Dutchess County could’ve lost the fan-favorite team in minor league restructuring. Now an affiliate of the Yankees, the future looks brighter than ever.
Hudson Valley Renegades play after more than a year of being sidelined
News 12 Staff
Updated on:May 11, 2021, 10:34pm EDT
The Hudson Valley Renegades are back after more than a year of being sidelined.
Dutchess County Stadium hasn t hosted a game or seen fans in its stands for more than 600 days, but all that changed Tuesday night as Renegades hit the field for their first home game of the season against the Aberdeen IronBirds.
The Renegades are doing it with a new uniform and new high-A affiliation with the New York Yankees.
To currently get into the stadium, fans will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within the last 72 hours.
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The partnership will ensure that Charleston continues its connection to Major League Baseball after the organization restructured its minor league system in November and New York shifted its teams closer to home. The RiverDogs have been waiting since to see who would pick them up for the 2021 season.
The new contract will make Charleston a Class A affiliate of the 2020 American League Champions for the next 10 years, and they will be one of 120 teams to continue their direct MLB affiliation, a reduction from last season’s 160. Previously, Charleston was an affiliate of Tampa Bay from 1997-2004.
Jeff Goldklang, president of the RiverDogs’ ownership group, is thrilled by the invitation.