Raptors baseball returning to Newark

At last night's Newark Village Board meeting, officials removed a financial hurdle that will help baseball return to Colburn Park.

Raptors owner Al Visingard asked village trustees to waive rent to keep the collegiate team playing. Visingard, who established the team three years ago, indicated that waiver of the rent would be a big factor in keeping the team. He also has been seeking a partner in the venture to help with expenses.

'People want the team back,' said Visingard, claiming that Newark was the only community that charges more than $1 for a park lease. The Raptors reportedly paid Newark $4800 last year for rent, with electric costs being the big issue. Visingard pointed out, however, that most tickets are given away, and that others who use the park (youth football, school teams, and youth baseball) do not pay rent at all.

Trustee Norm VanDemortel said that the matter is a taxpayer issue, and questioned whether or not a baseball team is viable in Newark. Jim Webster of Sodus, who was present with a large number of Raptors supporters, addressed the board about what he called the positive benefits of community baseball, and encouraged the board to support. (Last year, the Webster family hosted ball player Kelsey Osburn, who died as a result of a head injury sustained during practice.)

VanDemortel asked Visingard if he had contacted other boards, i.e. Arcadia Town Board, for assistance. Trustee Peter Blandino, who also acts as Parks Commissioner, asked Visingard if a one-year lease would work, and made a motion to lease Colburn Park to the Raptors for $1. With the understanding that the lease would be discussed again next year, board members voted to approve the motion.

For other news from last night's meeting, pick up Friday's Courier-Gazette print edition.

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