FISHKILL – The Hudson Valley Renegades, a “High-A” affiliate team of the New York Yankees, played their home opener at Dutchess Stadium (The Dutch) on a chilly and windy Tuesday night. Their season began earlier in the month and came back to Fishkill with a record of four wins and five losses.
The changes in Minor League Baseball (MiLB) in the past few years have doubled the length of the season for the Renegades. The team is slated to play 132 games this year, including 66 games at “The Dutch”.
In 2021 the team finished at the top of the High-A East in the North Division with a record of 71 wins and 49 losses.
On opening night for 2022, the fans coming through the gate each received a team pennant to commemorate the accomplishment.
Renegades President/General Manager Steve Gliner was enthusiastic prior to the first pitch on Tuesday. “We’re not used to playing baseball here in April but we’re looking forward to a great season as we begin to return to normal after COVID. He also touted his appreciation for the partnership the team has with Dutchess County, the owner of the stadium. “It’s a great partnership and the county has worked diligently to help us keep up with the changes required by Minor League Baseball and the Yankees, in order to keep baseball here in the Hudson Valley.”
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and his family were part of the few hundred that walked through the gates to cheer the team on despite a temperature of 45 degrees chilled by wind gusts approaching 20 miles an hour.
“For over 30 years families, hundreds of thousands of families have enjoyed great family fun, great baseball, and have made memories here at Dutchess Stadium,” said the avid NY Mets fan. Not discouraged by the unpleasant weather, he added, “It will only get warmer and the season will get hotter as we get closer to summer.”
The Renegades beat the Brooklyn Cyclones 5-3 to begin their home season with a win.
Video of the first Renegades pitch at The Dutch in 2022:
