Nellie and Robbie Nichols are the owners of the Batavia Muckdogs. Having found success in Elmira with the Pioneers at historic Dunn Field and the Enforcers at First Arena, the Nichols embarked on a new mission to bring baseball back to Batavia.
The Nichols have been a part of Elmira, NY as well as the sports community since 2006 when Robbie was the GM of the then Elmira Jackals and First Arena. When Robbie came on board the Jackals were coming off their worst attendance year as a franchise. In the following six years attendance would not dip below 3300 at First Arena making it the place to be on game nights as they led the ECHL in sellouts!
After leaving the Jackals the Nichols’ moved to take over the Elmira Pioneers. Initially with a partner they had a goal of mirroring the success Robbie had with the Jackals to a baseball franchise. Through hard work, determination, and a family atmosphere the Pioneers have led the PGCBL and rank second or third in the country averaging over 3,000 fans per home game.
Nellie Franco Nichols grew up in California, where she was a big LA Dodgers fan. “I love to see families getting outside and there is nothing better than going to a sporting event as a family.” Nellie’s rabid support of the franchise is second to none and a huge key to the success the team has had, which she carries over to FirstArena and the Elmira Enforcers.
The Nichols have 4 children, Tabbatha, Kane, Witley, and Donny and four beautiful grandchildren, Ava,Eliana, Bruno, and Jack. The Nichols have also been foster parents for over 20 years and have fostered many great children in the Elmira area.
“If you have room in your home and room in your heart, PLEASE become a Foster Parent.”
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