Ballston Spa native and 2025 AUSL pro softball Rookie of the Year Ana Gold throws out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium before the May 6 game against the Texas Rangers. Photo via the New York Yankees X account, @Yankees.
THE BRONX — Saratoga sent two of its most accomplished sports stars to The Bronx last week to throw out first pitches at Yankee Stadium.
On Wednesday night, Ballston Spa native and pro softball player Ana Gold not only tossed a heater to Yankees catcher J.C. Escarra, she also joined the YES Network broadcast booth for a quick chat.
“Ana, you threw out the first pitch and really brought it, man,” said Michael Kay, the Yankees’ longtime play-by-play broadcaster.
“I had to,” Gold replied. “Gotta show ‘em what us girls got.”
Gold told Kay that she grew up a Yankees fan.
“Born and raised, Saratoga, New York,” she said. “Yankee fan my whole life. So, this is awesome.”
Gold received Rookie of the Year honors from the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) after its inaugural season in 2025. She was also named to the league’s All-Defensive Team as a corner infielder.
Then on Thursday afternoon, Saratoga Springs native Cherie DeVaux, who recently became the first female trainer in history to win the Kentucky Derby, threw out the first pitch alongside Derby-winning jockey Jose Ortiz.
The duo wore Yankees jerseys with number 71 on their backs to honor Elmer Rodriguez, a Yankees pitching prospect who recently made his big-league debut and just happens to be Ortiz’s cousin.
According to the New York Post, Rodriguez watched his cousin compete in the Derby and was “more nervous watching that race than [in] my debut. I don’t know why. I started crying,” he said.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will celebrate the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 16, with a special watch party at the museum. The free event will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
The Preakness Watch Party will feature a food truck from Ted’s Fish Fry with food for purchase, as well as a cash bar with beer and wine and non-alcoholic options.
Brien Bouyea, the museum’s communications director, will lead a handicapping seminar and host a trivia contest between each race for the chance to win a prize.
Online pre-registration is active until May 16 at 12 p.m. Those who preregister will receive a free gift when they check in at the event.
Those interested in registering can do so here: https://1049a.blackbaudhosting.com/1049a/Preakness-Watch-Party.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Healthy Kids Day—a free, family-friendly community event focused on fun, fitness, and healthy living—will take place at the YMCA’s Saratoga Springs branch at 290 West Ave on Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event is open to the public, and families and children of all ages are welcome.
Healthy Kids Day features an afternoon of active and engaging activities including bounce houses, tennis, preschool and toddler activities, family Zumba and yoga, slime wars, a kids fun run, a floating obstacle course, and more. Community partners (including the Racing Museum, Saratoga PLAN, and the Saratoga Racers basketball team) will also be onsite sharing interactive activities and resources.
For more information, visit https://srymca.org/healthy-kids-day.
Since Mystik Dan’s runner-up finish in the 2024 Preakness, we have not seen the Kentucky Derby winner contest the second jewel of the Triple Crown, which is disappointing, although that decision has proved successful.
This spring, the connections of the Derby winner have opted to not contest in the Preakness Stakes. The most unusual next outing for a Derby winner must have occurred in 1918, when the Hall of Fame gelding, Exterminator, was entered to run on the grass in a hunt event by his owner, Willis Sharpe Kilmer.
Exterminator was listed for the Turf and Field Handicap, to be run across Hempstead Turnpike from the present UBS Arena at what was then the steeplechase annex known as the Belmont Park Terminal, which had a turf track.
What could possibly inspire the owner of a Derby winner to contest in such an unusual event? I believe the answer is patriotism and sportsmanship on the part of Mr. Kilmer. He had witnessed the New York State Racing Commission granting a license to Belmont Park Terminal Course during the 1911-12 racing ban, due to the not-for-profit status of events planned there, and how this had kept racing alive in the Empire State during that dark period.
The Belmont Park Terminal was the scene in 1911 where the secretary of the United Hunts Racing Association, Harry A. Buck, who was also assistant secretary of the Turf and Field Club, insisted on being arrested to force a test case of the anti-gambling laws. Harry Buck had his roots in journalism, being the son of Col. E.A. Buck, publisher of The Spirit of the Times, the leading sports publication in the nineteenth century, and his effort was successful in the courts.
It seems incredible that the Kentucky Derby winner was entered in an event offering a $700 purse to be run on grass, and indeed the New York Times report of the race stated, “The presence of the Derby winner overawed many of the owners.” It must be assumed that Exterminator’s owner, Willis Sharpe Kilmer, was committed to making the hunt meeting a success for the sponsoring association.
The same New York Times article continues, “The United Hunts, which determined to keep up amateur racing by running its meeting while the other associations waited for less troublesome times, had every reason to be pleased with the stand taken. There never was a more successful meeting held by amateurs and one that brought out more high-class horses, both on the flat and over the obstacles. The Long Islanders turned out in force to give countenance to the continuance of the sport, and the special trains from New York were well-filled by racing enthusiasts attracted by the races, which fulfilled all the promise of excitement given by the entries.”
Detailing the Turf and Field Handicap results in the New York Herald from May 26, 1918, during a time our nation was involved in a war in Europe and experiencing the awful effects of a global pandemic, is the following article. The headline is exciting: “Society Enjoys Horsemanship at the United Hunts Meet at Belmont Park Terminal; Army Officers Display Skill in Saddle in International Military Race – Exterminator Runs Second.” The article really draws in a race fan, of any era, with the description of that day,
“Coincident with the spring meeting the Turf and Field Club reopened its hospitable doors, and the memory goes back in vain over many years of experience in the social side of race days to recall a similar incident of greater animation or more varied interest. It was decidedly a military scene…Accustomed colors in civilian attire were lost in the dominant shades of olive drab of American uniforms, the multiple colors of the British and the horizon blue of the Italian uniforms. More than fifty officers in various branches of the allied service were among the guests at the club luncheon which prefaced the first race. . .”
The Daily Racing Form of May 29, 1918, in reporting the results of the Turf and Field Highweight Handicap, amazingly the next start for ‘Old Bones’ after shedding the garland of roses, stated:
“Exterminator plainly showed that he did not like the turf course and failed to respond when called on in the stretch, finishing a length behind the winner.”
Perhaps Mr. Kilmer expected Exterminator to win easily and did not anticipate a turf horse like Kilts to enter, but his sporting heart was in the right place. Exterminator ran in many more races in 1918, the most exciting being Saratoga’s annual Travers Stakes, where the Derby winner ran against the Preakness winner (War Cloud) and the Belmont Stakes winner (Johren). Perhaps we can hope this year’s Travers will include the winners of the Triple Crown classics.
Horse trainer Cherie DeVaux (left, blue shirt) with jockey Jose Ortiz (right, pink helmet) at the Saratoga Race Course in 2025. The trainer-jockey duo won the 2026 Kentucky Derby on Saturday. Photo by Susie Raisher, via the New York Racing Association (NYRA).
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A Saratoga Springs native became the first female trainer in history to win the Kentucky Derby last Saturday.
Cherie DeVaux, who was born in the Spa City and spent two years studying at the University at Albany, once worked as an assistant to trainer Chad Brown, another Saratoga County native who won his first Kentucky Oaks the day before the Derby.
All told, it was a spectacular showing for Saratoga.
“My gender has never really crossed my mind in this journey of mine,” DeVaux told the New York Times after her historic Derby win. “The race track is a tough place. It’s a tough place if you’re a man. It’s a tough place if you’re a woman.”
“The thing that really has become apparent to me,” DeVaux continued, “is that not everyone has the same constitution as I have mentally. It really is an honor to be able to be that person for other women or other little girls to look up to. You can dream big or you can pivot. You can come from one place, and you can make yourself a part of history.”
DeVaux’s horse Golden Tempo, ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, shocked the racing world after entering the contest with 23-1 odds. Tempo was literally at the back of the pack before sliding in-between two foes, navigating around another, and then rocketing along the outside to narrowly defeat frontrunner Renegade, ridden by Jose’s brother Irad Ortiz Jr.
The Ortiz brothers are regulars at the Saratoga Race Course and, in 2024, even made an appearance at the remodeled Dunkin’ on West Avenue.
Derby champ Golden Tempo has more Saratoga connections beyond DeVaux. The Thoroughbred’s co-owners and co-breeders, the Phipps family, purchased a home on North Broadway in 1967. Ogden Mills “Dinny” Phipps, a prominent figure in horse racing, was inducted into the track’s Saratoga Walk of Fame alongside Marylou Whitney in 2015.
Mechanicville native Chad Brown’s horse Emerging Market didn’t win the Derby, but his filly Always a Runner, piloted by Jose Ortiz, was victorious in the Kentucky Oaks.
“This filly is very resilient, very tough,” Brown told ESPN after winning the Oaks. “She didn’t have to be here today. She didn’t have to run again. She could have never run, easily. I’ve had it happen with several horses. The fact that not only did she overcome it and ended up here today as an undefeated horse in the Oaks is just remarkable.”
According to the Daily Racing Form, Always a Runner is headed to Saratoga, where she’s expected to target the major Grade I races for three-year-old fillies this summer.
On Wednesday afternoon, DeVaux said in a statement that Golden Tempo would bypass the Preakness Stakes and point toward the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga.
Kentucky Derby runner-up Renegade arrived in Saratoga on Wednesday morning.
The LaCROSSe Out Cancer Challenge raised $10,000 in 2024 and $16,000 in 2025. 2024 photo by Jonathon Norcross; 2024 photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs and Shaker varsity girls lacrosse teams will come together on Saturday, May 9 at 11 a.m. to honor the memory of Olivia Allen, a Saratoga grad who succumbed to leukemia in 2024.
The third annual LaCROSSe Out Cancer Challenge, taking place at Saratoga Springs High School, will raise money for both the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) and the Live Like Liv Foundation. Both organizations are dedicated to advancing pediatric cancer research and supporting children and families affected by cancer.
In 2025, the LaCROSSe Out Cancer Challenge at Saratoga High raised $16,000. In 2024, the fundraiser garnered $10,000.
“Olivia [Allen] left a legacy of strength and determination,” said Blue Streaks Lacrosse Coach Jennifer Furze at the 2024 event. “Liv’s heroic story is being heard and felt throughout the entire country. It is truly a testament to the beautiful human being she was.”
The remarks were deeply personal for Furze, whose daughter was close friends with Allen.
Allen passed away after living with blood cancer for nearly a year. Her experience is not unique. According to the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, more children under 20 years old are lost to cancer than any other disease.
The Live Like Liv Foundation was created to honor Allen’s legacy by supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families through programs that provide comfort, connection, and moments of joy during treatment. Inspired by Allen’s strength and spirit, the foundation is committed to ensuring that no child or family faces cancer alone.
“We are proud of the way our players are stepping up to help other kids,” said Furze in a recent press release. “Unfortunately, too many of them have a friend, relative, or peer who has faced cancer. We all feel that it’s important to contribute and ensure a better future for kids.”
Prior to the opening draw, the players from Shaker will complete 41 passes with the players from Saratoga Springs in honor of Allen and the 41 children diagnosed with cancer each day in the U.S. Their goal is to raise $15,000. As of press time, they had already raised more than $7,000.
To donate to the cause, visit charity.pledgeit.org/PCRF-LaCROSSeOutCancer/teams/togaglax.
ITHACA — The Skidmore College men’s tennis team won the Liberty League title match 4-3 over Vassar College last Sunday, clinching their spot in the NCAA Division III tournament. The 16-5 Thoroughbreds will face 12-4 Bridgewater State University in first-round action on Friday, May 8.
Skidmore, which is ranked 24th nationally, has now won 16 Liberty League titles. This is their first since 2021 and their first under Head Coach AJ Nelson.
In the match against Vassar, Tournament Most Outstanding Player Kyle Lundberg swung the momentum back in Skidmore’s favor, and freshman Ege Topbas closed it out. Vassar claimed each of the first three singles decisions, but Lundberg swung momentum right back with a clutch 7-5, 7-5 win over Fernando Bauermeister to pull the Thoroughbreds to within one with two tight matches still going on. Radin Sadeghi knotted it up at three with a three-set triumph (6-4, 1-6, 6-1) at fifth singles over Jonas Santos. Then, Topbas got a break in the last game to take the third set, 6-4, over Junchen Jia in the No. 4 match to clinch the championship for Skidmore.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — More than 1,200 runners and walkers are expected to participate Sunday, May 10 in the 14th annual Kelly’s Angels Mother-Lovin’ 5K Run/Walk at Saratoga Spa State Park.
Kelly’s Angels is an all-volunteer Capital Region charity that aids local children who have lost a parent or principal caregiver to cancer. It also helps families who are fighting serious illnesses.
Founded by NewsChannel 13’s Mark Mulholland in memory of his wife Kelly who passed away at 37, Kelly’s Angels provides grants to children, dozens of college scholarships to graduating high school seniors, and financial support to families struggling with a life-threatening illness.
This year’s Mother-Lovin’ 5K begins with registration from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., a kids’ fun run at 8:45 a.m., and the 5k run/walk at 9:15 a.m. An awards ceremony will be held at 10:15 a.m.
The event will be based at Saratoga Spa State Park’s Orenda Pavilion. Free parking will be available in the Saratoga Performing Arts Center lot off Route 50. There will be auctions, food, music, and more. New this year: all registrants get a free car wash from Hoffman Car Wash.
Registration for the run/walk is still open at https://zippy-reg.com/online_reg/?e=2406.
Coaches Alex Shmulsky, Rob Difusco, and Justin Freebern. Players pictured left to right: Axel Ahlschwede, Vinny Difusco, Luke Longo, Jonathan Freebern, Sam Juidiciani, Teddy Shmulsky, Evan Lofink, JJ Rotondi, and Carter Freebern. Not pictured: Malcolm Grant and Antonio Takacs. Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Toga Dynasty, a fourth-grade boys basketball team from Saratoga Springs, continued its impressive season last weekend, going undefeated to win the Capital City Classic Championship at a Syracuse Select event.
Head coach Alex Shmulsky said the championship run reflected the team’s growth throughout the season.
“This group keeps finding ways to battle,” Shmulsky said. “I’m proud of how hard they work, how much they’ve improved, and the way they continue to play for each other and have fun doing it.”
Toga Dynasty opened the tournament with a 41-5 win over City Rocks Third Grade, then followed with a 42-40 victory over City Rocks Fourth Grade on a last-second shot to finish pool play unbeaten.
On Sunday, Toga Dynasty defeated Schoharie Valley Nitros 30-21 in the semifinal round to earn a spot in the championship game against D Squad.
The title game delivered the most dramatic moment of the weekend. Toga Dynasty trailed by 7 points with less than a minute to play before mounting a furious comeback. JJ Rotondi hit a last-second shot at the end of regulation to tie the game and send it to overtime, where Toga Dynasty completed the rally for a 46-44 championship win.
The tournament title was Toga Dynasty’s third championship of the season.
GLENS FALLS — The Glens Falls Dragons—a collegiate baseball team that plays its home games at East Field Park—have stacked their 2026 roster with Saratoga-bred talent, including multiple state champions.
Tyler Weygand, currently a freshman pitcher at Barton College, graduated from Saratoga Central Catholic in 2025. He was part of the Saints team that captured the Class C state title last season. Weygand has made three appearances on the mound for Barton in 2026, registering 2.2 innings pitched.
Pierce Byrne, another 2025 state champ who will play for Siena University next year, has allowed only 2 earned runs in 15 innings for Spa Catholic this season. His ERA stands at 0.93 and he’s struck out 32 hitters while allowing only 4 walks. Byrne is a 6’2” right hander from Warrensburg with a fastball that can hit 88 mph. In previous seasons, he’s posted ERAs as low as 0.48 and 0.82, racking up more than 200 strikeouts in the process.
Ronan Rowe is another state champ Spa Catholic alum playing for the Dragons this summer. As a freshman at Oswego State this season, he’s seen limited playing time but has earned 3 walks in 5 at-bats, scoring 1 run.
Jack Rigabar is a senior at Saratoga Springs High School whose team won the Class AAA state title in 2025. The pitcher and third baseman, who will play for Yale University next year, has a .385 batting average with 5 doubles, 2 triples, and 2 homers this season. His fastball tops out around 80 mph, according to his Prep Baseball scouting profile.
Nick Sorbera, a catcher and third baseman from Ballston Spa, is currently a freshman at Barton, where he’s registered a hit, a run, and an RBI in just three at-bats this season.
Also joining the Dragons in 2026 is Colin Richardson, a Mechanicville grad now in his sophomore season at Adelphi University. Richardson, a pitcher, earned an ERA of 1.50 in 2025, allowing only 1 run in six innings of work. In 2026, he has a 5.40 ERA across 21.1 innings.
The Dragons will return for their 11th season with a home opener on Saturday, May 30 against the Saugerties Stallions.
