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Binghamton University Athletics

Bearcats at the Ballpark - 2026

The Bearcats’ Night at the Ballpark

| By: David O’Brian (dobrian@binghamton.edu)

Binghamton Rumble Ponies honor Division of Athletics in annual event

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – Before the Binghamton Rumble Ponies - the AA affiliate of the New York Mets - took the field for their game on Thursday night at Mirabito Field against the Altoona Curve, the infield was occupied by Bearcats.

It was part of the Rumble Ponies' way of honoring Binghamton University's Division of Athletics with their third annual "Bearcats at the Ballpark" Night. Binghamton's three championship teams from the 2025-26 academic year were honored. In addition, Jeff Melesky - the Bearcats' first-ever women's flag football coach - was formally welcomed to the Binghamton area.

"We are proud to partner with Binghamton University Athletics for our special Bearcats Night at the Ballpark," Rumble Ponies Director of Marketing and Promotions Eddie Saunders said. "Binghamton University Athletics is an important part of our local sports community, and this night gives us the chance to bring together two Binghamton athletic organizations for a night of celebrating fans, student-athletes and much more."


"We were thrilled to partner with the Rumble Ponies for the third annual Bearcats at the Ballpark Night," Associate Athletic Director for Community Engagement and Marketing Liz Flynn said. "We love showcasing our championship teams and cheering on our friends at the Rumble Ponies. It's a great partnership that allows us to celebrate our student-athletes, fans and local sports community together. We look forward to continuing this incredible relationship."

The Binghamton softball and baseball teams - both of which repeated as America East champions in 2025-26 - returned to Mirabito Field again this year. Also on hand was the women's soccer team, which captured its third America East regular-season title in four years. Melesky, meanwhile, begins preparations for the Bearcats' inaugural women's flag football season in the spring of 2028.

Each of the four Bearcat programs had a representative throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Rachel Carey - who was named both the America East Softball Player of the Year and America East Tournament Most Outstanding Player - went first. She was followed by baseball captain Hayden Tarsia, women's soccer all-conference selection Megan Baker and Meleski. 

"What an honor it was to represent Binghamton University out there tonight." Tarsia said in a post-event media interview. "It's almost like a mini-dream come true for me to be out there on a AA field."

The baseball, softball and women's soccer head coaches were all on hand for Thursday's event. Among them was Jess Bump, who threw out the first pitch last year on behalf of the softball team.

"Tonight is a good way for all of us to celebrate the championships we won in 2025-26," she said. "Obviously, it was a great year for us and with school starting this week, we are all going to try and win another one in 2026-27.

The current academic year is already off to a good start for the Binghamton Division of Athletics. The aforementioned women's soccer team is currently 2-0-0 and the men's soccer team opened its 2026 campaign with a scoreless tie at Mount St. Mary's on Thursday night. 
 
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