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Ballston Spa Athletics Hall of Fame Accepting Nominations for Class of 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

BALLSTON SPA — Nominations for the Ballston Spa Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be accepted until January 15, 2026. To submit a nomination, or for more information, please visit ballstonspaathleticshalloffame.com/nominations.

The mission of the Ballston Spa Athletics Hall of Fame is to recognize athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty, and community members who have made significant contributions to the Ballston Spa Athletic program through their service, performance, dedication, commitment and accomplishment.

Saratoga Hospital Golf Invitational Raises $203K

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — More than $203,500 was raised to support nursing education and professional development at Saratoga Hospital during its 23rd annual golf invitational on Sept. 10 at the Saratoga National Golf Club.

The proceeds fund scholarships for Saratoga Hospital nurses to pursue advanced degrees, specialty certifications, and professional training.

The Hayes family, winners of the $10,000 cash raffle prize, generously donated their winnings back to the hospital.

 “Together, we surpassed last year’s total, proving just how much our community values the education and growth of Saratoga’s nurses,” said Jeremy Annese, co-chair of the invitational. “It was a true honor to help lead this effort and see such generosity in action.”

Ballston Spa’s 3-Time World Series Champion

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Sports.

Photo of Ira Thomas from the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, LC-DIG-ppmsca-13545 (digital file from original print), 
public domain.

BALLSTON SPA — Postseason baseball is nearly upon us.

The New York Yankees clinched a playoff berth with a walkoff win against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night. As of press time, the New York Mets, despite swiping Juan Soto from their crosstown rivals, were still desperately grasping for a wild-card spot.

But whatever happens this October, it’s unlikely that the Capital Region will be as well represented in the World Series as it was more than 100 years ago, when Ballston Spa native Ira Thomas won three rings with the Athletics.

Thomas is probably the most significant baseball figure to emerge from Saratoga County, although Ian Anderson (who won a World Series with the Atlanta Braves in 2021) and Margaret Russo (who was a two-time All Star in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League) are both notable in their own right. 

Thomas may not receive the recognition he deserves in part due to the looming shadow of Abner Doubleday, the Civil War general from Ballston Spa who was famously credited with inventing the game of baseball (for the record, he didn’t).

Thomas was not just lucky enough to be on the right rosters at the right times. He was, especially during the 1908 and 1910 seasons, an exceptional ballplayer. In 1908 with the Detroit Tigers, Thomas had a .307/.346/.317 slash line for an OPS+ of 113 (for reference, an OPS+ of 100 is the league average). In 1910 with the Athletics (then based in Philadelphia), Thomas had a slash line of .278/.301/.361 for an OPS+ of 107. And in the 1910 World Series, he earned 3 hits, 4 walks, 2 runs, and an RBI to help the Athletics win their first-ever title, 4 games to 1.

He was less productive when the Athletics won a second consecutive championship in 1911; in that series, he managed just 1 hit, 1 walk, and 1 RBI. He was again on the Athletics roster when they took the World Series in 1913, though he didn’t play in any title games. In 1908 with the Tigers, he played in two World Series contests, smacking a pair of hits (including a double) and driving in a run. The Tigers, however, fell to the Chicago Cubs, 4 games to 1.

In his ten-year career, in which he played in 484 games, Thomas tallied 327 hits, 46 doubles, 17 triples, 155 RBI, and 20 stolen bases (he was only caught stealing once). In 1911, he placed eighth in MVP votes, not far behind legendary players such as Ty Cobb, Eddie Collins, and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. He was the Athletics’ starting catcher in both 1910 and 1911, when they won their consecutive titles. Following his playing career, Thomas became a coach and scout for the Athletics until the team departed Philadelphia in 1955.

Long before that, Ira Thomas was born on January 22, 1881, in Ballston Spa, in a home that was reportedly just a mile away from the Abner Doubleday house (now the site of The Real McCoy Beer Co.). According to the Saratoga County history journal “The Gristmill,” Thomas and his older brother Alphonse played for a local team called the Monitors. Alphone was a pitcher and his little bro caught him.

The Thomas family moved to Connecticut sometime prior to 1900, and it was there that Ira launched his baseball career, playing in the Class D Connecticut League, where he soon became the organization’s top catcher.

Ira would return to the State of New York in 1905, when he was purchased by the New York Highlanders, the team now known across the globe as the New York Yankees. Ira played for the Highlanders in 1906 and 1907, though he struggled at the plate, in part due to an injury he suffered in 1905. He would depart the team after New York nabbed catching prospect Walter Blair. He was then picked up by Detroit, with whom he would appear in a World Series before finding success with the Athletics from 1909 to 1915. He would rejoin the Highlanders/Yankees, as part of their scouting staff, in 1956. This would be his last job in baseball before his retirement.

Ira passed away on Oct. 11, 1958 at the age of 77 and was buried at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania near his long-time friend and mentor, the legendary Connie Mack.

Skidmore Sports Roundup

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Men’s Tennis Doubles Team Reaches Finals

The doubles team of Kyle Lundberg and Ege Topbas reached the A Flight Doubles Finals highlighting a strong season-opening weekend for the Skidmore College men’s tennis team at the Middlebury Invitational. Lundberg, a senior, and Topbas, a first-year, rattled off victories over squads from Bates (8-3), Hamilton (8-7[7-2]), and Bradeis (8-6) to reach the championship match. Their run came to an end against Wu and Lewis from host Middlebury.

Two out of Skidmore’s three doubles teams in the top draw earned victories. The other (Harrison Gradin/Yuval Goodman) fell in an ultra-competitive tiebreak (9-7[9-7]). Nika Mori and Fletcher King worked an 8-7(7-5) victory over opponents from Hamilton in the first round.

Volleyball Squad Beats Plattsburgh and Manhattanville

The Skidmore College volleyball team won 6-of-7 sets on Saturday on the way to victories over both Plattsburgh State and Manhattanville University. The Thoroughbreds swept Plattsburgh (25-20, 25-22, 25-17) before defeating Manhattanville in four sets to close the tri-match (25-23, 25-23, 17-25, 25-13). Skidmore improves to 6-5 with just one more match before conference play begins.

Women’s Soccer Defeats Gordon

Skidmore’s women’s soccer team scored early and held on late to take down Gordon College, 2-1, on the road Saturday afternoon. The Thoroughbreds (2-2-2) struck first midway in the first half on a breakaway goal from junior Abby Lewis, before freshman Mara Grace tacked on a much-needed insurance goal early in the second half to help hold off a late-game comeback bid from the Fighting Scots (2-5), in a game that Skidmore held a substantial 17-to-4 advantage in shots attempted. Lewis’ goal was her third on the year and tenth as a Thoroughbred. Grace’s score was her second on the season. Aiello’s assist marked her first on the season and fourth of her career. Hallet’s assist was the first of her career.

Golf Team Finishes 11th

Skidmore’s golf team shot a team score of 305 on Sunday morning in the last of three rounds at the Williams Fall Invitational to finish 11th with an aggregate score of 919. Skidmore placed ahead of Liberty League foe St. Lawrence and just two shots behind Rensselaer. Rudraksha Banerjee shot the team’s low round of the day of 74 with two out of the team’s six birdies on the day. He finished tied for 21st. Patrick McLaughlin finished in a tie for 24th. On Sunday, the sophomore fired a 77. Classmate Johnny Hwang was one better in round three. His 76 brought him up to a t-62 finish.

Albany-Saratoga Speedway Concludes 60th Season: Malta Massive Weekend Results

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

MALTA — The 2025 Albany-Saratoga Speedway season, the 60th in the track’s history, concluded on Sept. 20 with the “Massive Malta Weekend” event. Here are the results from two packed days of racing.

Friday, Sept. 19 Results

Marc Johnson has won a lot of races and taken home a lot of trophies during his modified racing career. But on Friday night, he finally got his belt.

Johnson charged from his 15th starting position, took the lead away from “Money” Mat Williamson on lap 35 and came away with a victory in the 50-lap DIRTcar 358 Series race that highlighted opening night of the season-ending Malta Massive Weekend at Albany-Saratoga Speedway.

Johnson took home $4,000 for the win, but more importantly, also earned one of the pro wrestling-inspired belts that are awarded to winners during Malta Massive Weekend.

“It’s about time,” said Johnson after chalking up the first DIRTcar 358 Series victory of his career.

Since Malta Massive Weekend was created in 2022, Johnson had finished in the top five in all three 358 races, with back-to-back thirds in 2022 and 2023, and a fifth last year.

But now, he’s got his belt.

“I just kept digging,” said Johnson after the win. “I really didn’t know if the bottom or the top was better. When Lyle (promoter Lyle DeVore) went out and watered and tilled the track before the feature, I thought, this is going to hurt me. But the track was so racy. This place hasn’t been this good for a long time.”

• Connor Crane won the 35-lap DIRTcar Sportsman Fall Championship Series race, finishing ahead of invader Richard Murtaugh in a battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats during the final laps. Crane was able to pull away to record his third win of the season, and his first during Malta Massive Weekend.

• The sportsman feature also was the final race of the Capital District Racing Association Series, and Tim Hartman Jr. locked up the CRDA championship by finishing 10th.

• Chris Stalker held off Tyler Irwin to win the 20-lap street stock feature and received $400 in bonus money from Croteau & Sons Service Center and Ghent Wood Products. The race was slowed by five late cautions, but each time, Stalker got a good launch on the restarts and was able to stay in front of Irwin.

• Josh Reome won the 15-lap four-cylinder feature, holding off JP Corrow, who started 15th in the 18-car field. Track champion Adam Montville finished third, while Damian Ward was fourth overall and had the first single-cam car across the finish line.

Saturday, Sept. 20 Results

Even though Matt Sheppard had two bumpers on his car Saturday night, the only one most of the competitors at Albany-Saratoga Speedway got a good look at was the one on the rear of his car.

After getting the pole position in the redraw, Sheppard put on a dominant show, leading flag-to-flag to win the 100-lap Super DIRTcar Series race that highlighted the second night of Malta Massive Weekend.

Sheppard took home the top prize of $10,000 for the win and became the first two-time modified winner during Malta Massive Weekend, as he also won the 100-lap season-closer in 2022.

Because Sheppard already had a guaranteed starting spot in the Billy Whittaker Cars 200 next month at Oswego, that reward went to Jimmy Phelps, who finished second after a race-long battle with Anthony Perrego, who earned the final spot on the podium.

“We had talked about it earlier, how the track was going to change, and it did a little but not as much as I thought,” said Sheppard after the win. “It slicked up, and I couldn’t steer through the middle of one and two, so I was just driving it in and taking it to the top. I had good speed all night.”

Invaders occupied the top five spots in the final rundown, and all of them started in the top six. Peter Britten, the 2024 Albany-Saratoga champion, came from 10th to finish sixth while Matt DeLorenzo finished seventh, after starting 16th.

Tim Sears Jr. set fast time during time trials, earning a $100 bonus. Andy’s Speed Shop put up $100 bonuses to the modified heat winners, and those bonuses went to Sears Jr., Alex Payne, Phelps, and Sheppard.

The list of drivers who failed to qualify for the 100-lap feature included Ronnie Johnson, Jack Speshock and Don Ronca, who all won modified features at Malta during 2025.

• Brandon Emigh held off Kyle Hoard to win the 30-lap DIRTcar Pro Stock Series race. The win was Emigh’s second of the year. Following Emigh and Hoard across the finish line were Chris Stalker, who had started 10th, Marc Lalonde, and Duell.

• The limited sportsmen were also on the Saturday night card and were racing for a $1,000 bonus in the memory of Amy Lee Jennings, courtesy of Scott Jennings and the Mesothelioma Warrior Alliance. Running the final race on a slicked-over track, the limited sportsman looked like Bambi trying to cross a frozen pond. Because of one yellow and one red, 13 minutes passed before one lap was even completed. Alex Smith took advantage of the multi-car, red-flag incident, which involved pole-sitter Adam Tranka, to get the lead on the first lap and that’s where he stayed to win the 30-lap feature and the top prize of $1,000. Sloan Cherko took advantage of her front-row starting spot to finish second, while Mike Block Sr. finished third after starting ninth.

Drivers Challenge at Saratoga Casino Harness Track Earns $48K for Charity

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Photo by Jessica Hallett.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — More than $48,000, split between two charities, was raised during a driving challenge at the Saratoga Casino Hotel’s harness track last Sunday.

The point-based competition pitted Veterans (Mark Beckwith, Wally Hennessey, Jim Devaux and Chris Long) against Young Guns (Brett Beckwith, Jacob Cutting, Mitchell Cushing and Matthew Athearn) to fundraise for national charities benefitting harness racing and the horses, both youthful and retired.

The Veterans team competed on behalf of the Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program, which retrains and rehomes harness horses after their racing careers are over. The Young Guns represented the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, which helps kids learn about harness racing through summer camps and other activities.

The event was the brainchild of track photographer Jessica Hallett, who credited her mom with supplying “a ton of help.” Hallett told Saratoga TODAY that “over 150 donations came in to support the charities” and that overall the event was “a huge success.”

“Everything about this event was geared towards my belief in what presents the true nature of harness racing,” Hallett said in a press release. “From including the next generation, to tying in the historic value of the sport, from showing how the industry comes together to support one another, to raising money for two wonderful charities, and from helping our horses find careers after racing to showcasing a couple of Standardbreds and their versatility. It’s all about the horses and horsemen, all about the sport, and I couldn’t be prouder to have Saratoga represent these two great charities.”

Scores and Highlights: Blue Steaks and Black Horses Undefeated

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Saratoga Springs field hockey standout Mia Khazin, seen here playing for ADK. Photo via Khazin’s recruiting profile.

All They Do is Win: Blue Streaks Football Team Starts Season 2-0

The Saratoga Springs football squad dominated Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake last Friday, 41 to 7. The team scored at least one touchdown per quarter, putting the squeeze on Burnt Hills and never loosening the grip. For the Blue Streaks, quarterback Bobby Morris threw for 183 yards and 2 touchdowns; running back Benjamin Coryea rushed for 115 yards in 19 carries, reaching the endzone 3 times; wideout Gavin Lafrance caught 3 balls for 121 yards and a touchdown; and receiver Jaden Lockrow caught two passes for 40 yards and a TD. On the defensive end, free safety Hayden Passaretti shut down Burnt Hills with 1 sack and 8 total tackles, while Brady Varian, Caleb Brilling, and Tasiah LaDore each added 6 tackles apiece. With a 2-0 record, Saratoga will now host the Christian Brothers Academy at home on Friday, Sept. 19.

Black Horses Win Close Contest 

After annihilating Broadalbin-Perth 57 to 0 in their first game, the Schuylerville varsity football team faced closer competition in week two, managing to defeat Johnstown 27 to 21. For the Horses, quarterback Ben VanVegthen had a slow night, completing half of his passes for 20 yards. But the rushing game was utterly dominant, with Ernie DaCosta running for 189 yards at a whopping 12.6 yards per carry. His longest carry of the night was 57 yards and he reached the endzone 3 times. Blake Cumm also scored a touchdown and netted 40 rushing yards. Sophomore Ethan Lavender impressed on defense, earning 1 sack and 5 tackles. Schuylerville will hope to keep their early success rolling when they face Hudson on Friday at home.

Saratoga Field Hockey Team Undefeated

On Sept. 8, the Saratoga Springs varsity field hockey team earned its third win of the season, beating Shaker 5-0. For the Blue Streaks, Mia Khazin had 3 goals and 1 assist; Madison Finn and Esther Lodico each earned 1 goal; Ryann Ginley contributed 1 assist; and Alexis Georgeadis had 1 save. Saratoga took 36 shots while Shaker had none.

On Sept. 10, the squad remained undefeated, earning their fourth win of the year by defeating Niskayuna 5-0. In that contest, Mia Khazin had 3 goals and 1 assist; Madison Finn, Esther Lodico, and Andi Schiffer each added 1 goal apiece; and Emilia Hall added 1 assist. The Blue Streaks had 34 shots in the game, while Niskayuna had none.

The Blue Streaks then kept their streak alive after besting Greene 4 to 1 last Saturday. For Saratoga, Mia Khazin had 3 goals and 1 assist; Cece Carroll earned 1 goal; Esther Lodico and Andi Schiffer both contributed 1 assist each; and Alexis Georgeadis had 1 save. Saratoga had 26 shots overall, while Greene had just 6. With the victory, Saratoga improved to 5-0 on the season.

Schuylerville Boys Soccer Beats South Glens Falls

Schuylerville and South High opened up their Foothills Council play last Friday. The Horses got on the board 3 minutes in on a Dean Barraclough goal assisted by Colden Harrison. Schuylerville scored their second as Thomas Tyler would find the net midway through the first half. South would begin to gain some momentum and press the back line for the final few minutes of the half. The second half saw things tighten up as Schuylerville would find their own goal to make it 2-1. Anthony Cooper and Jack Doyle were dangerous all night but the Horses would continue to string some passes together and finally broke through as Barraclough’s direct kick was initially saved but Tyler was there to finish it for the 3-1 final score.

Scotties Trounced by Shaker

The Ballston Spa football team lost badly to Shaker, 44 to 8, last Friday. The Scotties put all of their points on the board in the third quarter, when they completed a 25-yard pass for a touchdown and then rushed for the two-point conversion. B-Spa will hope to have better odds when they travel to Amsterdam for their next game on Friday night.

Spa Catholic Volleyball Falls to Hoosic Valley

On Sept. 10, the Saratoga Central Catholic volleyball team lost to Hoosic Valley 3-0. For the Saints, Catharine Crowe earned 13 assists while Emery Moser had 8 kills and 6 aces.

Skidmore Women’s Tennis Team Launches Season

The Skidmore College women’s tennis team kicked off the fall 2025 season with a solid opening weekend of competition at the Middlebury Panther Challenge from Friday to Sunday. The Thoroughbreds picked up a pair of singles victories against Colby on Saturday, with freshman Ginevra Muratori defeating the Mules’ Kat Lowry and sophomore Maggie English defeating Colby’s Abby Hess. During Sunday’s competition, the Skidmore doubles duo of Amelie Gonzalez and Muratori defeated Colby’s Isabella Suk and Lowy, 7-5. The Thoroughbreds also took home a doubles victory against Middlebury, with Gonzalez and Muratori defeating the Panthers’ Gusty Beveridge and Elizabeth Doak, 6-2. Up next, the Thoroughbreds will host the 2025 ITA Regionals in two weekends, Sept. 26 to 28, at the McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center.

Accolades for Skidmore Athletes: Rookie of the Week, Honor Roll

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — First-year Jaden Cheng from the Skidmore College golf team was named the Liberty League Rookie of the Week for the week ending Sept. 14. Additionally, five Skidmore College student-athletes were recognized on the Liberty League Honor Roll. On the list from Skidmore was Gianna DiGioacchino, Colby Paul (field hockey), Colin Goodhines (men’s soccer), Abby Lewis (women’s soccer), and Marlowe McIntyre (volleyball).

Cheng finished 15th out of 107 players at the Duke Nelson Invitational with scores of 78-71—149 to lead the way for Skidmore to secure a fifth-place finish in the event. Cheng’s Saturday round featured a steady card featuring 14 pars and a pair of birdies.

NASCAR Star Visits Malta

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Photo of NASCAR driver and watermelon farmer Ross Chastain at Market 32 in Malta provided by The Martin Group.

MALTA — NASCAR driver and eighth-generation watermelon farmer Ross Chastain stopped by Market 32 in Malta last Wednesday for a fan meet-and-greet near the Albany-Saratoga Speedway.

The event was one of the first in Market 32’s 10-week-long “10 Years Fresh” campaign, which features sampling events, product offerings, and community engagement experiences across Market 32 and Price Chopper stores.

Chastain, driver of the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro for Trackhouse Racing, signed autographs and greeted guests during his one-day appearance. The Malta Market 32 location is one of many that carries his family’s Melon 1 watermelons.

“Ross Chastain is more than an elite motorsports athlete,” said Market 32 and Price Chopper President Blaine Bringhurst in a press release. “His lifelong dedication to farming reflects the same commitment we have to sourcing the high-quality food and products our customers count on us for. He brought incredible energy to our Malta store, and the enthusiasm from fans showed us just how much our communities appreciate the unique experiences we’re able to bring to the table.”

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga Director Wins First-Ever Volunteer Award

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Photo of Kim Weir via Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Race Track Chaplaincy announced on Sunday that Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga’s Director of Strategic Growth Kim Weir will be the first recipient of the newly created Nancy Kelly Volunteer Award. 

The honor will be bestowed annually to a person or people for outstanding volunteer efforts in support of the organization. Nancy Kelly served as president and vice president of the NY Chaplaincy after retiring from her long career with The Jockey Club. She passed away on Feb. 9, 2024.

“As she did with every aspect of her life, Nancy Kelly set the gold standard for volunteerism at the Chaplaincy and we felt that this was an appropriate way to honor her memory and her legacy,” said Humberto Chávez, the executive director and lead chaplain of the NYRTCA, in a news release. “Kim Weir is deeply involved with numerous other racing community activities but always finds time to help us in an extraordinary manner and this award recognizes that commitment.” 

Weir will be honored at a luncheon at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga on Nov. 1. The master of ceremonies will be longtime New York Racing Association (NYRA) announcer Tom Durkin.

A native of San Diego, with degrees from the University of Virginia and the College of William & Mary, Weir previously served as the director of donor engagement for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. She lives in Saratoga Springs with her husband Bobby. 

The NY Race Track Chaplaincy serves the NY backstretch and farming communities of Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack, and Saratoga Race Course; providing enrichment programs for children, teens, and women, social services, recreational and educational programming, and non-denominational religious services.

Additional information, including tickets and sponsorships for the event, may be found at www.rtcany.org.