High-A Cyclones honor Ukraine with theme night
The Brooklyn Cyclones, the High-A Affiliate of the Mets, held an Eastern European theme day during their game at Maimonides Park on Sunday, with all proceeds going to assist humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
Featuring the playing of the Ukrainian national anthem prior to first pitch, Eastern European-themed interludes between innings and the Cyclone’s blue and gold Ukrainian flag-themed jerseys, the goal of the evening was to raise funds for the World Central Kitchen and the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Both organizations strive to provide much-needed supplies and assistance to people impacted by the ongoing conflict.
The Cyclones put a bow on the festivities with a 3-2 win over the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, the Phillies' affiliate. The crowd’s enthusiasm and engagement throughout the afternoon was rewarded as designated hitter Matt O’Neil hit a walk-off single into right field in the bottom of the ninth inning.
The Cyclones hoped to continue spreading awareness about the continued conflict in Ukraine. “While it may not be front-page news every day anymore, there are still millions of people whose lives are upside down,” said Cyclones assistant general manager Billy Harner. “We had a number of Ukrainian refugees here at the ballpark, in order to put real faces on what is going on, but we also hope to put a smile on their faces.”
At the outset of the conflict, the Cyclones organization felt a responsibility to make a positive impact. “We have staff who are from Ukraine, who have family still in the region and have family that have been displaced,” said Harner regarding the origins of theme night. “Plus, Brighton Beach -- which is a neighborhood very close to Coney Island -- has one of the largest Ukrainian populations in the country.”
Cyclones vice president Steve Cohen (who shares a name with the Mets owner) referenced a similar sentiment of responsibility as an organization saying, “We have seen first-hand just how much of an impact the events in Ukraine have had, even thousands of miles away here in Brooklyn. We felt that we owed it to our staff and our community to show our support during these difficult times.”
With the assistance Dimitry Sagalchik, a fan of Ukrainian baseball and the Cyclones, the organization set out to plan an event that would provide aid, while introducing baseball to a community relatively unfamiliar with the game.
“We are always striving to be active members of our community and truly represent the people of Brooklyn,” Harner said regarding creating an inclusive environment at Maimonides Park. “We’d love to be able to grow the game of baseball here in Brooklyn and there is a very large population in our area that has never been introduced to the game; we hope this is a way to make that introduction.”
Harner praised Sagalchik for his determination and guidance in planning the festivities, saying, “Dimitry has worked tirelessly with us to make sure this night got off the ground.” Sagalchik expanded on his work coordinating the event stating, “I don't consider this an effort. It was just something that needed to be done, it's important.”
As part of this initiative of teaching the game, the team distributed handouts featuring rules and traditions to teach fans as they enjoyed a sunny afternoon at the ballpark.
“The goal of this event was to introduce the game to the community of Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach and Sheepshead Bay so parents can start their kids playing baseball, not only soccer or math or music,” said Sagalchik on spreading baseball to the Ukrainian and Eastern European community. “I love the game. Everyone loves the game, and I would like everyone just to give it a try.”
Throughout the afternoon, fans remained engaged and energetic, supporting both their Cyclones and the entertainment associated with the theme. Ample Ukrainian flags could also be found being waved throughout the stands, a prime example of the camaraderie the organization wanted to create. Harner captured the environment at the ballpark well, stating, “No matter what language you speak, everyone loves some ice cream in hand and sitting in the sun with an ocean breeze.”
Additionally, the afternoon featured dance, gymnastics and musical performances with the goal of paying homage to Eastern European cultures. The Cyclones also put together a special ceremony, honoring Eastern European front-line heroes that was well received by the home crowd.
Postgame, after the kids in attendance raced around the bases, the day concluded with a performance by Alena Krutienko, who goes by the stage name Runa, and is best known for her appearance on “The Voice of Ukraine” in 2020.
The unique gold and blue uniforms the team wore will also be auctioned off as part of the theme day, with proceeds being donated to World Central Kitchen and the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.