POUGHKEEPSIE, New York --Â Marist, Army West Point, and the Hudson Valley Renegades have announced details for the 13th annual Z93.3 Hudson Valley Baseball Classic.
The contest between the Red Foxes and Black Knights is set to take place Wednesday, April 25 at the Renegades' home ballpark, Dutchess Stadium. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. and admission is free of charge, however, a ticket is required for admission. Tickets are available HERE.
"It's a tremendous opportunity for Marist to be involved with the Hudson Valley Baseball Classic for the 13th straight year," Marist Director of Athletics Tim Murray added. "We've always had a great appreciation for the level of excitement and attention generated in the community, and it is extremely satisfying for our administration, student-athletes, and fans. I look forward to another great game at Dutchess Stadium. I'd like to thank the Army Athletic Association, the Hudson Valley Renegades, Chuck Benfer and the iHeartMedia group of the Hudson Valley, and all of our sponsors for making this event successful."
Prior to the start of the game, there will be a free baseball clinic held for boys and girls ages kindergarten through eighth grade beginning at 4:50 p.m. and running until 5:35 p.m. The on-field clinic will be conducted by players and coaches from both Army and Marist.
Fans can sign up for this special event by clicking HERE. Anyone who pre-registers will receive a t-shirt commemorating the Classic, while all those participating in the clinic will receive a free ticket to a Renegades game. Registration will be made available the day of the game as well.Â
"We are thrilled to once again be a part of this great game between these two great schools," Renegades Executive Vice President and General Manager Eben M. Yager said. "This our 13th annual and it gets better every year."
Four kids who attend the clinic will be selected at random to participate in promotions during the game itself. Two lucky youngsters will accompany Army's head coach Jim Foster and Marist head coach Chris Tracz toÂ
home plate for the umpires meeting and the presentation of the lineup cards. The two remaining special guests will be chosen to hold the on-field microphone for the singing of the national anthem (pregame) and God Bless America (seventh-inning stretch).
There will also be a special post game fireworks presentation by Legion Fireworks Co. starting immediately following the on-field presentation of the Z93.3 Hudson Valley Baseball Classic Trophy to the team captains and head coach of the winning team.
"We're excited to be back for the 13th-straight edition of the Hudson Valley Baseball Classic," Army West Point Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan said. "It's a great tradition that allows our cadet-athletes the chance to interact with the local community, while entertaining them under the lights at Dutchess Stadium. I'd like to thank the Hudson Valley Renegades, Marist, and our athletic department staff for working together to make this a successful event."
ABOUT THE CLASSIC:
The game, featuring the Hudson Valley's only two Division I baseball programs, is played at the home of the area's lone minor league baseball team, the Hudson Valley Renegades.
The inaugural 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 at that time.
Army is coming off two straight wins in the series with a 4-1 victory over Marist last season. The Black Knights now hold the 7-5 all-time edge in the classic.
ABOUT GAMEDAY:
All game day features associated with a Hudson Valley Renegades home contest will be in operation for the event. "Rookie", "Rene" and "Rascal", the Renegades' popular family of mascots, will also be in attendance, joining Frankie the Red Fox from Marist and Blackjack the Mule from Army.
Pregame festivities will include an autograph session with players from both teams, an on-field Color Guard presentation of the colors and a performance of the national anthem by the Army and Marist Glee Clubs.Â
Fans who cannot make it to Dutchess Stadium can watch the game for free on the Patriot League Network.
Live radio for the contest will be provided as well. The Army call will be available on WBNR (1260-AM) and WNLA (1420-AM) and also through GoArmyWestPoint.com.
Batting practice for both teams will be open to the public with the sessions running from 3:30-4:45 p.m. As the designated home team for the game, Marist will conduct its batting practice period from 3:30-4:05 p.m., followed by Army from 4:05-4:45 p.m. The team autograph sessions will take place from 6:00-6:15 p.m. in the stands along both baselines.
Full team introductions and pregame festivities will then occur prior to first pitch.
Hudson Valley Baseball Classic Results:
2017 – Army West Point 4, Marist 1
2016 – Army West Point 8, Marist 3
2015 – Marist 3, Army West Point 2
2014 – Army West Point 4, Marist 2
2013 – Army West Point 10, Marist 3
2012 – Marist 6, Army West Point 3
2011 – Marist 15, Army West Point 7
2010 – Army West Point 4, Marist 3
2009 – Army West Point 10, Marist 3
2008 – Marist 11, Army West Point 2
2007 – Marist 7, Army West Point 6
2006 – Army West Point 6, Marist 1