FATE OF THE ‘CATS?
ValleyCats and area pols continue ninth inning rally for new MLB affiliate
To quote the late legendary Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra, “it’s getting late early.” That phrase applies to meteorological winter ( please come back Daylight Saving Time!) and to the Tri- City ValleyCats. As is the case with many other teams and cities, the ‘Cats are waiting with bated breath to discover their fate in attempting to remain affiliated with a Major League Baseball (MLB) team.
“We’re really in the same place that we’ve been in. We continue to work behind the scenes and work with some of our elected officials locally and across the state to try to make sure that Major League Baseball understands how important professional baseball is to the Capital Region,” ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan said on the team’s efforts to obtain a new MLB parent club.
“We’re also reaching out to a variety of contacts throughout the industry to try to make sure that we’re under consideration and in the best position to maintain an affiliation. Really at this point, we’re waiting to hear back from Major League Baseball and what that final list of 120 teams will look like,” Callahan added on how they and many other teams across the baseball landscape are awaiting the final verdict on the new minor-league structure.
The ValleyCats had been the short- season A affiliate of the Houston Astros
since moving from Pittsfield, Mass. to South Troy in 2002. The move to the brand new Joseph L. Bruno Stadium brought back affiliated baseball to the Capital Region for the first time since the Double-A Eastern League Albany- Colonie Yankees last called the area home in 1994.
Under MLB’s proposed reorganization plan, minorleague baseball is being reduced from 160 clubs to 120. Hence, under the plan, the
New York - Pennsylvania League, along with some others, will cease to exist.
Yet, when it comes to the organization, market, and facilities, Callahan noted all feedback they’ve been receiving has been positive thus far.
“Our reputation throughout the industry both across minor- league and major league baseball is positive and that comes through in all of the conversations that
we’ve had at various levels of the industry,” Callahan said.
“The only feedback that we’ve received has been positive in terms of the way that our organization operated, the facility as a whole, and the market itself,” Callahan continued on different metrics.
“I think with the changing standards that Major League Baseball is going to pass on to Minor League Baseball there’s going to be upgrades required in most minor league facilities across the next couple of years but there hasn’t been anything specific in our facility that’s been highlighted as a problem or a challenge at this point,” Callahan noted regarding “The Joe.”
Along with the ValleyCats organization, many local political leaders are stepping up to make a push to keep the club with an MLB affiliation.
Last month, U. S. Sen.
Chuck Schumer voiced his support for the ValleyCats to remain affiliated. U. S. Rep. Paul Tonko and Troy Mayor Patrick Madden also wrote MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, imploring him to keep Tri- City in the minor-league mix.
Madden spoke to the economic vitality of the team which exceeds $55 million to the area. Plus, the team’s output helps create and maintain hundreds of local jobs while generating $2.4 million in indirect business taxes and economic activity in the Capital Region. Additionally, the organization’s 175+ volunteer and fundraiser appearances have yielded approximately $500,000 for community organizations.
“For the last 18 years, the Tri- City ValleyCats have remained one of the most popular and successful baseball teams in the northeastern United States,” Madden said. “Thousands of fans have attended games at “The Joe” throughout the season, stimulating the local economy, creating jobs, and generating millions in economic activity in Troy and across the Capital Region.
“Both on and off the field the ValleyCats have demonstrated they’re more than just a baseball team, giving back through donations, volunteer work, and financial contributions to charities. Regardless of the model the team pursues moving forward, we’re confident that local baseball fans will continue to support the ValleyCats for many seasons to come.”
Echoing those sentiments was Troy City Councilmember Eileen McDermott, whose District 6 includes Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.
“Summertime baseball at ‘The Joe’ is a yearly tradition enjoyed by thousands of Capital Region baseball fans each year. The team provides a family-friendly atmosphere where local families can enjoy a fun, affordable night out. As the representative in District 6, where the ValleyCats’ stadium is located, I know firsthand the impact the team has on our local economy, businesses, and community. I’m hopeful that Major League Baseball will maintain their affiliation with the ValleyCats, and look forward to supporting the ‘Cats in 2021 and beyond,” McDermott explained.
So too did Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin.
“The ValleyCats are a summer tradition in Rensselaer County and the region. So many great players started as Cats and so many memories [ have been] made at the Joe. We want to do whatever we can to keep the Cats playing here in the county and have reached out to team management to offer our help,” McLaughlin added in support of the club.
One certainly can’t fault Capital Region baseball fans if MLB decides to snub the area. Since 2002, nearly 2.5 million fans have walked through the turnstiles. Plus, since 2010, the team has averaged 4,196 fans per game or 93% of capacity. Additionally, the past five seasons have seen the club place in the top three in league attendance.
That box office success has been matched on the field as well. The franchise has won three NYPL titles and produced more than 80 major- league players thus far. Some of those players include household names such as Jose Altuve, George Springer, Dallas Keuchel, Ben Zobrist, and Hunter Pence.
Whatever the final outcome yields, Callahan remains confident that the ValleyCats brand and mission will enable them to succeed moving forward.
“Yes we do [feel confident with operations] and that’s our goal and we’ve been pretty consistent with this is to maintain professional baseball in the Capital Region and here at The Joe,” Callahan said.
“Our preference and our current efforts are to maintain an affiliation but there are other opportunities if we’re not part of the 120 teams,” Callahan continued.
“What we really are committed to is providing the same experience that we have provided here at the ballpark, I don’t think any of that will change. Obviously, the dynamics of the on-field will change but I think we can adjust and handle that if we have to go down that road,” Callahan explained.
Callahan also thanked the fans and community for their continued support and was confident that “The Joe” will remain a source of fun-filled baseball entertainment for many summers to come.
“In general, we’ve been blessed to have tremendous fan and community support within the Capital Region,” Callahan added. “That’s something that we’re grateful for and we’re proud of and we feel that we’ll be able to continue with that, hopefully as an affiliated team.
“But if not you know I don’t think that changes the core of who we are and what we try to do in terms of being an active member of the community and trying to provide a fun and affordable place for families across the region to come during the summer.”