Southern Tier Sports Now

From the NewsXR Sports Center

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

The Southern Tier sports scene continues making headlines from the college ranks to professional baseball and championship hockey. Here’s what’s happening across the region.

Top Story: Bearcats Send Two More Pitchers to Major League Baseball

Binghamton University Baseball continues proving it can develop professional talent.

Junior right-hander Conner Griffin was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 10th Round (302nd overall) of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft after anchoring the Bearcats’ pitching staff this season. Griffin made 15 starts, struck out 65 batters in 60.1 innings, and held opposing hitters to a .215 batting average.

Joining him in professional baseball is fellow junior pitcher Jackson Mitchell, who was selected by the Miami Marlins in the 19th Round (565th overall).

The selections mark the third consecutive year Binghamton University has produced Major League Baseball Draft picks and continue the momentum for an athletics department that recently announced a record $23.64 million in financial support during the 2025-26 academic year.

Rumble Ponies: Santucci Strikes Out 13 Despite Series Sweep

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies were swept in a three-game weekend series by the Akron RubberDucks, dropping to 6-15 during the Eastern League’s second half.

Sunday’s finale provided a major bright spot.

Top Mets pitching prospect Jonathan Santucci struck out a career-high 13 batters over 5.2 innings, using a dominant combination of a mid-90s fastball, slider and curveball.

Sunday’s Performance

• 5.2 innings pitched
• 13 strikeouts (career high)
• 3.60 ERA (4th in the Eastern League)

The Rumble Ponies open a six-game homestand tonight against the Portland Sea Dogs as Twofer Tuesday returns to Mirabito Stadium.

Black Bears Reload Following Third Straight Championship

Fresh off capturing their third consecutive Commissioner’s Cup, the Binghamton Black Bears have begun a significant offseason roster overhaul as they prepare for the 2026-27 season.

Among the team’s biggest moves:

• Championship goaltender Connor McAnanama was traded to the Danbury Hat Tricks in exchange for defenseman Trey DeLourey.
• The Black Bears signed 21-year-old Russian goaltender Amir Valiullin, who posted a remarkable 1.80 goals-against average and .947 save percentage with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens.
• Highly regarded forward Ludovik Tardif signed his first professional contract after recording 44 goals and 63 assists over his final two junior seasons.
• Defenseman Cheechoo Lathlin re-signed after posting a +13 rating in 33 games last season.

The organization will rely on a blend of experienced veterans and emerging young talent as it pursues a fourth consecutive league championship.

Local Sports Roundup

Wyatt Richardson Day

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar has officially proclaimed June 30 as Wyatt Richardson Day, recognizing the Maine-Endwell standout’s New York State Class B championship in the 400-meter hurdles.

Bearcats Basketball Adds Assistant General Manager

Binghamton University men’s basketball head coach Levell Sanders has announced the hiring of former Bearcat walk-on and European professional Alex Brodsky as the program’s new Assistant General Manager. Brodsky will assist with roster construction, recruiting strategy and NIL opportunities.

Southern Tier athletes and teams continue making an impact at every level, from Major League Baseball draft selections to professional hockey, Minor League Baseball and collegiate athletics.

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