$4.2 million reconstruction on Mirabito Stadium begins

BINGHAMTON (WBNG) -- This past Saturday, Mayor Jared Kraham announced at the Phelps Mansion new plans for Miribato Stadium.

President of the Rumble Ponies David Sobotka said after floodings canceling games and scoreboards going out during the game, he knew it was time for a tune-up.

“It’s really hard for the fans to follow the game when there’s no scoreboard and they don’t know whose up, what’s the score, what’s the pitch count and how many outs there are,” Sobotka said. “This is a 32-year-old stadium and sometimes it shows its age.”

Along with new scoreboards, a new drainage system is being implemented to help with the floods.

Not only will the inside be upgraded, but the plain concrete wall on Henry Street will be filled in with a mural of Broome County’s Baseball history.

“This is their first impression of our ball bark how can we brighten it up,” Sobotka said. “The mural will show a timeline going through the 1880s to the present day.”

Sobotka said the city issued $4.2 million in bonds for this project but explained he thinks it is well worth it. And fans think so too.

Long-time Broome County Resident Allan Walley said this was much needed.

“I think it’s a great idea, I think it’s a great improvement, you’re going to get a lot more people to come I think,” Walley said.

At Saturday’s announcement, Mayor Kraham explained the significance of baseball in Binghamton.

“We’ve had a hall of fame players that have gone through the city of Binghamton on their way to the major leagues and our connection not just to the New York Mets organization historically, our connection to families of the southern tier,” Kraham said. “When you’re looking for a summertime event there is nothing better than going to the Mirabto stadium for a baseball game.”

Sobotka said these upgrades will be finished by opening day, April 5.