Stepping into the Pony Zone

On June 14th, Mirabito Stadium transformed into something extraordinary as the Binghamton Rumble Ponies honored one of their hometown heroes, Rod Serling, with a unique alternate identity: the Binghamton Creatures. The night was a tribute to the legendary creator of The Twilight Zone, a show that continues to captivate audiences decades after its original run.

The Creatures’ logo, inspired by the Twilight Zone episode “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” depicted a gremlin tearing apart an airplane wing—a fittingly eerie image for a night dedicated to Serling’s imaginative genius. For the occasion, the team adopted a grayscale color palette, reminiscent of the black-and-white television era, and welcomed fans to the “Pony Zone” with a twist on the show’s iconic introduction:

“You are now entering the Pony Zone. Rethink everything you know about sound, sight, and mind…as the Binghamton Rumble Ponies transform into the Binghamton Creatures.”

As the sun set over the stadium, fans poured in, eager to experience a night unlike any other. Themed activations throughout the evening gave our usual on-field show a Twilight Zone-worthy twist. But for me, the highlight of the night was delivering a monologue inspired by Rod Serling himself. Standing in the spotlight, I channeled his unmistakable voice and cadence, transporting all of us into a world where the lines between reality and imagination blurred.

The game itself was just as thrilling as the theme. In a dramatic finish, tied 7-7 in the bottom of the ninth, Ryan Clifford stepped up to the plate. With a runner on base, Clifford smashed a two-run homer, bringing in Rowdey Jordan and securing a 9-7 victory for the Creatures. The crowd erupted, their cheers echoing through the night, as we celebrated a walk-off win worthy of Serling’s storytelling brilliance.

Binghamton Creatures Night wasn’t just a tribute to a local legend—it was a celebration of imagination, nostalgia, and the unique magic of baseball