York Revolution Baseball

Jim Seip: Revs fans have nothing to gripe about

This one might be tough for the locals to take. But whatever happens in the final 10 games of the first half, the York Revolution and their fans have no reason to complain.

Call it a genetic trait, or a sick side effect from sitting in Route 30 traffic, but no one seems to enjoy a team falling just short quite as much as Yorkers do. For whatever reason, people in York take great joy in reliving the lone downfall of their favorite teams.

Wanna talk about that 1949 William Penn High School basketball team? It's only a matter of time until someone talks about the state title game. Wanna reminisce about the Bearcats' championship football teams from 1953 and 1976? It's only a matter of time until someone brings up the unlikely losses to rival Lancaster - during the last games of the season.

Even in minor league baseball, the story has been the same. People are quick to point out what the winning team didn't do. When recalling how the 1925 York White Roses won the New York-Pennsylvania League championship - in the 11th inning, no less - fans and reporters made a point to talk about how York should have won the title in 1924 and 1923, too.

But even if the Revs fall flat on their face and lose 10 straight ...

Even if the neighboring Lancaster Barnstormers manage to win their remaining 10 games ...

Even if the Atlantic League umpires continue to issue head-shaking calls to the detriment of York ...

Even if starting pitcher Corey Thurman develops a crippling addiction to Maple Donuts ...

Please, no crying.

This team has seemingly been on one streak or another all season.

Please note, while the Revs remain in the race for a first-half title - just two games behind first-place Lancaster - the Revs have experienced their share of calamity.

York lost its projected opening day shortstop - in spring training. For more than a month, York attempted to contend with two third basemen in the lineup, including one who lined up at shortstop.

The Revs also needed to wait for more than a month for the work visa to be approved for Ramon Castro - last season's postseason MVP.

At one point the team went 3-9 during a stretch at home.

Earlier this month, all seven teams in the league had scored more runs than the Revs.

The all-travel, league-run Road Warriors managed to win four games against York. But that's nothing compared to Southern Maryland's dominance, winning eight of nine against the Revs.

Opening Day York Revolution Baseball « Christina Stetler Photography

In 2007, the city of York in the state of Pennsylvania started a new chapter in baseball history with the addition of the York Revolution.  As a baseball fan myself, our little family decided to purchase a partial season ticket plan, as our favorite major league teams (Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles) are a bit of a hike on a regular basis.

So, we have had our ticket plan now five years and this year we are celebrating the York Revolution being 2010 Atlantic League Champions!  Opening night celebrated the team’s accomplishments in 2010.  And a grand opening night it was!  The Rev’s won their season and home opener 8-2.  Great game Revs!

York Revolution, Sovereign Bank Stadium, Opening Day Partners

York Revolution Players, Shea Hillenbrand, Pete Rose, Jr. , Rick Bauer, Peter Bergeron, Wayne Franklin, Chris Britton, Dave Gassner, Tike Redman

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