Ruta records message for fans stuck without baseball

Sporting what he called a quarantine beard, Yankees minor leaguer Ben Ruta delivered a message to Thunder fans who will have to wait to see the team in action.

In the short video tweeted out by the Thunder, the former West Windsor-Plains boro South standout said ,“Just letting you guys know that we’re thinking about you during this trying time and how much we miss you and appreciate your support.”

The MiLB season, which was scheduled to begin for the Thunder on April 9 at Arm& Hammer Park, has been delayed indefinitely because of the Covid-19 pandemic that has brought the sports world to a screeching halt.

“As you can see, I got my quarantine beard going, so you can see I’ m pretty bored as well,” Ruta said. “We’ll all get through this together. We’ re thinking about you and can’t wait to see you guys soon.”

Ruta quickly became one of the fan favorite sat Arm& Hammer Park last season thanks to all-out style of play and hometown ties. The 25-year-old batted .260 with eight homers, 55 RBIs and 25 stolen bases to help the Thunder win the Eastern League title for the fourth time in franchise history.

Just when Ruta or any of the other Yankee prospects return to the field is unknown. Major League Baseball took the procedural step of notify MiLB that the clubs were unable to supply the affiliates with players because of the shutdown.

On Tuesday, MLB agreed to pay minor league rs $400 per week through May 31 or until the season resumes.

MLB and MiLB have been locked in a nasty back-and-forth over the future of minor leagues that has spilled out into the public forum. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred proposed a plan to cut 42 of the 160 affiliated clubs, including two of the Thunder’s rivals in the Eastern League.

Those negotiations, however, have been pa used as the two sides deal with the global pandemic.

In the meantime, Thunder offices at Arm & Hammer Park have been closed since March 16 and all events have been postponed. Fans with questions can still contact the team by calling 609-304-3300 or emailing fun@trentonthunder.com

“Stay healthy ,” Rut a concluded ,“and see you soon.”