numbers being retied by the Mets.
On August 22, 2011, the Brooklyn Cyclones also honored Pia Toscano
, who sang the anthem prior to a game in 2003 by putting a plaque on the press level.
s, Sandy the Seagull and Pee-wee. Sandy, the primary mascot, has been with the team since the inaugural Cyclones season in 2001. Pee-wee was introduced in 2003 as Sandy's adopted son. Sandy is named for Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers
pitcher Sandy Koufax
, while Pee-Wee was named after Brooklyn Dodgers shortstop Pee Wee Reese
.
In 2006, the team introduced a new unnamed mascot: a blow-up "ZOOperstars" type pelican
. Despite a contest to name the character, it was never given an official name. The Pelican has not made an appearance since the 2006 season. In 2008, Maverick the Wonder Dog was introduced. He was a real Chocolate Labrador Retriever
who was owned by one of the Cyclones staff members. The goal was to have Maverick learn tricks like picking up baseballs and bats. Like the Pelican, Maverick lasted only one season.
A Hot Dog race is held at every game at MCU Park, which is sponsored by Nathan's Famous
. The first Nathan's store is located two blocks away from the ballpark. The three hot dogs currently racing are Ketchup, Mustard, and Relish. For many years Relish has become the loveable loser because he either wins very few races or none at all during the season.
Starting in 2003, King Henry, a local entertainer, co-hosted the contests with Party Marty. He still co-hosts the contests. From 2004 to 2006, King Henry served as the main host of the on field contests, with the "Cyclones Beach Bums" assisting. The original "Beach Bums" were a promotional team of men and women who entertained the ballpark from 2003 through 2008, were seen all over the ballpark dancing, interacting with fans, and handing out promotional items. In 2009, the team decided to hire an all women dance team to replace the Beach Bums, but still retaining the Beach Bum name. The dance team is similar to the New York Knicks
, New York Dragons
and New York Islanders
.
From 2007 to 2010, Jay Moran was the on-field master of ceremonies
.
Starting in 2011, Jason Negron was the on-field MC.
In 2006, Jay Moran served as PA Announcer.
David Freeman (a/k/a Announcer Guy Dave) returned as PA Announcer in 2007, reclaiming the role he held with the Queens Kings in 2000.
Another guy, named Mark, took over in the middle of the 2010 season.
(90.3 FM) is the official radio station of the Cyclones. Warner Fusselle is the radio voice of the Brooklyn Cyclones.
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
baseball team in the Short-Season A classification New York - Penn League
New York - Penn League
The New York – Penn League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the northeastern United States. It is classified as a "Short-Season A" league; its season starts in June, after major-league teams have signed their amateur draft picks to professional contracts, and ends in early...
, affiliated with the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
. The Cyclones play at MCU Park just off the Coney Island
Coney Island
Coney Island is a peninsula and beach on the Atlantic Ocean in southern Brooklyn, New York, United States. The site was formerly an outer barrier island, but became partially connected to the mainland by landfill....
boardwalk
Boardwalk
A boardwalk, in the conventional sense, is a wooden walkway for pedestrians and sometimes vehicles, often found along beaches, but they are also common as paths through wetlands, coastal dunes, and other sensitive environments....
in the New York City borough
Borough (New York City)
New York City, one of the largest cities in the world, is composed of five boroughs. Each borough now has the same boundaries as the county it is in. County governments were dissolved when the city consolidated in 1898, along with all city, town, and village governments within each county...
of Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
.
In its entire franchise history, the team has won seven division titles. As the Brooklyn Cyclones, the team has won 5 division titles, made the playoffs eight times and in 2001, the Cyclones were declared co-league champions with the Williamsport Crosscutters, being forced to prematurely end their championship series due to the September 11 attacks, despite the Cyclones leading the series one game to none.
History
The Cyclones began as the St. Catharines, OntarioSt. Catharines, Ontario
St. Catharines is the largest city in Canada's Niagara Region and the sixth largest urban area in Ontario, Canada, with 97.11 square kilometres of land...
-based St. Catharines Blue Jays
St. Catharines Blue Jays
The St. Catharines Blue Jays were a minor league baseball team that played at Community Park in St. Catharines, Ontario. They were the Short-Season A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays in the New York-Penn League. The team began play in 1986 as the Blue Jays, though were later renamed the St....
(later St. Catharines Stompers) in 1986 as a team in the New York - Penn League
New York - Penn League
The New York – Penn League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the northeastern United States. It is classified as a "Short-Season A" league; its season starts in June, after major-league teams have signed their amateur draft picks to professional contracts, and ends in early...
. They were named for their parent club, the Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
. In 1995, the team was sold by the city of Toronto to a group of local investors which included former Toronto catcher Ernie Whitt
Ernie Whitt
Leo Ernest "Ernie" Whitt is a former Major League Baseball catcher and coach who is the current manager for the minor league Clearwater Threshers. He is noted for the twelve years he spent as a player with the Toronto Blue Jays...
.
In 1999, New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani announced a deal that would bring two minor league baseball
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
teams to the boroughs outside Manhattan. New ballparks would be constructed for the Staten Island Yankees
Staten Island Yankees
The Staten Island Yankees are a minor league baseball team, located in the New York City borough of Staten Island. Nicknamed the "Baby Bombers," the Yankees are a Short-Season A classification affiliate of the New York Yankees and play in the New York - Penn League at Richmond County Bank Ballpark...
and the Cyclones. Prior to the 2000 season, the team was bought and moved to Queens, New York, becoming known as the Queens Kings
Queens Kings
The Queens Kings were the Toronto Blue Jays' Short-Season A classification team in the New York-Penn League in the 2000 season. The team was formerly the St. Catharines Stompers and was sold by the Blue Jays and relocated to Queens, New York and played at The Ballpark at St. Johns...
. The club played its 2000 season at St. John's University in Jamaica, New York, in the borough
Borough
A borough is an administrative division in various countries. In principle, the term borough designates a self-governing township although, in practice, official use of the term varies widely....
of Queens, remaining a Blue Jays affiliate for one last season.
A name-the-team contest was held to determine a new name for the Brooklyn franchise. The winning selection, Cyclones, refers to the famous Coney Island Cyclone
Coney Island Cyclone
The Coney Island Cyclone is a historic hybrid roller coaster in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn, New York City. On June 18, 1975, Dewey and Jerome Albert, owners of Astroland Park, contracted to operate the Cyclone under an agreement with New York City...
roller coaster
Roller coaster
The roller coaster is a popular amusement ride developed for amusement parks and modern theme parks. LaMarcus Adna Thompson patented the first coasters on January 20, 1885...
at nearby Astroland
Astroland
Astroland was a amusement park in Coney Island first opened in 1962. It was located at 1000 Surf Avenue on the boardwalk...
amusement park
Amusement park
thumb|Cinderella Castle in [[Magic Kingdom]], [[Disney World]]Amusement and theme parks are terms for a group of entertainment attractions and rides and other events in a location for the enjoyment of large numbers of people...
on Coney Island
Coney Island
Coney Island is a peninsula and beach on the Atlantic Ocean in southern Brooklyn, New York, United States. The site was formerly an outer barrier island, but became partially connected to the mainland by landfill....
. The team's new park, which was then called KeySpan Park
KeySpan Park
MCU Park is a minor league baseball stadium in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn, New York City, USA. The home team is the New York Mets-affiliated Brooklyn Cyclones of the New York - Penn League...
, was completed in time for the 2001 season. Brooklyn had been without professional baseball since the Brooklyn Dodgers left Ebbets Field
Ebbets Field
Ebbets Field was a Major League Baseball park located in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York, USA, on a city block which is now considered to be part of the Crown Heights neighborhood. It was the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers of the National League. It was also a venue for professional football...
for Los Angeles, California in 1958. After approximately three weeks of play, additional seats had to be added to the stadium to accommodate fans.
The Cyclones managed by Edgar Alfonzo played well in their opening season with the best record in the league, 52–24 where the led the NY Penn-League with a 2.35 team ERA. They defeated the Staten Island Yankees in a classic NYPL opening playoff round. The deciding game won by the Cyclones 4 to 1 featured trickery by Catcher Brett Kay who faked giving up on a play only to receive a laser throw from John Toner to tag out a runner at the plate. advancing to the championship series against the Williamsport Crosscutters
Williamsport Crosscutters
The Williamsport Crosscutters are a Short-Season A classification minor league baseball team based in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in the United States...
. The Cyclones traveled to Bowman Field in Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Williamsport is a city in and the county seat of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania in the United States. In 2009, the population was estimated at 29,304...
, winning the series opener on September 10, 2001 by a score of 8 to 4. The potential championship clincher was scheduled for September 11 in Brooklyn. However, due to the September 11 attacks, all minor league baseball playoffs were canceled. The Cyclones and Crosscutters were declared co-champions.
The 2002 season was filled with inconsistent play and questionable pitching decisions by manager Howard Johnson leading to a .500 season. Scott Kazmir pitched to an incredible 0.50 ERA in five starts and had 34 strikeouts in only 18 innings pitched.
In 2003, the Cyclones managed by Tim Teufel won the McNamara division title with brilliant pitching led by starters, soon to be Major Leaguers, Matt Lindstrom and Brian Bannister and by relievers Robert Paulk and Carlos Muniz. Despite a drop in run production, the Cyclones pitching staff willed their way into the Playoffs, beating the Oneonta Tigers 2 games to 1 only to lose in the NYPL Championship to the Williamsport Crosscutters 2 games to none.
The 2004 season brought the most complete Cyclones team ever. Managed by Tony Tijerina, three batters hit over .300 and five starting pitchers made their starts in rotation for the last 55 games of the season except one game. The Cyclones won the McNamara division title only to lose to the Tri-City Valley Cats in controversial fashion. With the series tied, the Cyclones were leading 3 to 0 in the 3rd inning when the games was held up and eventually cancelled by rain, which wiped out the score. After another rainout, Game 3 was played from the beginning where the Cyclones lost the deciding game 7 to 1. A new rule was placed by the NY-Penn League that any games suspended because of rain, if a team or teams have scored runs in the game, the suspended game will be picked from the inning when the game was called.
The 2005 season managed by Mookie Wilson was hampered by inconsistent relief pitching that hampered games in the later innings despite a good offense. The Cyclones finished third and missed the playoffs. On August 23, 2005, The Cyclones and KeySpan Park hosted the first-ever New York – Penn League All-Star Game, which was won by the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
-affiliated team by a score of 5–4. Also that year, the Cyclones became a major partner of Brooklyn's High School of Sports Management, a small school located down the block from MCU Park on West 19 Street and Mermaid Ave.
The 2006 season managed by George Greer mirrored the team name. A 7 game losing streak to start the season was followed by a 10 game winning streak which led the streaky Cyclones to the NYPL Playoffs in a dramatic extra-inning victory against the Vermont Lake Monsters in the final game of the season. The Cyclones would lose to the SI Yanks in the NYPL opening playoff round 2 games to none. On July 20, 2006, the Cyclones and the Oneonta Tigers
Oneonta Tigers
The Oneonta Tigers were a minor league baseball team located in Oneonta, New York. They were members of the New York - Penn League. The Tigers were the Short-Season A classification affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, and played their home games at Damaschke Field...
took part in the longest game in the history of the New York – Penn League, a 26-inning marathon that the Cyclones lost, 6–1. The game took 6 hours and 40 minutes to complete. The Cyclones scored their lone run in the first inning; Oneonta tied the game in the fourth and then did not score again until they scored five runs in the top of the 26th inning. Cyclones manager George Greer was ejected from the contest in the first inning for arguing an umpire's call on a force play at second base.
The 2007 season managed by Edgar Alfonzo had the second most successful season in team history with a 49–25 record. With a consistent offense, great pitching and the best defense in the league, the Cyclones powered their way to winning its fourth McNamara division title and sweeping the SI Yankees in two straight games in the NYPL opening playoff round. Game One produced the best road win in team history when the Cyclones beat the SI Yanks 8 to 4. However, the Cyclones went on to getting swept in disappointing fashion by the Auburn Doubledays for the NYPL Championship. After giving up a leadoff home run to shortstop Matt Bouchard, current Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Brett Cecil pitched one hit ball in 7 innings as the Doubledays won the game 4 to 1. On September 7, 2007, during the final regular season game (a 5–4 victory over the Lowell Spinners
Lowell Spinners
The Lowell Spinners are a Short-Season A minor league baseball affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.-History:Founded in 1996 after Clyde Smoll moved the Elmira Pioneers to Lowell, Massachusetts, the Spinners play in the New York - Penn League, which has a Short-Season A classification with 76 games a...
), the Cyclones set an all-time single-game attendance record of 10,073—2,573 more than the stadium's seating capacity in 2001. That season, the team won its fourth McNamara division title.
The 2008 season managed again by Edgar Alfonzo was marred by a poor start but recovered with a torrid finish at 45–30, narrowly missing the playoffs after losing the final game of the season to the Aberdeen Ironbirds 5 to 3 in extra innings. The team produced Major Leaguers and current New York Mets Ike Davis and Jenrry Mejia. But the team was marred with an inconsistent offense with less than average results with runners in scoring position.
On June 23, 2009, the team was renamed to "Baracklyn Cyclones" in honor of president Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
. The team wore specially designed patriotic uniforms and the first 2,500 fans in got free Obama bobbleheads (with Obama in the new Cyclones jersey). Tickets prices were lowered for the game (Economic Stimulus Plan). They also gave away 1,000 band-aids (Universal Healthcare), let anyone named Barack in free of charge (naming rights), and gave away two tickets to anyone who was a plumber named Joe (Joe the Plumber special). Internet sensation Amber Lee Ettinger
Amber Lee Ettinger
Amber Lee Ettinger is an American actress, internet celebrity, and model. She first rose to fame as Obama Girl in her Internet video "I Got a Crush... on Obama", in which she expressed her admiration of then-U.S. Senator Barack Obama...
(aka Obama girl) made a special appearance and threw out the first pitch. Anyone with the name Palin or McCain got a free bleacher seat (Bi-Partisan Consolation Prize), and fans were given discount coupons and American flags after the game (Clear Cut Exit Strategy).
On August 23, 2009, Cyclones pitcher Brandon Moore threw a 7-inning no-hitter
No-hitter
A no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
in the first game of a doubleheader against the Aberdeen IronBirds
Aberdeen IronBirds
The Aberdeen IronBirds are a Short-Season A classification affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The IronBirds play in the New York - Penn League and are based in Aberdeen, Maryland, which is in Harford County....
, 5–0, at Ripken Stadium
Ripken Stadium
Ripken Stadium is the home of the Aberdeen IronBirds, Class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles in the New York-Penn League. The stadium is located in Aberdeen, Maryland. The 6,000-seat Ripken Stadium held its first game on June 18, 2002. The team has sold out every home game at Ripken Stadium...
. Moore walked three and hit one batter, with only one IronBird reaching second base. This came seven years to the day Miguel Pinango threw a nine-inning one-hitter for the Cyclones, pitching 8 ⅔ innings of no-hit ball.
On February 4, 2010 the team announced that the new name of their home would be called Municipal Credit Union (MCU) Park. (From 2001 to 2009 the stadium was known as KeySpan Park.) In addition to the naming rights, MCU and the Cyclones entered into a comprehensive 11-year marketing partnership that launches the Cyclones’ 10th season in Brooklyn. The partner agreement is scheduled to last till 2020.
The Cyclones' main rival are the Staten Island Yankees
Staten Island Yankees
The Staten Island Yankees are a minor league baseball team, located in the New York City borough of Staten Island. Nicknamed the "Baby Bombers," the Yankees are a Short-Season A classification affiliate of the New York Yankees and play in the New York - Penn League at Richmond County Bank Ballpark...
, a rivalry often called the "Battle of the Boroughs", after the boroughs of Brooklyn and Staten Island, or the "Battle for the Bridge", after the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is a double-decked suspension bridge that connects the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York City at the Narrows, the reach connecting the relatively protected upper bay with the larger lower bay....
which separates the two teams. Only 13 miles (20.9 km) apart, the two teams have the closest proximity in Minor League Baseball. The two teams generally sell out the games which pit them against each other. Other regional rivals include the Hudson Valley Renegades
Hudson Valley Renegades
The Hudson Valley Renegades are a minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays. The team is a member of the New York - Penn League, a Class A Short Season league. The Renegades play at Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill, NY....
and the Tri-City ValleyCats. A major contribution to this intense rivalry is the fact that both parent teams are also based in New York (the Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
in Queens, and the Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
in the Bronx
The Bronx
The Bronx is the northernmost of the five boroughs of New York City. It is also known as Bronx County, the last of the 62 counties of New York State to be incorporated...
).
Alumni
The first Cyclone to break into the major leagues was infielder Danny Garcia, who made his debut with the New York Mets on September 2, 2003 at Shea StadiumShea Stadium
William A. Shea Municipal Stadium, usually shortened to Shea Stadium or just Shea , was a stadium in the New York City borough of Queens, in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. It was the home baseball park of Major League Baseball's New York Mets from 1964 to 2008...
. Scott Kazmir
Scott Kazmir
Scott Edward Kazmir is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Kazmir made his Major League debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2004 when he was only 20 years old and at one time held many of the franchise's career pitching records...
, who played with Brooklyn in 2002, made his major league debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2004. Still with the Rays in 2008, Kazmir was tagged with the loss in Game 1 of the 2008 World Series
2008 World Series
The 2008 World Series was the 104th World Series between the American and National Leagues for the championship of Major League Baseball. The Philadelphia Phillies as champions of the National League and the Tampa Bay Rays, as American League champions, competed to win four games out of a possible...
. He is the first former Cyclone to reach the World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
, though Lenny DiNardo
Lenny DiNardo
Leonard Edward DiNardo is a professional baseball pitcher in the Oakland Athletics organization. He graduated from Santa Fe High School in Alachua, Florida in 1998, and went on to attend Stetson University...
, who pitched with the Cyclones in 2001, won a World Series ring with the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
in 2004
2004 World Series
The 2004 World Series was the Major League Baseball championship series for the 2004 season. It was the 100th World Series and featured the American League champions, the Boston Red Sox, against the National League champions, the St. Louis Cardinals...
while on the Disabled List.
Mike Jacobs, who was a member of the inaugural 2001 Cyclones team, made his Mets debut on August 21, 2005, hitting a three run pinch-hit home run off Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
pitcher Esteban Loaiza
Esteban Loaiza
Esteban Antonio Loaiza Veyna [lo-EYE-sa] is a former Major League Baseball pitcher...
. In 30 games with 100 at bats for the Mets, Jacobs hit 11 home runs and had 23 RBI before being traded to the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
after the season.
In April 2006, Brian Bannister
Brian Bannister
Brian Patrick Bannister is a former baseball starting pitcher who most recently pitched for the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball.-Personal:...
became the first Cyclone pitcher to make his debut with the Mets in a game against the Washington Nationals at Shea. The following April, sidearm reliever Joe Smith, who pitched for the Cyclones in 2006, made his major league debut on opening day for the Mets against the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
. Smith pitched a scoreless third of an inning in the Mets win. First baseman/outfielder Nick Evans
Nick Evans (baseball)
Nicholas Reginald Evans is an American professional baseball infielder and outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball....
was called up on May 24, 2008 as an injury replacement. Evans, who played with the Cyclones in 2005, had 3 doubles in his first major league game. Ike Davis
Ike Davis
Isaac Benjamin "Ike" Davis is a Major League Baseball first baseman for the New York Mets. He and his father Ron Davis, who pitched in the majors for 11 years, are the 197th father-son combination to have both played in the major leagues.He led his high school team to three straight Arizona state...
, who played for the Cyclones in 2008, is now the first baseman for the Mets.
As of June 13, 2010, the Cyclones had sent 25 players to the Major Leagues. The then-current Major Leaguers who were former Brooklyn Cyclones were:
- Brian BannisterBrian BannisterBrian Patrick Bannister is a former baseball starting pitcher who most recently pitched for the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball.-Personal:...
, pitcher for the Kansas City Royals - Drew ButeraDrew ButeraAndrew Edward Butera is a major league baseball catcher for the Minnesota Twins. The 6'1", 210 lbs. right-hander is the son of former Major league catcher Sal Butera, who played for the Twins from to and again in...
, catcher for the Minnesota Twins - Ike DavisIke DavisIsaac Benjamin "Ike" Davis is a Major League Baseball first baseman for the New York Mets. He and his father Ron Davis, who pitched in the majors for 11 years, are the 197th father-son combination to have both played in the major leagues.He led his high school team to three straight Arizona state...
, First Baseman for the New York Mets - Lucas DudaLucas DudaLucas Christopher Duda is an American professional baseball player. He currently is a right fielder for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball. Duda bats left handed and throws right handed.-Early life:...
, Left Fielder for the New York Mets - Dillon GeeDillon GeeDillon Kyle Gee is an American professional baseball player. He is a starting pitcher for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball.-Early career:...
, pitcher for the New York Mets - Carlos GómezCarlos GómezCarlos Argelis Gómez Pena, nicknamed "Go-Go", is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers.-Minor leagues:...
, Outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers - Scott KazmirScott KazmirScott Edward Kazmir is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Kazmir made his Major League debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2004 when he was only 20 years old and at one time held many of the franchise's career pitching records...
, pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Matt Lindstrom, pitcher for the Houston Astros
- Zach LutzZach LutzZachary "Zach" Craig Lutz is an American professional baseball player. A right-handed third baseman, he currently plays in the minor league system of the New York Mets, of Major League Baseball....
, Third Baseman for the New York Mets - Jenrry MejiaJenrry MejíaJenrry Manuel Mejía is a starting pitcher for the New York Mets. He signed with the Mets as an international free agent on April 4, 2007.-Early life:...
, pitcher for the New York Mets - Ángel PagánAngel PagánÁngel Anthony Pagán is a Puerto Rican professional baseball player. He currently plays outfield for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball. Pagan's original contract in Major League Baseball was with the Mets, but he was transferred to the Chicago Cubs when they bought his contract...
, center fielder for the New York Mets - Mike Pelfrey, pitcher for the New York Mets
- Bobby ParnellBobby ParnellRobert Allen Parnell is an American baseball pitcher for the New York Mets. He was drafted by the Mets in the ninth round of the 2005 MLB Draft after attending college at Charleston Southern University....
, pitcher for the New York Mets - Josh SatinJosh SatinJoshua Satin is an American second baseman for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball, who also plays first base and third base.He was a First Team College All American at the University of California, Berkeley...
, infielder for the New York Mets - Joe Smith, pitcher for the Cleveland Indians
Managers and Coaches
2001: Manager: Edgar Alfonzo, Pitching Coach: Bobby Ojeda, Hitting Coach: Howard Johnson2002: Manager: Howard Johnson, Pitching Coach: Bobby Ojeda, Hitting Coach: Donovan Mitchell
2003: Manager: Tim Teufel
Tim Teufel
Timothy Shawn Teufel is a former Major League Baseball second baseman, and currently the 3rd base coach for the New York Mets.Teufel was a member of the World Series champion New York Mets...
, Pitching Coach: Hector Berrios, Hitting Coach: Roger LaFrancois
Roger Lafrancois
Roger Victor LaFrancois is a former Major League Baseball backup catcher who played for the Boston Red Sox in 1982. Listed at 6' 2", 215 lb., he batted left-handed and threw right-handed....
2004: Manager: Tony Tijerina, Pitching Coach: Hector Berrios, Hitting Coach: Donovan Mitchell
2005: Manager: Mookie Wilson
Mookie Wilson
William Hayward "Mookie" Wilson is an American former Major League Baseball center fielder and current coach for the New York Mets. He played 12 years in baseball for the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays . He was a switch hitter primarily known for his impressive speed and positive attitude...
, Pitching Coach: Steve Merriman, Hitting Coach: Donovan Mitchell, Coach: Juan Lopez
Juan Lopez (Cincinnati Reds coach)
Juan Enrique "Porky" Lopez is the bullpen coach for the Cincinnati Reds. Lopez is also a former bullpen catcher. He is 5'10 and weighs 185 pounds.-Playing Career:...
2006: Manager: George Greer, Pitching Coach: Hector Berrios, Hitting Coach: Scott Hunter, Coach: Guadalupe Jabalera
2007-8: Manager: Edgar Alfonzo, Pitching Coach: Hector Berrios, Hitting Coach: Guadalupe Jabalera
2009: Manager: Pedro Lopez, Pitching Coach: Rick Tomlin, Hitting Coach: Jack Voigt
Jack Voigt
John David Voigt is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played all or part of seven seasons in the majors, from until , for the Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Oakland Athletics...
, Coach: Joel Fuentes
2010: Manager: Wally Backman
Wally Backman
Walter Wayne Backman is a former Major League Baseball second baseman. He is best known for his time with the New York Mets from - and was a member of their 1986 World Series-winning team...
, Pitching Coach: Rick Tomlin, Hitting Coach: Benny Distefano
Benny Distefano
Benito James Distefano is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues primarily as a utility player from 1984, 1986, 1988-1989, and 1992...
, Coach: Joel Fuentes
2011: Manager: Rich Donnelly
Rich Donnelly
Richard Francis Donnelly has been a Major League Baseball coach for over 25 years, most recently as a coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He currently is a roving minor league instructor for the Pittsburgh Pirates.- Early life :Donnelly graduated from Steubenville Catholic High School in Ohio where...
, Pitching Coach: Frank Viola
Frank Viola
Frank John Viola, Jr. is a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Minnesota Twins , New York Mets , Boston Red Sox , Cincinnati Reds and Toronto Blue Jays . A three-time All-Star, he was named World Series MVP with the Twins in 1987 and won the AL Cy Young Award in 1988...
, Hitting Coach: Bobby Malek
NOTES: Ojeda, Johnson, Teufel, Wilson, and Backman all played on the 1986 Champion NY Mets.
Malek played with the Cyclones in '02.
Retired and Honored Numbers
A total of 9 numbers hang on the press level of MCU Park.Brooklyn Dodgers: 4 (Duke Snider
Duke Snider
Edwin Donald "Duke" Snider , nicknamed "The Silver Fox" and "The Duke of Flatbush", was a Major League Baseball center fielder and left-handed batter who played for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers , New York Mets , and San Francisco Giants .Snider was elected to the National Baseball Hall of...
); 14 (Gil Hodges
Gil Hodges
Gilbert Ray Hodges was an American Major League Baseball first baseman and manager. During an 18-year baseball career, he played in 1943 and from 1947–63, spending most of his career with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers...
); 17 (Carl Erskine
Carl Erskine
Carl Daniel Erskine is a former right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played his entire career for the Brooklyn & Los Angeles Dodgers from 1948 through 1959...
); 36 (Don Newcombe
Don Newcombe
Donald Newcombe , nicknamed "Newk", is an American former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher who played for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers , Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians .Until 2011 when Detroit Tigers Pitcher Justin Verlander did it, Newcombe was the only baseball...
); 42 (Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson
Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson was the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947...
);
Brooklyn Cyclones: 6 (Danny Garcia); 19 (Brian Bannister
Brian Bannister
Brian Patrick Bannister is a former baseball starting pitcher who most recently pitched for the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball.-Personal:...
); 20 (Dillon Gee
Dillon Gee
Dillon Kyle Gee is an American professional baseball player. He is a starting pitcher for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball.-Early career:...
); 35 (Angel Pagan
Angel Pagán
Ángel Anthony Pagán is a Puerto Rican professional baseball player. He currently plays outfield for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball. Pagan's original contract in Major League Baseball was with the Mets, but he was transferred to the Chicago Cubs when they bought his contract...
);
NOTE: A Cyclones player may still wear these numbers, with the exception of 14, & 42. Additionally, no Cyclone may wear 37 (Casey Stengel
Casey Stengel
Charles Dillon "Casey" Stengel , nicknamed "The Old Perfessor", was an American Major League Baseball outfielder and manager. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in ....
) or 41 (Tom Seaver
Tom Seaver
George Thomas "Tom" Seaver , nicknamed "Tom Terrific" and "The Franchise", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched from 1967-1986 for four different teams in his career, but is noted primarily for his time with the New York Mets...
) due to the numbers being retied by the Mets.
On August 22, 2011, the Brooklyn Cyclones also honored Pia Toscano
Pia Toscano
Pia Ann Rose Toscano is an American singer from Howard Beach, New York. Toscano placed ninth on the tenth season of American Idol. Considered to be a frontrunner in the competition, her elimination came as a shock to judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler, all of whom were visibly...
, who sang the anthem prior to a game in 2003 by putting a plaque on the press level.
Mascots
The Cyclones have two mascotMascot
The term mascot – defined as a term for any person, animal, or object thought to bring luck – colloquially includes anything used to represent a group with a common public identity, such as a school, professional sports team, society, military unit, or brand name...
s, Sandy the Seagull and Pee-wee. Sandy, the primary mascot, has been with the team since the inaugural Cyclones season in 2001. Pee-wee was introduced in 2003 as Sandy's adopted son. Sandy is named for Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
pitcher Sandy Koufax
Sandy Koufax
Sanford "Sandy" Koufax is a former left-handed baseball pitcher who played his entire 12-year Major League Baseball career for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers...
, while Pee-Wee was named after Brooklyn Dodgers shortstop Pee Wee Reese
Pee Wee Reese
Harold Peter Henry "Pee Wee" Reese was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a shortstop for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from to . A ten-time All Star, Reese contributed to seven National League championships for the Dodgers and, was inducted...
.
In 2006, the team introduced a new unnamed mascot: a blow-up "ZOOperstars" type pelican
Pelican
A pelican, derived from the Greek word πελεκυς pelekys is a large water bird with a large throat pouch, belonging to the bird family Pelecanidae....
. Despite a contest to name the character, it was never given an official name. The Pelican has not made an appearance since the 2006 season. In 2008, Maverick the Wonder Dog was introduced. He was a real Chocolate Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog. A breed characteristic is webbed paws for swimming, useful for the breed's original purpose of retrieving fishing nets. The Labrador is the most popular breed of dog by registered ownership in Canada, the United...
who was owned by one of the Cyclones staff members. The goal was to have Maverick learn tricks like picking up baseballs and bats. Like the Pelican, Maverick lasted only one season.
A Hot Dog race is held at every game at MCU Park, which is sponsored by Nathan's Famous
Nathan's Famous
Nathan's Famous is a company that operates a chain of U.S.-based fast food restaurants specializing in hot dogs. The original Nathan's restaurant stands at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in the Coney Island neighborhood of the New York City borough of Brooklyn.-History:Nathan's began as...
. The first Nathan's store is located two blocks away from the ballpark. The three hot dogs currently racing are Ketchup, Mustard, and Relish. For many years Relish has become the loveable loser because he either wins very few races or none at all during the season.
On Field Entertainers
An unofficial mascot who served as the on-field announcer for the 2001 to 2003 seasons was "Party Marty" Haber.Starting in 2003, King Henry, a local entertainer, co-hosted the contests with Party Marty. He still co-hosts the contests. From 2004 to 2006, King Henry served as the main host of the on field contests, with the "Cyclones Beach Bums" assisting. The original "Beach Bums" were a promotional team of men and women who entertained the ballpark from 2003 through 2008, were seen all over the ballpark dancing, interacting with fans, and handing out promotional items. In 2009, the team decided to hire an all women dance team to replace the Beach Bums, but still retaining the Beach Bum name. The dance team is similar to the New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
, New York Dragons
New York Dragons
The New York Dragons were an Arena Football League team based in the New York metropolitan area. The team was founded in as the original incarnation of the Iowa Barnstormers, and relocated to New York in . They played in New York until 2008, when the league folded...
and New York Islanders
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
.
From 2007 to 2010, Jay Moran was the on-field master of ceremonies
Master of Ceremonies
A Master of Ceremonies , or compere, is the host of a staged event or similar performance.An MC usually presents performers, speaks to the audience, and generally keeps the event moving....
.
Starting in 2011, Jason Negron was the on-field MC.
Public Address Announcers
The Public Address Announcer for the 2001 through 2005 seasons was Dom Alagia.In 2006, Jay Moran served as PA Announcer.
David Freeman (a/k/a Announcer Guy Dave) returned as PA Announcer in 2007, reclaiming the role he held with the Queens Kings in 2000.
Another guy, named Mark, took over in the middle of the 2010 season.
Media
WKRBWKRB
WKRB is an FM station based in New York City, New York. It is a music based station based at and controlled by Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn. It also is the official station of the Brooklyn Cyclones, and is a broadcast partner of the New York Islanders hockey club...
(90.3 FM) is the official radio station of the Cyclones. Warner Fusselle is the radio voice of the Brooklyn Cyclones.