News & notes

Another spring tradition is being sidelined in the 518.

The Freihofer's Run For Women, a staple since the 70's, and scheduled for May 29, has been cancelled. The organizers are angling for a "virtual" race, in the same manner that NASCAR has been experimenting with in recent television broadcasts.

Considering the usually ginormous field for the race, I can understand cancelling it. A "virtual" race might actually be easier to live-stream.
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Siena College is already set to wave good-bye to LaSalle grad Elijah Burns, who came over as a graduate-transfer from Notre Dame this past season, and lifted some of the scoring burden off sophomore superstar Jalen Pickett.

Now comes word that junior Manny Camper has declared for the NBA Draft, set for June. Camper, though, like Pickett last year, is leaving his collegiate options open, and hasn't yet hired an agent. The only Siena player to appear in an NBA game was Kenny Hasbrouck, who had a couple of cups of coffee with Miami a few years back.

We'll see how this plays out in a couple of months.
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Normally, the Tri-City Valleycats hold auditions for National Anthem singers at Crossgates Mall this time of year.

However, with the Mall shuttered due to COVID-19, the team is doing "virtual" auditions by having prospects submit 90 second audition videos. The 'Cats are still hoping to open the NY-Penn League season on time, with the home opener set for June 24.

Now, if they were really smart, they'd reserve a couple of spots for some local talent with national exposure, like American Idol runner-up Madison Vandenberg, currently shilling for Mohawk Honda & their new Mohawk Chevrolet dealership, and Sawyer Fredericks, who was a winner on The Voice a couple of years back.
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It ain't exactly Strat-O-Matic, but with spring sports sidelined for the duration, the CBA & Colonie baseball teams experimented with playing a simulated game using a game board the other day, according to the Daily Gazette.

Those of you of a certain age will recall Strat-O-Matic was big back in the 60's and 70's. Occasionally, Mets announcer Keith Hernandez will reference the game during telecasts.

For what it's worth, Colonie won the "game", 5-2, but, of course, it doesn't count.

Now, if they tried a simulated game inserting high school players into something like MLB20: The Show, then we'd have something to talk about.