The 2026 class is the 30th induction class of the Binghamton Baseball Shrine
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – The Binghamton Rumble Ponies, Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets, announced on Monday that three distinguished members will be inducted into the Binghamton Baseball Shrine as part of its 30th induction class. The class includes former Binghamton Mets team president Michael Urda, longtime team chaplain Tom O'Connor, and former Major League pitcher and Windsor High School baseball coach Joel Bennett.
The Binghamton Baseball Shrine began honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to baseball in the Greater Binghamton community during the 1993 season. This year's class marks the 30th group of inductees and they will be celebrated on Saturday September 5 at 5:30 p.m. from Mirabito Stadium before Binghamton plays host to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
Michael Urda
Urda served as the primary owner of the Binghamton Mets from 1994 through December 2015, as part of the Binghamton Mets Baseball Club ownership group, alongside George Scherer, Bill Maines, and David Maines.
A Binghamton native and graduate of Binghamton Central High School, Urda was a successful local businessman who operated Elliott Manufacturing before purchasing the Binghamton Mets. During his ownership, the Binghamton Mets captured Eastern League championships in 1994 and 2014.
Urda also oversaw several improvements to the ballpark, including the installation of a digital video scoreboard in 2007, and played a pivotal role in keeping the franchise in Binghamton amid relocation discussions over the years.
Tom O'Connor
O'Connor has served as the team chaplain since 2003 and continues in that role today with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
A former athletic director at Davis College in New York, O'Connor provided spiritual and emotional support to players, coaches, and staff. Throughout his 20+ years as the team chaplain with Double-A Binghamton, he has developed countless lifelong relationships while serving generations of players as they pursued their professional baseball careers.
Joel Bennett
A Binghamton native and Windsor Central High School graduate, Bennett was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 21st round of the 1991 MLB Draft out of East Stroudsburg University.
His professional playing career spanned 17 seasons. Bennett led all of Minor League Baseball with 221 strikeouts in 1993 before making his Major League debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 1998. He also spent time with the Philadelphia Phillies organization.
Since 2002, Bennett has been a physical education teacher in the Windsor Central School District and has dedicated more than 20 years to coaching middle school and high school baseball. He was inducted into the Greater Binghamton Sports Hall of Fame in 2024.
Additional details regarding the induction ceremony will be announced at a later date.
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 5:20 p.m. to see the pregame induction ceremonies, which will be emceed by legendary broadcaster Roger Neel.
For tickets to all remaining home games in the regular season, visit www.BINGRP.com, call (607)-722-3866, or visit the Visions Federal Credit Union Starting Gate Box Office at Mirabito Stadium.