The Mohawks have been a summer home for college baseball players since 1978. Founded by Hank Caputo, Dave Jones, Sr. and Forrest Davis, the Mohawks played independently for the first 8 years before joining the Northeastern Collegiate Baseball League in 1986. The league was renamed into the New York Collegiate Baseball League beginning in 2002 and the Mohawks would stay there until 2010. In 2011, the Mohawks joined the newly formed Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League which combined some of the better summer baseball franchises in the nation and partnered them with Perfect Game USA, the world's utmost leader in scouting and reporting services.
Beginning as the Schenectady Mohawks and playing at Ewing Field in Central Park in Schenectady or Heritage Park in Colonie, they only needed 3 seasons in the NCBL to claim their first title. The 1988 Mohawks won the title under first year head coach Bob Bellizzi, who was already an established head coach as he founded the baseball program at the College of St. Rose in 1979 and coached the Golden Knights until his passing in 2006. Bellizzi would coach the Mohawks until 1990 and then became the team owner and president. In 1990, Brian Spagnola was hired as an assistant coach for the Mohawks and was also Bellizzi's assistant at St. Rose from 1991-2003. When Bellizzi took over the Mohawks in 1991, Brian Spagnola became the Mohawks head coach where he was at the helm for 3 seasons and returned as an assistant coach for the 1994 season.
(Mohawks Head Coach Bob Bellizzi and GM Arnie Pardi prior to the start of the 1988 season) (The 1988 Mohawks celebrate after winning the NCBL regular season championship trophy)
In 2003, Bellizzi and his new GM, Brian Spagnola, relocated the team to Amsterdam and Shuttleworth Park.
Amsterdam and Shuttleworth Park have a long history of baseball. The park opened in 1914 as Crescent Park, it was renamed to Jollyland in 1923 and Mohawk Mills Park in 1934.
From 1938-1951 the Amsterdam Rugmakers were the New York Yankees Class C affiliate and won the Canadian-American League Championship in 1940. The Rugmakers would play the New York Yankees twice in exhibition games hosted in Amsterdam, once in 1942 and again in 1949. Eight days before the game in 1942, the stadium burned down, but the community banded together and rebuild the grandstand in time for the game and actually increased the stadium capacity. On July 20, 1942, there were 4,034 people in attendance as Joe DiMaggio hit a fourth inning home run over the right field fence and into the Chuctanunda Creek as the Yankees defeat the Rugmakers 9-5 in 10 innings. On May 12, 1949, a crowd of 4,564 watched as Yogi Berra and Phil Rizzuto came to town, but it was the former Rugmakers who were now on the Yankees that helped new manager Casey Stengel claim the victory. Dick Kryhoski hit a 3-run home run and Frank Shea pitched 3 scoreless innings for the win as the Yankees defeat the Rugmakers 9-2. Some notable alumi from the Rugmakers include Vic Raschi who pitched in Amsterdam in 1941 and went on to become a 6-time World Series Champion and 4-time All-Star. 2-time All-Star Lew Burdette pitched in Amsterdam in 1947. Burdette was the MVP of the 1957 World Series, pitching 3 complete games for the Milwaukee Braves, 2 of which were shutouts, including Game 7. 1951 Rookie of the Year, All-Star and 1956 World Series Champion Bob Grim played for the Rugmakers in 1949.


(Ceremony before the Rugmakers game against the New York Yankees in Amsterdam)
In 1977, the park was renamed after Herbert Shuttleworth, a chief executive of the Mohawk/Mohasco Carpet Mills and was the Rugmakers team president. He was also responsible for the lights being installed on the field. The park is still called Shuttleworth Park today, but in 2019 the baseball stadium was renamed to Rao Family Stadium for well renowned pediatrician Dr. Govind Rao, MD who has served the Amsterdam community for over 60 years.

Upon arrival in Amsterdam the stadium needed renovations. Before taking the field, the dugouts had to be moved above ground due to drainage issues, new bullpens and a warning track also had to be installed. In 2004, a brick wall backstop was installed behind home plate and the first base line as well as several reserved seats from the former Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. In 2006, the small metal bleachers were moved from under the grandstand and down the first baseline as a new wooden grandstand and concession stand were built. This restored the look of the stadium back to the days of the Rugmakers and vastly increased seating capacity. In 2007, the first party deck was built behind the first baseline and the skybox above the concession stand opened. In 2014, an artificial turf infield was installed and in 2022 the Neena Rao Locker Room, Coaches Office and Front Office were completed.


The Mohawks found instant success on the field upon moving to Amsterdam as they won NYCBL titles in 2003 under Bill Consiglio and again in 2004 under Nicholas Enriquez.
In 2006, the connection was made with then Kentucky pitching coach Gary Henderson who started sending players to the Mohawks for the summer. Since that time, Henderson became the head coach at Kentucky, pitching coach and interim head coach at Mississippi State and is now the head coach at Utah, all the while sending a strong contingent of players from each of those schools each summer to Amsterdam. However, Henderson's most important contribution to the program came in 2009. The Mohawks had a coach lined up for that summer but then it suddenly fell through. This led to a vacancy that quickly needed to be filled. That's when Gary Henderson saw the perfect opportunity. A junior college coach who had recently retired, but was highly regarded in his ability to produce hardnosed baseball players who go on to produce at bigger schools and often turned pro. With a NJCAA II National Championship and many coach of the year honors under his belt, Keith Griffin was introduced to the Mohawks. It was the perfect fit as the Pensacola, Florida native could fulfill his desire to coach over the summers without the full-time, 12-month a year grind that comes with running a college program.
Under Keith Griffin's leadership the Mohawks have turned into a nationally recognized summer baseball destination. The team has won 10 league titles, 14 division titles and failed to reach the league championship only twice since 2009. In 2022, Perfect Game USA named the Mohawks the Summer Collegiate Team of the Year and Griffin has taken home Coach of the Year honors 5 times.

(Mohawks President Brian Spagnola talks to Keith Griffin before a game) (Keith Griffin about to receive a Gatorade shower after winning the 2019 PGCBL Championship)
In addition, there have been well over 200 former Mohawks who have signed professional baseball contracts, most notably 4x All-Star and 2x World Series Champion Hunter Pence who played for the Mohawks from Texas-Arlington in 2002 and Kansas City Royals Manager Matt Quatraro who played for the Mohawks in 1993 from Old Dominion. Other Major Leaguers include Glen Barker (Saint Rose), Tim Christman (Siena), Logan Darnell (Kentucky), Justin Foscue (Mississippi State), Matt Gage (Siena), Brendan Harris (William and Mary), Tim Herrin (Indiana), Joe La Sorsa (St. John's), Mark Leiter Jr. (NJIT), Zach Logue (Kentucky), Luke Maile (Kentucky), John Nogowski (Florida State), Cord Phelps (Stanford), Valentino Pascucci (U. Of Oklahoma), Andrew Saalfrank (Indiana), Matt Shaw (Maryland), Chandler Shepherd (Kentucky) and Trey Wingenter (Auburn). In 2019, the Mohawks had a record 23 former players drafted. In 2020, Justin Foscue (Mississippi State) became the first former Mohawk taken in the first round as the Texas Rangers selected him with the 14th overall pick. In 2023, Matt Shaw (Maryland) became the Mohawks' highest draft pick as the Cubs selected him 13th overall. Currently, the Mohawks have over 70 former players in professional baseball.
The Mohawks have grown into one of the top places to play summer baseball in America due to both on field talent and the game day atmosphere. In 2007, Dave Dittman joined the Mohawks as a minority owner and Vice President. He previously owned the Newport Gulls and helped start the Vermont Mountaineers and Plymouth Pilgrims of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Dittman was instrumental in helping double attendance figures in just his first year and helped create a more fan friendly and business friendly environment for the Mohawks organization. The players will note that the game atmosphere at Rao Family Stadium at Shuttleworth Park is one of the best in the country and with large enthusiastic crowds and getting the kids involved - after seeing a game, you would see their point.

(2008 Mohawks closer Ricky Breymier dancing the Cha Cha Slide with the fans between innings) (Matt Snyder exits the game to a standing ovation as the Mohawks were on the cusp of winning the 2013 PGCBL Championship)
The league will continue to have current college stars and future professional players in it. Make sure you come out to the ballpark to catch some of the exciting brand of baseball that they have to offer. See you at the game!!!
Mohawk Baseball Club results since joining the NYCBL
YEAR 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
League Champions (13)
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RECORD 18-22 (.450) 28-12 (.700) 34-8 (.809) 27-13 (.675) 26-16 (.619) 20-20 (.500) 20-20 (.500) 23-17 (.575) 21-19 (.525) 22-20 (.524) 22-18 (.550) 23-19 (.548) 10-32 (.238) 28-12 (.700) 18-22 (.450) 21-19 (.525) 33-14 (.702) 35-12 (.745) 27-18 (.563) 30-20 (.600) 21-24 (.467) 17-25 (.405) 29-16 (.644) 36-12 (.750) 33-15 (.688) 33-19 (.635) 39-13 (.750) 35-18-1 (.660) 40-11 (.784) 41-12 (.774) 39-16 (.709) 37-14 (.725) 33-19 (.635) 38-13 (.745) 13-13 (.500) 32-11-1 (.739) 43-7-1 (.853) 40-5-1 (.880) 39-7 (.848)
Division Championships (19)
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HEAD COACH Arnie Pardi Don McDonald Bob Bellizzi Bob Bellizzi Bob Bellizzi Brian Spagnola Brian Spagnola Brian Spagnola Ken Hodge Ken Hodge Tom Fleenor Tom Fleenor Rich Seebode Dennis Healy Dennis Healy Tim Felty Dave Fields Bill Consiglio Nicholas Enriquez John Thomson Matt Mueller Chris Smart Kevin Downing Keith Griffin Keith Griffin Keith Griffin Keith Griffin Keith Griffin Keith Griffin Keith Griffin Keith Griffin Keith Griffin Keith Griffin Keith Griffin Greg Christodulu Keith Griffin Keith Griffin Keith Griffin Keith Griffin
Playoff Appearences (29)
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Result Out of Playoffs Lost in Championship Won Division & Championship No Playoffs Lost in Round 2 Lost in Round 1 Out of Playoffs Lost in Round 1 Out of Playoffs Lost in Round 2 Out of Playoffs Out of Playoffs Out of Playoffs Won Division & Lost in Round 1 Out of Playoffs Lost in Round 1 Won Division & Lost in Championship Won Division & Championship Won Championship Won Division & Lost in Round 1 Lost in Round 1 Out of Playoffs Lost in Round 2 Won Division & Championship Won Division & Championship Lost in Championship Won Division & Championship Won Division & Championship Won Division & Championship Won Division & Lost in Round 1 Won Division & Championship Won Division & Lost in Round 2 Won Division & Lost in Championship Won Division & Championship No Playoffs Won Division & Lost in Championship Won Division & Championship Won Division & Championship Won Division & Championship
Championship Appearences (18)
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TOTAL |
1124-623-4 (.643) |
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Mohawks General Managers
Hank Caputo (1978-1987)
Arnie Pardi (1988-1989)
Dave Jones, Sr. (1990-1991)
Forrest Davis (1992-1993)
Bob Bellizzi (1994-2001)
Brian DiPiazza (2002)
Brian Spagnola (2003-2008)
Bill Terlecky (2009-2011)
Brian Spagnola (2012-2024)
Megan Anagnostopulos (2025-Current)
Mohawk Baseball Club Total Career Coaching Wins
COACH Keith Griffin Bob Bellizzi Brian Spagnola Dennis Healy Tom Fleenor Ken Hodge |
WINS (TITLES) 558 (10) 87 (1) 63 46 45 43 |
YEARS WITH MOHAWKS 2009-2024 1988-1990 1991-1993 1999-2000 1996-1997 1994-1995
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Mohawks Single Game Records
Most Runs
25 - June 25, 1988 Schenectady Mohawks at Broome Rangers
(in Amsterdam)
22 - July 9, 2017 at Adirondack Trail Blazers, July 2, 2022 vs. Glens Falls Dragons
Most Runs in an Inning
15 - June 25, 2024; 6th inning vs. Boonville Lumberjacks
Most Hits
29 - July 9, 2017 at Adirondack Trail Blazers
Most Home Runs
8 - June 25, 1988 Schenectady Mohawks at Broome Rangers
(in Amsterdam)
5 - June 18, 2019 vs. Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs
Most Hits by a Player
5 - John Valente (June 22, 2017), (July 3, 2017)
Most Doubles by a Player
3 - Austin Sheffield (June 30, 2009), Jeff Boehm (July 8, 2012), Zak Colby (July 29, 2012), Cam Gurney (June 16, 2023)
Most Home Runs by a Player
3 - Anthony Gonnellla (July 5, 2017), Mason Swinney (June 26, 2023), Doug Kimbler (August 1, 1988)
Most RBI by a Player
8 - Dylan Smith (July 30, 2013)
Most Strikeouts
19 - June 12, 2008 at Little Falls Diamond Miners, June 16, 2009 vs. Saratoga Phillies, June 22, 2019 at Watertown Rapids
Most Strikeouts by a Player
13 - Brayden Kapteyn (June 16, 2009), Dave Filak (July 12, 2009), Mark Leiter, Jr. (August 1, 2011), Mark Leiter, Jr. (August 6, 2012), Nick Massa (August 7, 2019), Max Ramirez (August 3, 2023)
Most Stolen Bases
9 - July 3, 2008, 2019
No-Hitters
Paul LaRock (July 17, 1986)
Paul Fischer (July 13, 1988)
Dave Filak (July 12, 2009)
Sean Bouthilette (June 22, 2010)
Taylor Blatch (July 27, 2014)
Jeff Belge, Tim Naughton (July 12, 2016)
Cole Cheatham, Von Baker (June 19, 2022)
Zach Eldred, Ben Huckans (July 7, 2023)
Brandon Peterson, Von Baker (July 11, 2023)
Longest Winning Streak
Overall: 16 games - June 16, 2023 - July 5, 2023
Home Winning Streak: 15 games - June 1, 2023 - July 5, 2023
Road Winning Streak: 13 games - June 3, 2022 - June 27, 2022
Longest Losing Streak
8 games - June 15, 2007 - June 23, 2007
Longest Hitting Streak
23 Games - Michael Ludowig: June 29, 2018 - July 30, 2018
*View the Top 10 Players in each Individual Stat Categories by clicking the Stats tab and scrolling down to 10
Mohawks Individual League Awards
Player of the Year
1988 - Paul Reinisch (Wake Forest)/Nick Scattareggia (Siena)
2002 - Erin Jones (Francis Marion)
2008 - Mark Onorati (Manhattan)
2009 - Brayden Kapteyn (Kentucky)
2013 - John Nogowski (Florida State)
2014 - Josh Gardiner (Radford)
2016 - Joe Genord (South Florida)
2019 - Maxwell Costes (Maryland)
2022 - Gage Miller (Bishop State/Alabama)
2024 - Cade Ladehoff (Michigan)
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Pitcher of the Year
1988 - Shaun Sottile (Siena)
2004 - Derrick Gordon (Lamar)
2009 - Brayden Kapteyn (Kentucky)
2010 - Kyle Hunter (Dartmouth)
2012 - Chandler Shepherd (Kentucky)
2015 - Zach Logue (Kentucky)
2021 - Nick Smith (Evansville)
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Relief Pitcher of the Year
2022 - Santhosh Gottam (Brown)
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Coach of the Year
1988 - Bob Bellizzi
2009 - Keith Griffin
2012 - Keith Griffin
2022 - Keith Griffin
2023 - Keith Griffin
2024 - Keith Griffin
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Championship Teams
2024

Meeting the Elmira Pioneers for the second straight year, the Mohawks needed extra innings to complete their second three-peat. Rob Rispoli delivered the walk-off sac-fly to score Tyler Figuera as the Mohawks erased an 8-0 deficit to win 9-8 and sweep the series 2 games to none. Cade Ladehoff was named the Player of the Year hitting .408 with 5 home runs, 16 doubles and 35 RBI. Jimmy Dionne hit .400, second year Mohawk Zach Eldred hit .384 and Evan Haeger hit .384 in a stacked Mohawks lineup.
2023

The Mohawks defeated the Elmira Pioneers 3-0 to sweep the PGCBL Championship. Max Ramirez went 7 shutout innings allowing 2 hits, no walks and 13 strikeouts. Cam Gurney was named Championship Series MVP as he hit .538 in the Postseason and held a .430 batting average during the season. 2022 League MVP Gage Miller returned and hit .288 with 6 home runs, 6 doubles, 3 triples, 32 RBI and 37 runs scored. Shortstop Marek Houston arrived late after Wake Forest's trip to the semi-finals in the College World Series but hit .429 once he arrived in Amsterdam. Catcher Jaxson West hit .403 and catcher/first basemen Luke Longo hit .325 with 6 home runs, 15 doubles and 42 RBI. Tyler Sausville went 6-1 on the mound with a 1.60 ERA and Evan Siary went 5-0 with a 1.29 ERA. Pitchers Jack Seppings and Jack Brodsky returned from the Cape Cod League later in the season to help with the Mohawks playoff push.
2022

The 2022 Mohawks were not just PGCBL Champions but were also named the Summer Collegiate Team of the Year by Perfect Game USA. Team leaders Josh Overbeek and Ian Petrutz kept team camaraderie high as this team had one goal and that was to win. That mission was accomplished as the Mohawks defeated the Batavia Muckdogs 2 games to 1 Championship. Santhosh Gottam put the team on his back and pitched 7 innings allowing 1 run in the 7-2 clinching victory. Gottam was named the series MVP and league Relief Pitcher of the Year as he posted a 0.94 ERA on the season. 6 pitchers posted an ERA under 1.00. Gage Miller was named Player of the Year batting .400 with 7 home runs, 15 doubles, 33 RBI, 46 runs scored and 16 stolen bases. Returning Mohawk Brett Coker hit .356 with 10 doubles and 28 RBI. The speedy Nick Giamarusti hit .351 with 17 stolen bases and Zach Gardiner hit .343 with 37 RBI.
2019

Reaching double digits, the Mohawks claimed their 10th Championship by sweeping the Adirondack Trail Blazers and clinching the title with a 10-4 victory at Shuttleworth Park. Nick Massa was the winning pitcher and PGCBL Player of the Year Maxwell Costes went 3-for-3 with a double and 2 RBI, following a 2-home run performance in Game 1. Costes hit a team record 12 home runs in the regular season and another 3 in the playoffs. During the season he hit .374 with 36 RBI and 11 doubles.
2016

The Mohawks swept the Utica Blue Sox to win the PGCBL Championship. Pauly Milto was the winning pitcher as Nick Patten and Marcus Still each homered. Chris Givin had 4 hits and Joe Genord had 2 doubles as the Mohawks clinched the title with a 13-2 win. Joe Genord was named the PGCBL Player of the Year as he hit .296 with 7 home runs, 14 doubles and drove in a league record 45 runs. Chris Givin hit .383 with 11 stolen bases, Tristen Carranza hit .325 with 5 home runs, 11 doubles, 1 triple and 30 RBI. Tyler Frank hit .302 with 32 RBI, 31 runs scored and stole 15 bases. Cameron Enck was 5-1 on the mound with a 0.39 ERA, Austin Keen went 4-2 with a 1.00 ERA. The back end of the Mohawks bullpen was untouchable as Chase Haney recorded 4 saves with a 0.76 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 23.2 innings, while Tim Naughton recorded 5 saves with a 1.88 ERA and struck out 43 batters in 28.2 innings.
2014
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Seeking redemption for their 2011 Championship loss, the Mohawks swept the Newark Pilots to win their third straight title. Taylor Blatch pitched the complete game, allowing 1 run and striking out 9 as the Mohawks won the clinching game 12-1. Josh Gardiner returned for his second summer and won League Player of the Year batting .415 with a homer and 10 doubles, driving in 29 runs, scoring 26 and stole 16 bases. Left fielder John Razzino hit .370 with 5 homers and 34 RBI, he stole 23 bases and his arm in the outfield threw out 6 base runners. Marcus Carson hit .346 with 14 stolen bases and Tommy Kain hit 5 home runs with a .324 average. Taylor Blatch went 5-1 with a 1.80 ERA and threw a no-hitter in the season. EJ Ashworth went 5-0 with a 2.02 ERA. Kevin Guthrie and Zach Breen also returned for their second championship.
2013

Taking on the Elmira Pioneers in a rematch of the 2010 PGCBL Championship, the Mohawks defeated the Pios 2 games to 1 and clinched their first title at home since 2004. Matt Snyder pitched 8.1 innings allowing 1 run as the Mohawks won the deciding Game 3 by a score of 7-3. Future Major Leaguer John Nogowski was named the League Player of the Year batting .365 with 3 homers, 14 doubles, 1 triple and 24 RBI. Outfielder Kyle Barrett hit .343, stole 18 bases and scored 29 runs. Second basemen Josh Gardiner hit .327 with 4 home runs, 15 doubles, 1 triple, 33 RBI, 40 runs and stole 15 bases. Ed Charlton returned to win his second PGCBL title and hit .300 with 6 homers and 33 RBI. Matt Snyder went 5-0 on the mound with a 1.35 ERA, Rich Vrana went 6-0 with a 1.41 ERA and future Major Leaguer Trey Wingenter struck out 55 batters in 47.1 innings.
2012

Moving into a new league in 2011, the Mohawks lost a heartbreaker in the 2011 PGCBL Championship to the Newark Pilots, but redeemed themselves with a sweep of the Glens Falls Golden Eagles in the 2012 PGCBL Championship. Pitching was the name of the game as 6 pitchers were drafted off the 2012 staff and 3 reached the Major Leagues in Chandler Shepherd, Mark Leiter, Jr, and Matt Gage. Shepherd was named the PGCBL Pitcher of the Year going 7-0 with a 1.31 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 55 innings. Rocky McCord went 4-0 with a 1.71 ERA and also struck out 50 over 47.1 innings. 2011 ace Mark Leiter, Jr. returned halfway through the season to go 3-0 with a 1.55 ERA. Zak Colby set a team record with 19 doubles, hitting .375 with 25 RBI. Ed Charlton hit .353 with 7 home runs and 30 RBI.
2010

The Mohawks repeated as NYCBL Champions in 2010 as head coach Keith Griffin, pitcher Sean Bouthilette and catcher Matt Colantonio all returned. After beating the Elmira Pioneers in Game 1 by a score of 17-0, Dan Zlotnick pitched 7 scoreless innings in a 4-0 clinching Game 2. Abram Williams was named the Defensive MVP as he recorded a 6-out save after entering the game with the bases loaded and no one out, struck out the first batter and induced a double play to end any chance of a Pioneers rally, while Kyle Koeneman was named Offensive MVP for the series. Keith Griffin earned coach of the Year honors for the second straight year. Catcher Matt Colantonio was the team leader who took control of the pitching staff, the infield and was an expert at getting on base as he batted .311 with a .519 on-base percentage. Kyle Hunter was named the Pitcher of the Year with a 5-0 record and a 0.68 ERA. Dan Zlotnick went 4-0 with a 1.57 ERA and second year Mohawk Sean Bouthilette went 5-1 with a 2.62 ERA. Abram Williams was lights out as the Mohawks closer. posting a 0.39 ERA with 11 saves and 30 strikeouts in 23.1 innings. Second year Mohawk Mel Rojas Jr. departed the team after being drafted in the third round by the Pittsburgh Pirates but continued with the team for a few weeks while his contract was being negotiated. Shortstop Jon Schwing led the team with 39 RBI and right fielder Cody Kulp hit 8 home runs.
2009

The Keith Griffin era began with a Championship title in his first year at the helm. The Mohawks once again met the Hornell Dodgers in the Championship and swept both games of the series as Mohawks won Game 2 11-10. Two-way player Brayden Kapteyn was named the NYCBL Player and Pitcher of the Year as he hit .319 with 4 home runs, 8 doubles, 24 RBI and 23 runs scored, while from the mound he went 4-1 with a 2.47 ERA and struck out 72 batters in 47.1 innings pitched. In the final game, Braden struggled on the mound, giving up 5 runs in 3.2 innings, but he got those runs back going 3-for-5 at the plate with a 3-run home run, a double and 6 RBI. Tony Patane hit the 2-run single in the seventh that put the Mohawks over the edge. In a season that had many dramatic come from behind wins, the Mohawks saved their most dramatic win for their final game.
2004

This was the third straight year the Mohawks and Hornell Dodgers met in the Championship with the Dodgers winning in 2002 and the Mohawks winning in 2003. The Mohawks clinched the title with a 6-4 win as Luke Ogletree hit a grand slam in the sixth inning and was named the series' MVP and Offensive Player. Gian Testa was named Defensive Player of the series as he recorded 10 strikeouts over 7 innings. Vince Riggi went 3-for-5 in the clinching game and hit .471 in the playoffs. Derrick Gordon was named the Pitcher of the Year as he went 6-0 with a 1.77 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 45.2 innings. After winning the NYCBL as an assistant coach in 2003, Nick Enriquez returned in 2004 as head coach and repeated the same success from the previous season.
2003
The Mohawks first year in Amsterdam was a successful one as they defeated the Hornell Dodgers 2 games to 1 to win the NYCBL Championship for first year head coach Bill Consiglio. Kirt Zimniewicz ran away with every offensive category for the Mohawks, leading the team with a .379 average and .674 slugging, 6 home runs, 11 doubles, 5 triples, 41 RBI and 50 hits, while finishing 2nd in runs scored with 35. Ryan Tatlock went 7-0 on the mound with a 1.29 ERA and Craig Soja had a 7-1 record with a 2.08 ERA. The only thing that prevented the Mohawks from sweeping the series was an outstanding pitching performance from future Major Leaguer Dallas Braden who shut the Mohawks down on the mound at Shuttleworth Park in Game 2.
1988

The Schenectady Mohawks won the NCBL Championship by defeating the Cortland Apples 20-3 to cap off a 34-8 season for their first championship. The Mohawks were the top team from start to finish as they had a clean sweep of the post-season awards. Nick Scattareggia and Paul Reinisch were named the league's co-MVPs. Scattareggia hit .371 with a league leading 13 doubles, 4 triples and 37 runs scored, he also had 5 home runs, 24 RBI and stole 21 bases. Reinisch hit .358 with a league leading 34 RBI. Second basemen Doug Kimbler was named Rookie of the Year with a .356 average and first year head coach Bob Bellizzi wan named Manager of the Year. Additionally, Joe Mariano hit .381 and catcher Dave Howard hit .365 with 27 RBI and 27 runs scored. Shaun Sottile won Pitcher of the Year going 6-0 with a 0.80 ERA, striking out 36 while walking just 1. The Mohawks had the top 3 pitchers in the league as Paul Fischer had a 1.46 ERA and threw a no-hitter, while Paul Reinisch had the league's 3rd best ERA at 1.66.
Mohawk Baseball Past Owner Bob Bellizzi
Bob Bellizzi, who passed away May 7, 2006, had been involved with college baseball for over twenty-five years and believed that Amsterdam was a perfect match for the Mohawks and the NYCBL. Before his passing he was thrilled with the success that the Mohawks had in their seasons in Amsterdam. "The combination of a sports minded city and an operator (Brian Spagnola) who was born and raised in Amsterdam, makes this a great place to play summer baseball...it was our intention to bring a quality level of collegiate baseball to Shuttleworth Park and provide entertainment and excitement throughout the season and that is what we did...the sense of cooperation and support exhibited by the community only confirmed our belief that Amsterdam was the ideal home for the Mohawk Baseball Club..." |

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Bellizzi, the head coach at The College of Saint Rose from 1978 until his passing, had over the past quarter century, developed the Golden Knights into a national powerhouse at the NCAA Division II level. Saint Rose had made the NCAA Northeast Division II Regionals in 1994, 1995, 1997, and 2000. His 2000 team reached their ultimate goal by advancing to the NCAA Division II World Series in Montgomery, Alabama. Prior to that, at the NAIA level, Saint Rose made regional appearances in 1990 and 1991 and went to the 1990 NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho.
Bellizzi boasted a staggering career record of 720-367-2 at Saint Rose and has enjoyed success at the club, NAIA, and NCAA levels. He had dozens of Saint Rose players continue their baseball careers at the professional level, including 1993 grad Glen Barker, who played for the Houston Astros at the major league level from 1999-2001. From 1988-1990, Bellizzi also guided the Schenectady Mohawks to a remarkable 87-37 record and won the league championship in 1988 with a 34-8 record.
Mohawk Baseball Club Founder Hank Caputo
Hank Caputo was born in Sault Saint Marie, Ontario, but lived in the Capital Distirct for many years. He worked for the General Electric and the NY State Highway Department. He was a bus driver at Mohonasen High School and was also a custodian at Niskayuna High School before retiring in 1990. Caputo was also a Navy Veteran of World War II. |

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Caputo played hockey while residing in Canada and is a former professional referee and former scout for RPI’s hockey team. He was most remembered as the Commissioner of the Northeast Collegiate Baseball League (now the NYCBL) from 1988 until retiring in 1992. He served as a scout for the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, and Montreal Expos. Caputo founded and was president of the Schenectady Baseball Club and was also a past president of Schenectady Connie Mack Baseball.
Caputo was inducted into the Schenectady Baseball Hall of Fame and was honored by the City of Schenectady for his involvement in local amateur baseball. He received the Steve Lembo Award from the New York Professional Hot Stove League and was the recipient of a gold pass from the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues.
Team Offensive Stats
Year |
AVG |
G |
R |
Run/Per |
2B |
3B |
HR |
XBH |
SLG% |
BB |
SO |
OB% |
SB |
FLD% |
2024 |
.318 |
42 |
358 |
8.52 |
101 |
18 |
21 |
140 |
.467 |
241 |
277 |
.443 |
112 |
.962 |
2023 |
.319 |
42 |
376 |
8.95 |
89 |
7 |
27 |
123 |
.455 |
240 |
210 |
.437 |
75 |
.972 |
2022 |
.305 |
46 |
355 |
7.72 |
90 |
5 |
27 |
122 |
.424 |
241 |
309 |
.419 |
106 |
.973 |
2021 |
.285 |
42 |
297 |
7.07 |
89 |
10 |
28 |
127 |
.433 |
199 |
322 |
.396 |
78 |
.975 |
2020 |
.268 |
26 |
134 |
5.15 |
34 |
3 |
19 |
56 |
.406 |
99 |
221 |
.373 |
47 |
.966 |
2019 |
.297 |
46 |
353 |
7.67 |
77 |
14 |
46 |
137 |
.453 |
231 |
333 |
.406 |
95 |
.972 |
2018 |
.284 |
46 |
282 |
6.13 |
74 |
11 |
41 |
126 |
.423 |
211 |
342 |
.382 |
74 |
.967 |
2017 |
.309 |
48 |
364 |
7.58 |
94 |
11 |
43 |
148 |
.460 |
243 |
317 |
.415 |
102 |
.961 |
2016 |
.274 |
49 |
287 |
5.86 |
77 |
12 |
30 |
119 |
.393 |
222 |
319 |
.368 |
110 |
.965 |
2015 |
.286 |
50 |
319 |
6.38 |
92 |
6 |
42 |
140 |
.427 |
252 |
305 |
.395 |
96 |
.966 |
2014 |
.283 |
47 |
288 |
6.13 |
86 |
8 |
22 |
116 |
.394 |
219 |
283 |
.389 |
97 |
.967 |
2013 |
.299 |
48 |
316 |
6.58 |
91 |
3 |
36 |
130 |
.428 |
199 |
271 |
.401 |
75 |
.960 |
2012 |
.291 |
47 |
311 |
6.62 |
96 |
11 |
21 |
128 |
.399 |
189 |
318 |
.375 |
81 |
.965 |
2011 |
.288 |
47 |
259 |
5.51 |
75 |
7 |
37 |
119 |
.417 |
147 |
333 |
.364 |
39 |
.957 |
2010 |
.286 |
42 |
274 |
6.52 |
85 |
7 |
29 |
121 |
.418 |
172 |
262 |
.371 |
60 |
.968 |
2009 |
.290 |
42 |
254 |
6.05 |
75 |
5 |
29 |
109 |
.412 |
139 |
259 |
.369 |
50 |
.963 |
2008 |
.264 |
40 |
236 |
5.90 |
62 |
12 |
31 |
105 |
.394 |
157 |
305 |
.352 |
74 |
.954 |
2007 |
.262 |
42 |
226 |
5.38 |
73 |
10 |
20 |
103 |
.369 |
151 |
343 |
.352 |
51 |
.946 |
2006 |
.242 |
45 |
184 |
4.09 |
50 |
6 |
13 |
69 |
.313 |
159 |
318 |
.330 |
53 |
.949 |
2005 |
.217 |
49 |
173 |
3.53 |
51 |
14 |
9 |
74 |
.291 |
199 |
441 |
.321 |
87 |
.960 |
2004 |
.257 |
45 |
179 |
3.98 |
61 |
7 |
14 |
82 |
.342 |
153 |
312 |
.348 |
71 |
.960 |
2003 |
.284 |
47 |
277 |
5.89 |
73 |
12 |
10 |
95 |
.372 |
159 |
274 |
.373 |
66 |
.963 |
2002 |
.257 |
47 |
220 |
4.68 |
64 |
18 |
13 |
95 |
.352 |
187 |
312 |
.357 |
72 |
.957 |
Team Pitching Stats
Year |
ERA |
SO |
IP |
BB |
H |
AVG |
WHIP |
2024 |
3.18 |
413 |
342.2 |
215 |
243 |
.194 |
1.337 |
2023 |
2.70 |
384 |
340.1 |
185 |
229 |
.188 |
1.216 |
2022 |
2.33 |
490 |
378 |
212 |
258 |
.196 |
1.243 |
2021 |
3.73 |
457 |
340.1 |
205 |
268 |
.213 |
1.390 |
2020 |
5.39 |
257 |
177 |
146 |
145 |
.223 |
1.644 |
2019 |
3.71 |
470 |
388 |
174 |
343 |
.230 |
1.332 |
2018 |
3.77 |
458 |
398.2 |
241 |
329 |
.220 |
1.430 |
2017 |
4.02 |
416 |
410.1 |
207 |
366 |
.231 |
1.396 |
2016 |
2.78 |
403 |
417.2 |
188 |
337 |
.215 |
1.257 |
2015 |
3.13 |
450 |
434 |
174 |
342 |
.210 |
1.189 |
2014 |
2.49 |
384 |
400.2 |
144 |
315 |
.215 |
1.146 |
2013 |
3.33 |
392 |
405.2 |
167 |
357 |
.234 |
1.292 |
2012 |
3.34 |
420 |
428.1 |
189 |
347 |
.223 |
1.251 |
2011 |
3.37 |
413 |
398 |
114 |
376 |
.248 |
1.231 |
2010 |
2.68 |
345 |
355.1 |
130 |
312 |
.235 |
1.244 |
2009 |
2.88 |
392 |
350 |
182 |
256 |
.200 |
1.251 |
2008 |
3.73 |
328 |
352.1 |
153 |
353 |
.257 |
1.436 |
2007 |
3.91 |
365 |
368.2 |
196 |
336 |
.240 |
1.443 |
2006 |
3.30 |
317 |
379 |
187 |
330 |
.234 |
1.364 |
2005 |
2.20 |
322 |
401.2 |
107 |
311 |
.217 |
1.041 |
2004 |
3.07 |
346 |
366 |
159 |
330 |
.237 |
1.336 |
2003 |
2.78 |
335 |
375 |
132 |
310 |
.223 |
1.179 |
2002 |
2.41 |
269 |
392.2 |
124 |
316 |
.217 |
1.121 |
All-Time Record vs. Teams (2003-2024)
Glens Falls Dragons (2015-Current) 67-13
Glens Falls Golden Eagles (2005-2014) 52-47
|
119-60 |
Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs (2008-Current)
Little Falls Miners (2007)
Little Falls Diamond Miners (2006)
Mohawk Valley Cobras (2003-2005)
|
101-53 |
Albany Dutchmen |
89-40 |
Saugerties Stallions |
66-24-2 |
Oneonta Outlaws 39-10-1
Saratoga Phillies 27-23
|
66-33-1 |
Watertown Rapids
Watertown Rams
Watertown Wizards
|
69-31 |
Utica Blue Sox
Utica Brewers
|
35-7 |
Boonville Lumberjacks 7-1
Boonville Baseball Club 2-1
Adirondack Trail Blazers 23-3
|
32-5 |
Elmira Pioneers |
24-9 |
Cooperstown Hawkeyes |
19-6-1 |
Newark Pilots |
15-6 |
Plattsburgh Thunder |
14-9 |
Bennington Bombers |
12-5 |
Hornell Dodgers |
10-3 |
Albany Baseball Club |
7-0 |
Ithica Classics |
6-2 |
Geneva Red Wings |
5-4 |
Genesee Valley Riverbats |
4-0 |
Auburn Doubledays |
3-0 |
Allegany County Nitros |
3-3 |
Jamestown Jammers/Tarp Skunks |
2-3 |
Batavia Muckdogs |
2-1 |
Alfred A's |
2-2 |
Wayne County Raptors |
2-1 |
Victor Railriders |
2-0 |
Bolivar A's |
2-0 |
Rochester Royals |
2-0 |
Onondaga Flames |
1-0 |
Glens Falls Independents |
7-0 |
Albany Dutch |
6-4 |
Albany Athletics |
2-9 |