Yonkers Hoot Owls

Although it was the fourth-most populous city in New York, Yonkers had not hosted pro ball since having a Class C team in the Hudson River League in 1907.

Leone and the Northeast League would immediately start their short relationship off on the wrong foot: she wanted to call the team the Blue Bandits, but the league, who had already come up with the Hoot Owls name and logo for the abortive Mount Vernon team, forced her to name them the Yonkers Hoot Owls.

[citation needed] Unable to find a professional-quality stadium in Yonkers, Leone made plans for the Hoot Owls to play their home games at Fleming Field.

As it would turn out, overflow crowds in Yonkers were never a problem, especially since general admission tickets were a pricey six dollars, highest-priced in the NEL.

Also, Leone was unable to gain support from local businesses; the outfield walls were nearly empty of advertisements, as were the game programs.

WFAS radio broadcast from a card table at the top of the bleachers with Ryan Patrick and Mike Hayes calling the action.

Former Cincinnati Reds outfielder Leo Garcia was alleged to have played for the Owls, seven years removed from his last major league contest.