ELMIRA SIGNS NEWEST FIVE & HOT STOVE DINNER

The Back to Back West Division Champion Elmira Pioneers have officially released the next five players of their 2025 Roster. 2024 Returner & local talent INF – Michael Palmer, RHP – Bobby Boing, RHP – Brendan Hayes, OF – Shane Starr, & C – Sam Gettinger will join the Pios this summer.

Michael Palmer is a sophomore infielder at SUNY Niagara, a hometown native of Elmira, NY. He is returning for his second season with the Elmira Pioneers after a strong show last summer, where he posted a .333 batting average. So far this season, at SUNY Niagara he currently has a .286 batting average.

            Bobby (Robert) Boing is a 5’11 sophomore right-handed pitcher from Coral Springs, FL, currently playing at Barry University. A transfer from Millenia Atlantic University, Bobby has made a strong impact during his first season with the Buccaneers, pitching 30.2 innings and recording 22 strikeouts. He holds a solid 7-2 record on the mound so far this season.

            Brendan Hayes is a 6’3 sophomore right-handed pitcher at Barry University, originally from Plantation, FL. Brendan has appeared in eight games this season, throwing 26 innings and recording an impressive 35 strikeouts. With a 3.81 ERA on the season, he has been a reliable relieving pitcher for Barry University.

            Shane Starr is a 6’0 sophomore outfielder at Franklin Pierce University, originally from Moretown, VT. He made his collegiate debut on February 24, 2023, against St. Thomas Aquinas, where he recorded his first career RBI.

            Sam Gettinger is a 6’2 freshman catcher at Stonehill College, from Woodbridge, CT. A 2024 graduate of Amity Regional High School, Sam had a standout senior year, earning All-State honors and helping lead his team to win the 2024 State Championship.

New York Mets World Series Champion Mookie Wilson will come to Elmira, NY Thursday April 17th at 5pm at the Clarion Inn Elmira (760 E Water St Elmira NY) presented by Hilliard Corporation & Blaze Brockway Contracting. The event will have a special meet & greet followed by a hot stove dinner with Wilson as the guest speaker. Mookie Wilson was drafted by the New York Mets in the second round in 1977. Wilson played for over 12 seasons as a player in the MLB, won the World Series in 1986 with the Mets, a switch hitter with amazing speed, and was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 1996. Wilson also spent seven years as the Mets’ first-base coach and continued working for the Mets Organization following his MLB Career. The Pioneers would like to thank Hilliard Corporation, Blaze Brockway Contracting, Hesselson's, & Chemung Supply for making this event possible. Tickets for both events are on sale now & start as low as $60. Call 607-734-2690 or email General Manager Marc Witt (mwitt.canusa@gmail.com) to reserve your tickets today.

Opening day is Friday May 30th 6:35 PM with free post-game fireworks.  If you or someone you know is looking to sponsor the Pioneers, season tickets, group events, or host a picnic email Marc Witt mwitt.canusa@gmail.com.  The Pioneers complete schedule is available at www.theelmirapioneers.com.