In a morning press release from the Frontier League, it was announced the Tri-City ValleyCats were unanimously accepted as the league’s 16th member. The ValleyCats were previously members of the New York-Penn League as an affiliate of the Houston Astros.
The former Minor League team began play at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium during the 2002 season. The stadium is located on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York. Over the past five seasons, the ValleyCats have averages over 4,100 fans per game. During their time in MiLB, they won the New York-Penn League championship in 2010, 2013, and 2018 — also hosting the NYPL All-Star Game in both 2008 and 2017.
The franchise has been recognized with a variety of awards throughout the baseball industry along with personal accolades for key officials including President Rick Murphy, General Manager Matt Callahan, and AssistNt General Manager Michelle Skinner. In 2015, founder, Bill Gladstone was named King of Baseball in recognition for his longtime dedication and service to baseball.
Bill Lee, Frontier League Commissioner stated: “We are honored and excited to welcome the Tri-City ValleyCats to our league. They enjoy a tremendous reputation in professional baseball for their strong ownership and exemplary management. The ValleyCats also have a great fan base.”
He continued: “We are anxious for their fans to see Frontier League baseball. 2021 could not start better for the Frontier League than to have the ValleyCats join our family.”
ValleyCats President Rick Murphy stated: “We are excited to join the Frontier League and eager to start this new chapter in ValleyCats baseball. We feel that this opportunity is the best fit for our fans, franchise, and facility as we look forward.”
Murphy added: “We would also like to thank Commissioner Bill Lee, the entire leadership of the Frontier League, and the 15 other teams for welcoming us as new members.”
In addition to Lee and Murphy’s statements, Shawn Reilly, President of the New York Boulder’s commented: “The Boulders are thrilled with the addition of the ValleyCats to the Frontier League. The Gladstone family runs one of the best organizations in all of minor league baseball. Go have them join our League is very exciting and reinforces our league as the premier Major League Baseball Partner League. We look forward to many years of spirited competition to win the title as the best Frontier League team in New York State.”
Founded for the 1993 season, the Frontier League is the largest and longest running independent professional baseball league. An official Partner League of Major League Baseball, the Frontier League features 16 clubs stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River and from the Ohio River to the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Frontier League annually moves the most players into Major League Baseball organizations of any of the independent leagues.
fantastic . . . you got me interested in this league and now there is a team about a 3 hour drive away from me. So hopefully I’ll be able to make plans for a road trip this summer, maybe stop by the HOF on my way there or on the way back . . . . Go Valley Cats !!!