In April 2016, the Utica Brewers officially changed their name to the Utica Blue Sox. This would be the first time in 15 years that the Blue Sox would be taking the field in Utica. Although the team had already played their first game under their new name the night before, which they won by a score of 5-2 on the road over defending PGCBL champion Mohawk Valley, it felt like the Blue Sox were truly back on June 3 when they faced the visiting Elmira Pioneers in their home opener. Not only did the Sox win the game, but they did so in dominant fashion. Utica shut Elmira out 7-0 as starting pitcher Brian Kavanagh tossed six scoreless frames with five hits and no walks allowed while relievers Mike Hope and Jack McClure allowed just one hit over the final three innings, also without allowing a walk, to seal the deal. On the offensive side, shortstop Joe Spitaleri, Kavanagh’s college teammate at LIU Post, had three hits and three RBIs to lead the way. The Blue Sox were officially back, and better than ever too.