Sean Lahman
Greater Rochester International Airport
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Articles by Sean Lahman
This All-Star is the biggest NBA player ever to come out of Rochester. Do you know him?
Rochester has a rich sports history. Each week, we recognize a great athlete from our past. Walter Dukes was professional basketball player who 60 years later, still stands as the most productive NBA player ever to come out of Section V. There's a pair of young challengers eager to unseat Dukes. But more on them later. Walter Dukes stood 6-foot-5 as a sophomore at East High and 6-7 as a junior, leading the City Scholastic League in scoring both years.
Remembering upstate NY's Richie Evans, the 'king' of NASCAR's modified racing
The unquestioned king of modified racing, Richie Evans won more than 450 races and nine NASCAR national modified championships, including eight in a row from 1978 to 1985. He hailed from Rome, Oneida County, but raced at short tracks all across Western New York. His orange car with the number 61 emblazoned on the side was a constant presence at Spencer Speedway in Williamson. He won 49 races there and claimed four track championships.
Luke Easter, popular Rochester Red Wings slugger, would have been 109
Show Caption Hide Caption Bills rookie DeWayne Carter credited for having 'good energy' Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott talks about Bills rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter Happy birthday to one of the most popular players in Rochester Red Wings’ history! Luke Easter would have turned 109 years old on Aug. 4. He was a star in both the Negro Leagues and with the post-integration Cleveland Guardians.
Rochester sports legend made his MLB debut on this date 76 years ago Original
You won't find it in any history book, but July 4, 1948, is significant date in Rochester history. It's the day when Johnny Antonelli, the greatest modern baseball player in Rochester history, made his major league debut. Antonelli, a six-time All-Star who finished his 12-year career with a 126-110 record and a 3.34 ERA, remains one of a handful of big league players who never appeared in a minor league game.
Thousands came out to watch this 'Shifty' Rochester softball pitcher strike everyone out Original
Sean Lahman Rochester Democrat and Chronicle By day, he was a bespectacled sheet metal worker at Eastman Kodak Co. At night, Harold "Shifty" Gears was one of the all-time great softball pitchers. Gears played five nights a week for Kodak's fast-pitch softball team, nicknamed the "Kaypees." They regularly drew crowds of 5,000 people to their games under the lights at Kodak Park. Gears helped lead that team to world championships in 1936 and 1940.
Thousands came out to watch this 'Shifty' Rochester softball pitcher strike everyone out
By day, he was a bespectacled sheet metal worker at Eastman Kodak Co. At night, Harold "Shifty" Gears was one of the all-time great softball pitchers. Gears played five nights a week for Kodak's fast-pitch softball team, nicknamed the "Kaypees." They regularly drew crowds of 5,000 people to their games under the lights at Kodak Park. Gears helped lead that team to world championships in 1936 and 1940.
Wayne County native is one of the greatest professional bowlers of all time Original
When Doug Kent joined the Professional Bowlers Association Tour in 1988, there was just one thing that surprised the Macedon native. “I thought it would be a little tougher,” he told a Rochester reporter that August. More likely he was just a better bowler than he’d realized. Kent was holding his own with the world’s top bowlers right from the get-go. His first tournament win came at the USBC Masters in Toledo in 1991.
New York Yankees can thank a Rochester guy for getting them started on no-hitters Original
Sit back and enjoy as we reminisce about great athletes from Rochester's past. Sean Lahman Rochester Democrat and Chronicle There have been 13 no-hitters in franchise history for the New York Yankees. Domingo Germán was the last Yankees hurler to do it when he didn't just toss a no-hitter, but pulled off the even rarer feat of pitching a perfect game against the Oakland Athletics on June 28, 2023. With apologies to Domingo, he's not from Rochester.
Pete Pfitzinger of Pittsford American marathoner 1984, 1988 Olympics Original
Pittsford Sutherland grad Pete Pfitzinger was one of the great American marathon runners at a time when interest in the sport was at its peak. His dramatic victory in the qualifying trial for the 1984 Olympic team thrust him into the national spotlight. That race, held in Buffalo, featured several of the world's best runners. Alberto Salazar, the reigning world record holder, had never been beaten by an American in the marathon. Bill Rodgers had 22 marathon victories under his belt.
'They'd laugh in my face:' New York woman ignored ridicule to become a respected MLB scout Original
Dorothy Fox didn't set out to have a career in baseball. It just worked out that way. "It started out as a hobby," Fox said, "but it became life-consuming." She started attending Rochester Red Wings games as a young girl and seldom missed a game, always keeping score and recording notes on visiting players. The Charlotte High graduate had a keen eye for evaluating talent, and the Baltimore Orioles tapped her expertise to provide scouting reports on players in the International League.
Pioneering Rochester athlete became a sensation in 1880s by leaving everyone in her dust
Rochester's Elsa Von Blumen was a competitive cyclist in the 1880s, an era when the bicycle was just beginning to capture America's attention. She took on all comers, racing men, women and even horses. She raced on specially built indoor tracks or in daylong marathons, traveling across the Northeast to compete for money or prizes. On May 24, 1881, about 2,500 people gathered at Rochester's Driving Park to watch the 21-year-old Von Blumen take on a race horse.
Upstate New York man killed in tragic crash was the 'king' of NASCAR's modified racing Original
Rochester has a rich sports history. Each week, we recognize a great athlete from our past. The unquestioned king of modified racing, Richie Evans won more than 450 races and nine NASCAR national modified championships, including eight in a row from 1978 to 1985. He hailed from Rome, Oneida County, but raced at short tracks all across Western New York. His orange car with the number 61 emblazoned on the side was a constant presence at Spencer Speedway in Williamson.
Bob Davies brought an NBA Championship to Rochester with his amazing skills Original
Rochester has a rich sports history. Each week, we recognize a great athlete from our past. Bob Davies is one of the best ever to play professional basketball in Rochester. After returning from military service in 1946, Davies weighed his job options: playing professional basketball in Rochester or returning to his alma mater to serve as head coach.
McQuaid's Marty Reasoner is one of top NHL prospects ever to come from Rochester area
Rochester has a rich sports history. Each week, we recognize a great athlete from our past. Sean Lahman Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Hockey player Marty Reasoner made his mark wherever he played. The Honeoye Falls native was McQuaid's top scorers in each of his two seasons skating for the Knights, and it was clear the playmaking center was destined for bigger things.
A century ago, this Rochester man was the greatest MLB third baseman. Who was Heinie Groh?
Rochester has a rich sports history. Each week, we recognize a great athlete from our past. With his sideways stance and his bottle-shaped bat, Heinie Groh was a spectacle every time he stepped to the plate. He stood at the front of the batter's box with both feet facing the pitcher, choked up on his bat and slapped at the ball. While his approach may have been odd, the results were undeniably good. Groh led the National League in walks in 1916, in hits in 1917, and in runs scored in 1918.
Kendall native Roosevelt Bouie one of the greatest recruits in SU men's basketball history
Kendall native Roosevelt Bouie was one of the biggest recruits in Syracuse basketball history. At 6 feet, 11 inches, his ability to physically dominate opponents was undeniable, but his impact as the centerpiece for head coach Jim Boeheim's first season with the Orange helped set the foundation for the years of success that followed.
This NBA All-Star is the biggest player ever to come out of Rochester. Do you know him?
Walter Dukes was professional basketball player who 60 years later, still stands as the most productive NBA player ever to come out of Section V. There's a pair of NBA players eager to unseat Dukes. More on them later. Walter Dukes stood 6-foot-5 as a sophomore at East High and 6-7 as a junior, leading the City Scholastic League in scoring both years.
'The Deacon' wasn't as flashy as pool sharks like Minnesota Fats. He was just better.
Sports Illustrated called him "a master with few historical peers," but Irving Crane struggled for most of his life to earn the widespread recognition that came with his athletic accomplishments. While he was for many years the world's best pocket billiards player, he relied on his job as a car salesman back home in Rochester to earn his living. Crane was born in Livonia, and started playing on a pool table at home as a child.
'The Deacon' wasn't as flashy as pool sharks like Minnesota Fats. He was just better.
Sports Illustrated called him "a master with few historical peers," but Irving Crane struggled for most of his life to earn the widespread recognition that came with his athletic accomplishments. While he was for many years the world's best pocket billiards player, he relied on his job as a car salesman back home in Rochester to earn his living. Crane was born in Livonia, and started playing on a pool table at home as a child.
Dick Ricketts was two-sports star for Rochester Red Wings, Royals
Dick Ricketts came to Rochester in 1957, a 23-year-old pitcher for the Rochester Red Wings. But he was better known for his prowess on the basketball court. He'd been a two-time All American at Duquesne University and led the school to the NIT title in 1955. A 6-7 forward, Ricketts was a graceful big man with a deadly mid-range jumper. He remains the all-time leader in both points (1,963) and rebounds (450) at Duquesne.
This All-Star is the biggest NBA player ever to come out of Rochester. Do you know him? Original
Rochester has a rich sports history. Each week, we recognize a great athlete from our past. Walter Dukes was professional basketball player who 60 years later, still stands as the most productive NBA player ever to come out of Section V. There's a pair of young challengers eager to unseat Dukes. But more on them later. Walter Dukes stood 6-foot-5 as a sophomore at East High and 6-7 as a junior, leading the City Scholastic League in scoring both years.
Penfield's Wendy Wyland won a bronze at Olympics. But her life was tragically short
Rochester has a rich sports history. Each week, we recognize a great athlete from our past It was clear from an early age that Wendy Wyland had remarkable talent. Legendary Penfield coach Betty Perkins-Carpenter remarked, "she was doing dives that senior divers weren't doing yet when she was just 12." Wyland won her first national diving championship at age 16 and claimed the world championship a year later.
Al Butler may be the greatest high school player ever to come out of Rochester
Each week, we recognize a great sports figure in Rochester area lore. Perhaps the greatest high school basketball player ever from our region, Al Butler averaged 32 points per game as a senior at East High in 1957. The second-leading scorer that year averaged 22 points. That's just one indicator of how dominant he was. Butler was Rochester's first four-time All-City first-team basketball selection. In 1996, a panel of experts voted him Section V's all-time best player.
Bello issues executive order in anticipation of possible influx of migrants
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello on Tuesday issued an executive order in anticipation of the possible arrival of hundreds of asylum seekers and migrants from New York City. The move comes less than two weeks after New York City Mayor Eric Adams warned officials from across the state that he may send as many as 300 people by bus to any of New York’s 62 counties at any time.
Hickey Freeman to end production of iconic suits in Rochester, shifts focus to other brands
Hickey Freeman announced it will open a retail store in downtown Rochester, another step in the company's rebranding as "Rochester Tailored Clothing." The company confirmed this week that after June 1, its iconic Hickey Freeman suits would no longer be made in Rochester. The local operation will continue to make clothing for other apparel brands.
Coca-Cola Company to build new dairy production facility in Webster. Here's how many jobs could be created Original
The Coca-Cola Company has selected a site in the town of Webster for its new dairy production facility. The 745,000-square-foot facility is expected to create up to 250 new jobs and be built on property on Tebor Road, just north of Route 104 near the Monroe County border. Here's what we know about the project. What products will be made at the new site? The new facility will be operated by Fairlife, a subsidiary of Coca-Cola that produces a variety of milk-based beverages.
'It should be here in Rochester.' Fundraising underway for Frederick Douglass museum Original
When Erica Mock was 12 years old, a 50-cent purchase changed her life. She had gone to the library — a childhood refuge from the outside world — where she spotted a copy of Frederick Douglass’ autobiography on the shelf of used books for sale. “I had a really rough home life, and I was going to the library not just to hide from the bullies outside but also from bullies within my own nucleus,” Mock said.
'It should be here in Rochester.' Fundraising underway for Frederick Douglass
When Erica Mock was 12 years old, a 50-cent purchase changed her life. She had gone to the library — a childhood refuge from the outside world — where she spotted a copy of Frederick Douglass’ autobiography on the shelf of used books for sale. “I had a really rough home life, and I was going to the library not just to hide from the bullies outside but also from bullies within my own nucleus,” Mock said.
PGA Championship expected to bring nearly $200M to Rochester: Here's how it breaks down
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — When the PGA Tour returns to Oak Hill Country Club in May, it will bring throngs of fans to Rochester and inject millions of dollars into the local economy. Greater Rochester Enterprise, an economic development organization focused on promoting the Rochester region as a competitive place for business location and growth, is projecting the 2023 PGA Championship will draw 225,000 spectators and have a $190 million impact on the region.
Top 5 most expensive homes sold on east side of Rochester NY last year
Despite volatile interest rates, demand continued to remain strong in the greater Rochester housing market during 2022. “The Rochester real estate market cooled somewhat in 2022 as indicated by the decline in closed sales.” said Mike O’Connor, president of the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors.
PGA Championship expected to bring nearly $200M to Rochester: Here's how it breaks down Original
When the PGA Tour returns to Oak Hill Country Club in May, it will bring throngs of fans to Rochester and inject millions of dollars into the local economy. Greater Rochester Enterprise, an economic development organization focused on promoting the Rochester region as a competitive place for business location and growth, is projecting the 2023 PGA Championship will draw 225,000 spectators and have a $190 million impact on the region.
Body cam video of Canandaigua police shooting of Brandon Zurkan released Original
The Ontario County Sheriff's Office has released body-worn camera footage from a February incident in which law enforcement officers from two agencies shot and killed a Pennsylvania man. According to the Sheriff's Office, a brief pursuit led authorities from East Bloomfield into Canandaigua, where police shot and killed Brandon M. Zurkan, 31, of Warren, Pennsylvania following an encounter between with police on Feb. 28.
Main Street Armory in Rochester sold following deadly concert stampede
Rochester's Main Street Armory has a new owner. The transaction was recorded just 18 days after a deadly incident following a concert at the venue.
Top 5 most expensive homes sold in Greece NY last year
Despite volatile interest rates, demand continued to remain strong in the greater Rochester housing market during 2022. “The Rochester real estate market cooled somewhat in 2022 as indicated by the decline in closed sales.” said Mike O’Connor, president of the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors.
Rhondesia Belton killed in stampede at GloRilla concert in Rochester NY
A 33-year-old woman killed during a concert featuring rappers GloRilla and Finesse2tymes at the Main Street Armory in Rochester has been identified. Rhondesia Belton of Buffalo was killed as concert-goers rushed to the exits after the concert, Rochester police said. Two other victims, a 35-year-old female from Syracuse and a 35-year-old female from Rochester, remain hospitalized in critical condition, police said in a press release Monday afternoon.
Feds bust alleged gambling ring in Rochester
Federal agents have charged seven local men with running a gambling operation that took bets on sporting events and hosted illegal poker games in an office suite in the city of Rochester. According to a criminal complaint, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies launched an investigation in October 2020 which revealed that the defendants were conspiring to operate illegal poker games in a suite at 565 Blossom Road and to run an illegal sports betting operation through a website.
Top 10 most expensive homes sold in Pittsford NY last year
Despite volatile interest rates, demand continued to remain strong in the greater Rochester housing market during 2022. “The Rochester real estate market cooled somewhat in 2022 as indicated by the decline in closed sales.” said Mike O’Connor, president of the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors.
Court resumes after disturbance at sentencing for gunman in Buffalo mass shooting
The white supremacist who killed 10 Black people in a Buffalo supermarket was hustled out of a courtroom Wednesday after someone in the audience rushed at him and was restrained by a court officer. Payton Gendron’s sentencing in the attack, which was fueled by racist conspiracy theories he encountered online, resumed shortly after the disruption, which happened as Barbara Massey Mapps excoriated him for killing her 72-year-old sister, Katherine Massey.
Racist gunman gets life sentence for Buffalo grocery store massacre
The white supremacist who killed 10 Black people in a Buffalo supermarket was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without the chance for parole. Peyton Gendron pleaded guilty in November to charges including murder and domestic terrorism motivated by hate. The terrorism charge carried an automatic life sentence. Before imposing sentence, Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan spoke of the insidious legacy and impact of white supremacy in the United States.
Racist gunman gets life sentence for Buffalo grocery store massacre
The white supremacist who killed 10 Black people in a Buffalo supermarket was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without the chance for parole. Peyton Gendron pleaded guilty in November to charges including murder and domestic terrorism motivated by hate. The terrorism charge carried an automatic life sentence. Before imposing sentence, Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan spoke of the insidious legacy and impact of white supremacy in the United States.
Racist gunman gets life sentence for Buffalo grocery store massacre
The white supremacist who killed 10 Black people in a Buffalo supermarket was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without the chance for parole. Payton Gendron pleaded guilty in November to charges including murder and domestic terrorism motivated by hate. The terrorism charge carried an automatic life sentence. Before imposing sentence, Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan spoke of the insidious legacy and impact of white supremacy in the United States.
Racist gunman gets life sentence for Buffalo grocery store massacre
The white supremacist who killed 10 Black people in a Buffalo supermarket was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without the chance for parole. Payton Gendron pleaded guilty in November to charges including murder and domestic terrorism motivated by hate. The terrorism charge carried an automatic life sentence. Before imposing sentence, Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan spoke of the insidious legacy and impact of white supremacy in the United States.
Racist gunman gets life sentence for Buffalo grocery store massacre
The white supremacist who killed 10 Black people in a Buffalo supermarket was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without the chance for parole. Payton Gendron pleaded guilty in November to charges including murder and domestic terrorism motivated by hate. The terrorism charge carried an automatic life sentence. Before imposing sentence, Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan spoke of the insidious legacy and impact of white supremacy in the United States.
Who serves best fish fry in Rochester NY? Nominate your favorite
The Democrat & Chronicle is on a mission ― once again ― to find Rochester's best fish fry. In 2019, we asked D&C readers and social media followers to share with us their favorite fish fries, and boy, did they respond. More than 200 places were nominated and the recommendations stretched from Batavia to the Finger Lakes to Wayne County. We published the restaurants that got the most votes and, after a taste test, we selected the winner: Crabby Dan's Grill in Mendon.
U.S. appeals court upholds dismissal of defamation suit against Gannett newspaper Original
A panel of federal judges last month upheld a lower court decision to dismiss a defamation lawsuit against the Utica Observer-Dispatch and several members of its newsroom. The suit was brought by Vladimir Jeanty, who was arrested on drug charges in 2009 and subsequently convicted of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He served 2 1/2 years in prison.
Tensions high in court as mother pleads not guilty to murdering her 1-year-old son
Tensions were high in Rochester City Court Friday morning as Bryasia Love made her first court appearance since being charged with the murder of her 1-year-old son. It appeared that more than a dozen friends and family members were in court to witness Love's arraignment. As Love entered the courtroom in a red and white striped inmate uniform, a member of the gallery shouted angrily at her and Love yelled back defiantly before court deputies restored order.
Mother accused of killing one-year-old son, assaulting daughter in Rochester
The Rochester Police Department and Monroe County District Attorney’s Office announced that they have arrested a city woman and charged her with killing her one-year-old son. Bryasia Love, 26, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of the boy, A'Mias Love. Rochester Police Lt. Greg Bello said that officers responded to an apartment on Joseph Avenue last Thursday, Jan. 19, around 6:40 p.m., for the report of an unresponsive child.
Bishop Mathew Clark funeral services announced in Rochester NY Original
The Diocese of Rochester has announced the funeral arrangements for Bishop Emeritus Matthew Clark, who passed away Sunday. A public visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park in Rochester. Evening Prayers will begin at 7 p.m. Another public visitation will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 30, at Sacred HeartCathedral. The funeral Mass will begin at noon.
General Motors investing $68M in Rochester NY plant Original
$12 million will be invested to prepare the facility to build intake manifolds and fuel rails for V* engines $56 million for the production of battery pack cooling lines for electric vehicles GM exec says Rochester plant may add 100 jobs in next 2 years General Motors announced Friday it was making a $68 million investment at its Rochester manufacturing facility.
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