Tri-City Valleycats Statement

TROY, NY – 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. 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 their affiliate to prioritize player development as evidenced by the 80+ former ‘Cats who have made it to Major League Baseball, the team’s eight Stedler Division titles, and three New York-Penn League championships. 

In looking ahead, the Tri-City ValleyCats are committed to providing professional baseball to the Capital Region and will remain an active member of this community.  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.

We expect to have more details to announce regarding our plans in the near future and look forward to welcoming fans back to the ballpark in 2021. 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.”