John Catsimatidis Joins Staten Island Ferryhawks for Opening Weekend
Billionaire John Catsimatidis is stepping into the spotlight as he prepares to lead the Staten Island Ferryhawks, a minor league baseball team, for its opening weekend. He’s not just a name behind Gristedes supermarkets—his ties run deep with the conservative radio station WABC as well.
“Today is a really exciting day,” Catsimatidis, who has long supported the Yankees, shared with the Post on Friday.
His journey with the Ferryhawks, which he helped launch in 2022 to replace the Staten Island Yankees, began about four years ago when the Yankees approached him about becoming a partner. “I jumped at the chance. My grandfather took me to my first Yankees game when I was around six or eight,” he reminisced.
Catsimatidis, a notable figure in New York’s business and conservative circles, has played a significant role in establishing the team. The Ferryhawks call Staten Island University Hospital Community Park their home, a venue right by the Staten Island Ferry Terminal that was initially built in 1990 under Mayor Rudy Giuliani. The park has seen renovations since the team took over.
Looking ahead, Catsimatidis has expressed his wish to rename the park WABC Stadium, reflecting his radio station’s name. He envisions expanding the venue’s offerings to include concerts, festivals, and even soccer games.
“We really want this to be an all-around entertainment destination,” he stated. He also mentioned the possibility of introducing a minor league version of the famous Yankees-Mets Subway series. “The Mets have the Coney Island Cyclones, a minor league team, and it would be great to have a series with the Ferryhawks,” he added.
As for the opening weekend plans, the new owners have stated that if inclement weather hits Saturday’s game, they’ll hold a doubleheader on Sunday. “On Sundays, you can get two for the price of one!” Catsimatidis said with enthusiasm.
