The Rain Didn't Pass, But Tradition Continued

Story By Tasha Babers

Photos By Kristin O'Grady

NBT Bank Stadium after rain postpones game

Syracuse, N.Y. - The Chiefs versus Bats game was postponed Monday night, yet there was still the smell of hot-dogs, a kid running around with an old glove, and some co-workers grabbing a beer at NBT Bank Stadium. The thrill of the atmosphere was still very much present even with a tarp over the field.

Long-time Chiefs fan and young father Kevin Szul lingered after the cancellation announcement and kept an eye on his two-year old daughter, Violet, as she played in the empty rainy seats. His wife Melissa also stayed and rocked 5-week old Lillian, which happened to be her first Chiefs game. 

Kevin and Melissa Szul with daughters Violet and Lillian

“I came and sat in the rain because I love baseball,” Szul said. “Also to get the 25-cent hot dogs so I don’t have to make dinner.”

Szul is a season ticket owner and went to Chiefs games with his dad as a kid. He hopes to pass the same tradition on to his two young daughters.

“My favorite thing about baseball is the atmosphere,” Szul said. “The atmosphere and the promotional dinner deals.”

Did he ever get his 25-cent hot dogs despite the cancellation? 

“Yeah! I had four!” Szul exclaimed.

Rain, Rain

The Szul family weren't the only ones rained out. Aspen Dental and the Sunoco Ethanol Plant were throwing parties on the deck for their co-workers. Accounts Payable Administrator SaraLee Brown-Prince of Aspen Dental was disappointed in the rainout but was still smiling on the deck of the stadium.

SaraLee Brown-Prince on deck of NBT Stadium

"The elements don't bother me or my family too much," Brown-Prince said. "Baseball is still baseball."

The Chiefs will try to make up the game as part of a Wednesday afternoon doubleheader. They are 4-14 in doubleheaders, and have yet to sweep one this season.

This is the seventh rain-related postponement for the Chiefs this season, as compared with the annual average of three to four. 

Chiefs General Manager Jason Smorol said player safety is worth the postponement and grounds staff would work tirelessly to disperse the nearly 1,000 gallons of rain water onto the outfield, wait for the water to drain, and use an underground ventilation system to dry the field.