A new stadium, a new team and a new start for Staten Island.

Hundreds of fans filled the seats at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park for the FerryHawks' first home game. 

“The stadium not being open really was an eyesore, and for it to be open really is another place for our community to gather,” St. George resident Tatiana Arguello said. 

The ballfield next to the St. George Ferry was empty for over two years after Major League Baseball cut its affiliation with the former Staten Island Yankees. Those who came out to the field said this will be a home run for the borough.

“It’s Hawk city. I'm a day-one FerryHawks fan," West Brighton resident Kieran Reilly said. "Baseball has been gone since COVID. The Staten Island Yankees have been gone a long time, and it's good to see everyone come down here again."

The New York City Economic Development Corporation put $10 million towards improving the stadium alongside Staten Island entertainment. They say this will bring new life to the area.

"Fifty jobs for people who might not have had them before, most of them very local, and Staten Island needs opportunities for local small businesses and vendors," president and CEO Andrew Kimball said. "Over a dozen of them are participating at the stadium, whether it's food or local breweries, and it also means excitement for the North Shore and economic activity that will spill over into other local establishments.” 

Female baseball player Kelsie Whitmore made history on the team by becoming the first woman to play for the Atlantic League. Young girls in the crowd were waiting for her to step on the field.

John Magnuski came out to the game with his granddaughter.

“We used to come see the old Staten Island Yankees, and she wanted to come see the first female player," Magnuski said. "So we want to be here for this."

Some famous borough faces made it to the game, like Danny Mondello, better known as “Cug.”

“It's beautiful. They redid the whole stadium. Nothing but class around here," Mondello said. "They got a gorgeous view of the city, but not as gorgeous as Staten Islanders.”

The FerryHawks took on the Lexington Legends from Kentucky. They will play the next 11 games from home. Fans say they are excited that the Hawks have finally landed in their hometown.

The FerryHawks won 4-1 to the Lexington Legends, marking the first win for the team. Kelsie Whitmore scored the final run for the team.