Upstate Hustle: A Homegrown Collaboration Rooted in Pride, Community

By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST
COOPERSTOWN

The partnership between Brewery Ommegang and Major League Baseball All‑Star infielder Ernie Clement didn’t begin in a boardroom or through a marketing pitch. It started with something far more organic: shared roots.

Clement and Ommegang’s Randy Scroger, personal friends, trace their identities to Upstate New York, and that common ground made their recent beverage collaboration feel not just natural, but inevitable.

“Brewery Ommegang is located in Cooperstown, the home of baseball, so naturally, this felt like a strong fit,” said Scroger, Ommegang’s national accounts director.

The brewery’s Cooperstown identity has always intertwined with the sport, but this partnership added a personal dimension. Scroger explained that his relationship with Clement, who is from Rochester and plays for the Toronto Blue Jays, opened the door to a genuine conversation about working together.

“The brand alignment was immediate,” he said. “We are extremely proud of our Upstate New York roots, and we know the same is true for Ernie.”

That shared pride became the foundation for Upstate Hustle, a limited‑edition lager crafted to celebrate Clement’s journey and the community that shaped him. What began as a personal connection “quickly evolved into a partnership that our entire organization and the broader Upstate community are incredibly proud of, as we root for a homegrown hero and celebrate the success he’s had.”

But the collaboration isn’t just about beer or baseball. It’s about giving back.

As part of the Upstate Hustle release, Ommegang selected Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester as the beneficiary of proceeds from sales of the lager—a choice driven by a desire to support inclusive sports opportunities in Clement’s hometown region.

“We’re honored to partner with Challenger Miracle Field on the release,” Scroger said. “It was important for all involved to give back to the Rochester community through the partnership.”

He highlighted the organization’s mission to build connection and community through accessible, inclusive sports.

“It’s one we are extremely proud to support,” Scroger added.

Ahead of the launch event in July, excitement has already taken hold among retailers and fans. Scroger described the early response as overwhelmingly positive.

“The response has been fantastic, and as more people get to know Ernie and his story, the excitement continues to grow,” he said.

Clement’s humility and character have helped make the partnership effortless.

“He is such a down‑to‑earth person and great role model; it’s easy to cheer for him.”

With Upstate Hustle, Ommegang isn’t just releasing a beer—they’re celebrating a region, uplifting a community, and honoring a hometown athlete whose story resonates far beyond the baseball field.

According to an Ommegang spokesperson, Upstate Hustle is crafted to feature a light cracker malt and mellow hop fruitiness.

“Leading off with crisp, dry malts that provide a solid foundation, while Nectaron, NY Excelsior, and NY Centennial hops rally for a mellow finish, this flavor profile strings the hits together just like Clement during a playoff run,” the product description reads.

Ommegang brewers recommend pairing Upstate Hustle with popcorn, peanuts and Cracker Jack, in true baseball fashion. Visit the Ommegang Beer Finder at https://www.ommegang.com/beer-finder/ for locations where the limited-edition brew is sold, including here in Otsego County.