ValleyCats Lose Major League Affiliation
Considering Joining An Independent Professional League
According to General Manager Matt Callahan the Tri-City ValleyCats organization has learned that the team will not receive a Player Development License (PDL) as part of Major League Baseball’s plan to restructure the Minor League system. The plan will eliminate short-season baseball and reduce the number of affiliated teams from 160 to 120. The team will continue to operate at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium and is in the process of evaluating other options to maintain professional baseball in the Capital Region.
“The ValleyCats are surprised and disappointed to learn of this decision by Major League Baseball as our organization has worked hard to develop a top-notch reputation across all levels of the industry. The first-class facilities at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium have been in compliance with MLB standards and our operation has always balanced the on-field, player development needs with the fan entertainment experience” said Mr. Callahan. “We have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with the Houston Astros, one that has spanned multiple owners and five general managers at the big league level. The ValleyCats have consistently worked with its affiliate to prioritize player development as evidenced by the 80 plus former ‘Cats who have made it to Major League Baseball, the team’s eight Stedler Division titles and three New York-Penn League championships.
Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin joined Mr. Callahan in his sentiments about MLB’s decision, telling The Eastwick Press “We are obviously disappointed by the news with the ValleyCats. The ValleyCats are one of the great summer traditions here in Rensselaer County and so many memories have been made at the Joe on summer nights watching the stars of tomorrow.”
“We are committed to the ValleyCats and keeping professional baseball at the Joe. We hope the community is also supportive, and helps the ‘Cats stay competitive and fun in the future,” added McLaughlin.
In looking ahead, the Tri-City ValleyCats are also committed to providing professional baseball to the Capital Region and will remain an active member of this community. GM Callahan tells The Eastwick Press they are looking into the possibility of joining one of the two independent professional baseball leagues that operate in the Northeast, those being the Atlantic and Frontier Leagues. He hopes to have more information by the end of the year.
In his statement released on Wednesday, December 9, Mr. Callahan said “we are grateful for the continued support of our fans, partners, and the community as a whole. It is that support that has consistently placed our franchise near the top of the league in attendance over the past decade. That support is also the reason that we did not feel as though MLB’s proposal to convert the New York-Penn League into an amateur, collegiate-showcase league was an acceptable alternative for our fans, franchise, and market.”
Despite a new format, the ValleyCats philosophy and mission will remain the same: “To develop fans for life by creating an experience that is affordable, fun, and entertaining, while in a safe and clean environment.”