April 8, 2008

Hudson Valley Baseball Classic Clinic Registration Form

FISHKILL, N.Y. -- During a conference call on Tuesday morning, officials from the Hudson Valley Renegades, Army Athletic Association and Marist College Athletic Department announced the details of the third annual WPDH Hudson Valley Baseball Classic, to be played between Army and Marist at Dutchess Stadium on April 30.

The inaugural WPDH Hudson Valley Baseball Classic was played at Dutchess Stadium on April 19, 2006, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of 2,619 - the largest to ever witness a college baseball game in the Hudson Valley. That figure was surpassed last May 2 when 3,016 streamed into Dutchess Stadium to watch the second WPDH Hudson Valley Baseball Classic.

The contest pits the Hudson Valley's lone Division I baseball programs, Army and Marist, and brings together residents and fan bases from neighboring communities for an evening of quality entertainment at the home of the area's lone minor league baseball team affiliated with a major league franchise, the Hudson Valley Renegades.

"Being new to the Hudson Valley, I've heard great things about the WPDH Hudson Valley Baseball Classic," said Hudson Valley Renegades General Manager Eben Yager. "The Renegades and I are excited to be a part of such a great community event again this year.'

For the third consecutive year, in conjunction with the WPDH Hudson Valley Baseball Classic, a free baseball clinic for boys and girls ages 8 to 18 will be conducted by players and coaches from both Army and Marist on the Dutchess Stadium playing field prior to the game from 4:00 to 4:50 p.m. The first 150 individuals to pre-register for the clinic will receive a T-shirt commemorating the event, while all those participating in the clinic will receive a voucher for a free ticket to a Renegades game later this summer. Those wishing to attend the clinic can pre-register at Army's official Web site (www.goARMYsports.com) or Marist's official Web site (www.GoRedFoxes.com) beginning at noon on Tuesday. Individuals can also register for the event on the day of the clinic at Dutchess Stadium. Last year's clinic was a rousing success, drawing nearly 200 area youths.

In a new twist this year, four youths who preregister and attend the pregame clinic will be selected at random to participate in on-field festivities during the game itself. Two lucky youngsters will accompany Army head coach Joe Sottolano and Marist head coach Dennis Healy to home plate to present lineup cards during the Umpires Meeting prior to the game. Two others clinic attendees will be chosen to hold the on-field microphone during the U.S. Military Academy and Marist Glee clubs' joint renditions of The Star Spangled Banner (pregame) and God Bless America (seventh-inning stretch).

All of the game-day features associated with a Hudson Valley Renegades home contest will be in operation for the Hudson Valley Baseball Classic once again, with Renegades' staff members shouldering their normal game-day details. "Rookie," "Rene" and "Rascal," the Renegades' popular family of mascots, will be attendance, joining mascots from both Marist and Army.

Pregame festivities will include an autograph session with players from both Army and Marist, an on-field Color Guard presenting colors and a contingent of the Marist and U.S. Military Academy Glee clubs singing the National Anthem. Additionally, members of the U.S. Military parachute team are scheduled to deliver the game ball, weather permitting. A spectacular fireworks show provided by Legion Fireworks Company will cap the evening. The impressive fireworks display will begin immediately following the on-field presentation of the Hudson Valley Baseball Classic Trophy to the team captains and head coach of the winning club.

"Marist is thrilled to be in the Hudson Valley Baseball Classic for the third straight year," stated Marist Athletic Director Tim Murray. "It is an honor to be associated with an event which has been so well-received in the Hudson River Valley community, and it is an honor to work with the United States Military Academy to make this event possible."

"The WPDH Hudson Valley Baseball Classic has proven to be a very popular event for both children and adults in the region," said Army Director of Athletics Kevin Anderson. "It is very important that we take every opportunity to expose our product and our cadets to the community, and we relish the chance to contribute to the area's youth. Once again, I'd like to thank the leadership of the Renegades, the folks at WPDH and Marist Athletic Director Tim Murray and his staff for their contributions in helping to make this a memorable evening. Those attending the event will not go home disappointed."

The game will be televised live in the Hudson Valley by both Time Warner and Cablevision, with live radio origination provided by WBNR (1260-AM) and WLNA (1420-AM). Separate game calls by broadcast crews from Army and Marist will be available via the schools' respective Web sites.

As in the past, there will be no admission charge for the event. However, complimentary tickets will be required to enter Dutchess Stadium on April 30. Tickets can be picked up at the Renegades offices, athletic departments at both Army and Marist and businesses across the Hudson Valley beginning later this week. Tickets will also be available for pickup at Dutchess Stadium the night of the Classic. Fans can contact the Hudson Valley Renegades (845-838-0094), Army Athletic Association (845-938-3303) or Marist Athletic Department (845-575-3321) for further information regarding ticket distribution policies and locations.

Sponsorship revenue as well as a portion of the concessions revenue will be donated by the Hudson Valley Renegades to the Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce, Poughkeepsie Area Chamber of Commerce and Orange Country Chamber of Commerce. Each chamber has received a significant donation from the Hudson Valley Renegades, courtesy of the WPDH Hudson Valley Baseball Classic, each of the past two years.

Batting practice for both teams will be open to the public with the sessions running from 5-6:10 p.m. Army will conduct its batting practice period from 4:55 to 5:30 p.m., followed by Marist from 5:30 to 6:05 p.m. Team autograph sessions will take place from 6:30-6:45 p.m. in the stands along both baselines.

Full team introductions and pregame festivities will follow with first pitch of the third annual WPDH Hudson Valley Baseball Classic scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Media members wishing to attend the contest should contact Bob Beretta, Army senior associate athletic director, to arrange credentials. In the event of inclement weather, the 2007 WPDH Hudson Valley Baseball Classic will be held on Tuesday, May 13.

For more information on the 2008 Hudson Valley Baseball Classic please visit the official Web sites of the Hudson Valley Renegades (www.hvrenegades.com), Army Athletic Association (www.goARMYsports.com) or Marist Athletic Department www.GoRedFoxes.com(.)