Almost everyone in the world knows about the New York Yankees and the New York Mets, each representing their respective leagues, i.e., American and National. But did you know that there are currently six professional baseball teams in New York? And that those six teams account for 36 championships? In today’s blog we share more about America’s pastime played in America’s greatest city and the long-storied history that goes with it.

The Yankees have called New York home (most of the time, the Bronx) since 1903. Many icons of the game, from Babe Ruth to Alex Rodriguez, have worn the familiar pinstripes of the Yankees uniform. And 27 times, the team has won the World Series.

But the Mets have also brought the Series Championship home twice as well. Founded in 1969, the Mets replaced the departing Dodgers and Giants. They, too, have brought several great players to the city. In the late 60s, fans watched Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, and Jerry Koosman frustrate the batters of the American League deep into the postseason.

But did you know that the Dodgers were not the only professional baseball team to call Brooklyn home? The South Atlantic, or ‘Sally’ League team, the Brooklyn Cyclones, have called Brooklyn home since 2001, replacing the Pittsfiled Mets. Playing out of Maimonides Park, the Cyclones have won the Single A championship twice, one in 2001 and another in 2019. All minor league teams are affiliated with a Major League team and help develop player and management talent. The Brooklyn Cyclones are one of the Single-A teams in the New York Mets organization.

In addition to minor league teams, there are also unaffiliated or independent teams in the New York City area. The oldest independent league is the Frontier League, formed in 1993. Originally playing in the now defunct Can-Am League, the New York Boulders now part of the Frontier league, play at Clover Stadium in nearby Pomona, NY. Established in 2011, the Boulders won one championship in the Can-Am League in 2014.

Closer to home, the Long Island Ducks have played in the independent Atlantic League since their beginning in 1998. In their 24 years, the Ducks have brought four titles back to Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, the most recent being in 2019.

Also playing in the independent Atlantic League is the newest addition to baseball in the area, the Staten Island FerryHawks. Starting in 2021, the Ferryhawks took over at the Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) Community Park when the Staten Island Yankees ceased operations.

That’s a lot of baseball folks! So why not support your favorite NY team and enjoy a game this year!  And when you get there, be sure to tell them that Broadway Stages sent you!