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BOULDERS ACQUIRE LOCAL PRODUCT TOM WALRAVEN Pine Bush, NY, Native Expected to Solidify New York Infield

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3 years ago

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Rockland County, NY– The New York Boulders have acquired infielder Tom Walraven from the Gary SouthShore RailCats of the American Association in exchange for relief pitcher Matt Leon. A native of Pine Bush, NY, Walraven provides a solid bat and great versatility to the Boulders’ quest to return to the Frontier League playoffs, regularly playing second base, shortstop, and third base during his career.

Walraven spent his first three professional seasons in Gary, Indiana, after an exceptional collegiate career at the University of New Haven. During his college days, Walraven posted an impressive .327 batting average with an .857 OPS and All Conference honors, providing a taste of what was to come.

His offensive production continued with the RailRiders, as he has now played 220 games at the professional level, batting .282 overall with an .807 OPS, while adding 28 homers and 132 RBI, adding strong glove work in committing just 10 errors over the past two seasons.

But according to New York Manager TJ Stanton – entering his third season – Walraven’s addition is about much more than numbers. “With all he can do, I think his greatest impact might be in the clubhouse,” said Stanton, whose Boulders ended the 2022 season with 12 consecutive wins to capture a Wildcard berth.

“When I was asking around, the reports were that his reputation is sterling. He’s widely considered a leader that’s tough as hell and plays the game as hard as anyone.” That blends perfectly with the culture fostered by Stanton, but also by the New York Boulders organization as a whole.

“We’ve taken a lot of pride in bringing the best available professional talent from across the country to play at Clover Stadium,” noted Team President and General Manager Shawn Reilly. “With that said, bringing in local talent has also been a focus, and Tom checks all the boxes of players who fit the Boulders mold.”

Leon heads to the Midwest coming off a solid first season in Independent baseball, compiling a 5-1 record with a 1.80 ERA. Used primarily as a middle reliever, Leon earned more consequential innings during the final weeks of the 2022 season.

The Boulders’ third season in the Frontier League will see the team play a 96-game schedule that features 51 home dates. Highlights of the 2023 home schedule include games on the Fourth of July holiday, Fathers’ Day on June 18th; and nine Saturday home dates. Opening Day is set for May 11 as the long-time rival New Jersey Jackals pay a visit for a three game series, while the regular season will conclude on Sunday, Sept. 3, when they wrap up a three-game set at Clover Stadium with the Jackals.

Information regarding season tickets and packages for the Boulders’ 2023 season is available by calling 845-364-0009 or sliding to www.NYBoulders.com.

Debuting in 1993, the Frontier League is the largest and longest-running of the modern independent leagues and features teams stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River and from the Ohio River to the St. Lawrence Seaway.  In September of 2020, the Frontier League reached an agreement to become a “Partner League” with Major League Baseball.

As a “Partner League,” the Frontier League and its teams will meet on a regular basis with MLB representatives to discuss joint marketing and promotional opportunities, as well as collaborate on initiatives to provide organized baseball to communities throughout the United States and Canada.

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FIFA World Cup 2026: Safety Tips for Fans Attending Matches in New York and New Jersey

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1 day ago

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June 14, 2026

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As the New York and New Jersey region prepares to welcome fans from around the globe for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, officials are encouraging residents and visitors to remain vigilant and take steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable tournament experience.

The region is scheduled to host eight FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including the tournament’s championship match on July 19, 2026. With thousands of visitors expected to travel throughout the area, public safety agencies are reminding fans to plan ahead and stay aware of potential scams and safety risks.

Officials recommend purchasing tickets only through authorized sources and caution fans against counterfeit tickets, fraudulent websites, and online scams that often accompany major sporting events.

Fans are also encouraged to keep personal belongings secure, remain aware of their surroundings in crowded areas, and use trusted transportation options when traveling to and from matches and fan events.

Those planning to consume alcohol during tournament festivities are urged to do so responsibly and arrange for a designated driver, rideshare service, or other safe transportation before attending events.

Tournament organizers and regional partners have developed transportation plans, fan experiences, visitor information resources, and community programs to help residents and visitors navigate the World Cup safely and efficiently.

Additional information about matches, transportation updates, fan events, volunteer opportunities, and community resources is available through the official New York/New Jersey FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Committee website. Click on the HOME button below.

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New York Knicks End 53-Year Drought, Win 2026 NBA Championship

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2 days ago

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June 13, 2026

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The New York Knicks are NBA champions once again.

The Knicks ended a 53-year championship drought tonight, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to capture the franchise’s first NBA title since 1973.

With the victory, New York won the best-of-seven series 4-1, completing a remarkable postseason run that will be remembered as one of the greatest seasons in franchise history.

Playing in front of a hostile crowd at the Frost Bank Center, the Knicks relied on a relentless defensive effort and timely scoring down the stretch to secure the championship-clinching win. Despite several runs by the Spurs, New York maintained its composure in the closing minutes to preserve the victory and bring the Larry O’Brien Trophy back to New York.

The championship marks the end of more than five decades of frustration for one of the NBA’s most passionate fan bases. The Knicks last won an NBA title in 1973 and have endured numerous playoff disappointments and rebuilding efforts since then.

New York entered the Finals as one of the league’s hottest teams and took control of the series with dramatic performances, including a historic comeback victory in Game 4 that gave the Knicks a commanding 3-1 lead.

As the final seconds ticked off the clock in San Antonio, players, coaches, and fans celebrated a moment generations had waited to witness. Across New York City and beyond, jubilant supporters poured into the streets to celebrate the franchise’s long-awaited return to the top of the basketball world.

The championship adds a new chapter to the storied history of the Knicks and cements the 2025-26 team as one of the most memorable squads in franchise history.

For New York basketball fans, the wait is finally over.

The Knicks are champions.

Credit: AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

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