ROCHESTER, N.Y.–Two credit unions in New York said they will play ball with baseball franchises during the upcoming season.
The Rochester Red Wings’ home field during the upcoming baseball season will be called ESL Ballpark following a long-term agreement between the team, ESL Federal Credit Union, and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello.
The initial agreement is for 10 years, with options to renew every four or five years through 2056. The naming rights will cost ESL $550,000 a year to start, according to WXXI.
The venue, which opened in 1996 as Frontier Field, was most recently named Innovative Field.
About the Team
The Rochester Red Wings play in the Triple-A International League as the top affiliate of the Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball. Established in 1899, they are the oldest continuously operating sports franchise in North America below the major league level.
The $9.8-bilion ESL FCU has approximately 464,000 members.
AmeriCU, Syracuse Mets in Partnership
Meanwhile, in Rome, N.Y., AmeriCU Credit Union said it is joining with the Syracuse Mets to launch of the AmeriCU Credit Union Most Improved Student Program, a new initiative designed to recognize and celebrate students across New York State who have demonstrated meaningful growth and improvement in the classroom.
The Syracuse Mets are the AAA affiliate of Major League Baseball’s New York Mets.
According to the organizations, through the partnership they will honor thousands of students each year, providing teachers with a no-cost opportunity to acknowledge student achievement and personal development.
“We are proud to help the Syracuse Mets kick off such a meaningful program for students in our community,” Ronald Belle, AmeriCU Credit Union president and CEO, said in a statement “Recognizing individuals for growth within the classroom helps to instill confidence and teach kids the value of hard work and perseverance. We are honored to support this initiative and show these students that their community is cheering them on.”
Who’s Eligible
The AmeriCU Credit Union Most Improved Student Program is open to students in grades K–12. Eligible students must be nominated by a teacher, with each teacher permitted to nominate one student per class. Selections are not based solely on academic performance; teachers are encouraged to consider overall development, including improvement in behavior, effort, and social growth, the organizations said.
Each nominated student will receive a complimentary ticket to one of 10 select 2026 Syracuse Mets home games. Parents will receive ticket redemption details and information regarding game day recognition. On the day of the game, students will be honored during a special pregame, on field ceremony, with their names displayed on the centerfield scoreboard and a commemorative certificate presented to each participant.
