In the bustling atmosphere of Maimonides Park, just before a Brooklyn Cyclones game in mid-August, an intriguing cast of characters stepped into an elevator. Among them was a Jedi adorned in a majestic robe, accompanied by a family, a reporter, and a sense of curiosity. As they ascended, eager to know more about each other, the Jedi inquired, “What planet do you all hail from?” The matriarch of the family replied, somewhat amused, “Well, we’re from Brooklyn.” Displaying his extraterrestrial roots, the Jedi proceeded to hum a tune from the Mos Eisley Cantina, making it clear that he hailed from the planet Tatooine.
Exiting the elevator onto the vibrant concourse, they found themselves among a multitude of Jedi knights and Padawan learners. These otherworldly beings mingled with ordinary souls, equipped with scorebooks, pencils, and baseball gloves. Meanwhile, beyond the right-field wall, in the Backyard area, a lively crowd enjoyed drinks and a game of cornhole, blissfully unaware that a baseball game was about to commence. On this Saturday, the main attractions were Star Wars Night and the enticing $50 all-you-can-drink offer.
The following day, fans gathered to witness the Cyclones secure a resounding 6-0 victory against the Aberdeen IronBirds. This time, alongside the excitement of the game, attendees indulged in bottomless mimosas on the rooftop and engaged in a spirited game of catch in left field before the first pitch.
Maimonides Park, situated on the boardwalk, epitomized the essence of a summer weekend. This is not only the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones, the High-A affiliate of the Mets, but also a place where children revel in running the bases and loyal season-ticket holders lead the crowd in exuberant chants. Moreover, this season, when the Mets and Yankees struggled to stay afloat, it was the Cyclones who emerged as the triumphant local professional team, leading the South Atlantic League’s northern division with a two-game advantage over the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.
Josh Schoen expressed his admiration for the team, remarking, “Stevie Cohen may have the ability to purchase the Mets, but he can’t replicate the unique atmosphere of the Cyclones.” Despite having been a season ticket holder at Yankee Stadium, Schoen and his friends sought out the Cyclones game to revel in the vibrant ambiance, “the booze and the atmosphere.” He added with a hint of satisfaction, “And they win more than the Yankees and Mets.”
Positioned in the Backyard, Caroline Kelley playfully requested her boyfriend’s assistance to peer over the right-field wall as they played cornhole, as their view of the action on the field was partially obstructed. Allie Ditkowich, celebrating her 33rd birthday at the Cyclones game, commiserated with her companion over the struggles of their favorite MLB team. While Brooklyn suffered an 8-3 defeat against Aberdeen, it paled in comparison to the Mets’ disastrous day in Queens, where they endured a 27-3 combined defeat in a doubleheader against Atlanta.
Elizabeth Beller-Dee stood on the concourse with her 19-month-old daughter, Leslie, on the right-field side of Maimonides Park. Reflecting on her longstanding association with the Cyclones, dating back to their inception in 2001, she stated, “They are a great introduction to professional baseball, especially for children.” Her son, Henry, only four years old, was elsewhere in the ballpark, imbibing the knowledge necessary to become a Padawan.
As the game concluded, hordes of fans flocked to the seats down the right-field line, eager to take part in the cherished tradition of running the bases. Before the festivities commenced, the Empire Saber Guild, an enthusiastic fan club donning costumes from the Star Wars universe, graced the field with a captivating lightsaber battle, drawing chants of “Fight! Fight! Fight!” from the young spectators. Following the spectacle, a grand fireworks display illuminated the sky, and finally, the field gate opened, granting eager fans the opportunity to run the bases.
Over brunch on the rooftop the following day, Maurice Geary, a visitor from Barbados, shared his love for Coney Island and the Cyclones. The amusement park, Brighton Beach, and the Cyclones ranked among his favorite New York experiences. Accompanying him, Amy Maxmen, who claimed to despise sports, found herself pleasantly surprised by the Cyclones’ lively atmosphere. She remarked, “There’s so much going on here. Brunch, unlimited drinks, good times. I’ve always found serious baseball games unappealing, but this minor league experience suits me much better.”
As the game began, the regulars took their positions near the first-base dugout, including David Pecoraro, donning a Cyclones bucket hat and a T-shirt commemorating former manager Edgar Alfonzo. With an abundance of zinc oxide on his face and a penchant for meticulous scorekeeping, Pecoraro had been a dedicated season-ticket holder for a decade. His most cherished memory revolved around attending a game with his son, Danny, in 2019, when the Cyclones triumphed as champions against the Lowell Spinners. Pecoraro emphasized that the Brooklyn Cyclones experience fuses beachside fun with the opportunity to witness future Mets players.
With hope in their hearts, fans yearn for these talented prospects to carry their winning ways to Queens sooner rather than later. In the meantime, Maimonides Park remains a haven for those seeking camaraderie, entertainment, and a touch of magic in the heart of Brooklyn.
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