Introduction to Chapter 8:

1991-1994: Tarnished Silver

A post-season inspection of Silver by major-league representatives found the stadium deficient in a number of areas under the new facilities standards. Only four years after a massive renovation which still burdened it, Rochester Community Baseball abruptly faced a mandatory upgrade of its ballpark - one which could cost several million dollars.

It was more than apparent that the franchise could not afford the needed repairs. Even without the fiscal concerns of the new requirements, RCB was on shaky financial footing. This time it was clear that public assistance was needed for the franchise to remain in Rochester.

The issue of build new versus renovate was revisited and seemed like a replay of the early '80s. This time, however, city, county and state officials were actively involved, and the issue became a political football. Three different elected figures needed to be on the same page for public financing to get off the ground, and all three had different ideas on how to remedy the situation.

The debate entered the public realm and at times was divisive and ugly. Faced with rising taxes, a declining state economy and faltering schools, many Rochesterians questioned the wisdom of spending tax money on a new stadium. The process dragged and the International League president warned RCB that it could lose its franchise. Neighboring counties jumped into the fray, submitting proposals for their own stadiums. An out-of-town buyer was confirmed as ready to purchase and move the team to Maryland.

The early 1990s saw no powerhouse teams on the playing field of the much-maligned stadium. The Red Wings missed the post-season in three of four seasons, despite fine performances by such players as Mike Mussina, Jeff Manto, Luis Mercedes, Sherman Obando and Tommy Hinzo. Yet in their one playoff year, the Wings brought back memories of the 1960s, capturing the division title on the final day. The nostalgia of another decade - the '70s - was evoked when Joe Altobelli returned to the team, becoming the first man to be a player, manager and general manager of the franchise.

Perhaps finally aware of the difficulties facing the franchise, Rochester baseball fans made their concern known by returning to the park, reversing the downward trend in attendance. Last-minute proposals and back-room deals led to a consensus on a downtown stadium site, and planning began in earnest once state funding, never a certainty, was approved.

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