ValleyCats and Astros extend PDC through 2010

TROY, N.Y. - The Tri-City ValleyCats and Houston Astros announced on Friday that the club has extended its Player Development Contract (PDC). The two year extension continues the affiliation with the Astros and ValleyCats through the 2010 season.

The ValleyCats have been an affiliate of the Houston Astros all seven years of its organization's history, winning the New York-Penn League's Stedler Division in 2004 and 2006. The ValleyCats have welcomed over 800,000 fans to Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in its seven years of existence, setting attendance records in each of the past four seasons. The organization is on pace this season to surpass the all-time attendance record of 136,809, set last season.

"We are extremely excited about continuing our relationship with the Tri-City ValleyCats, both personally and professionally," said Astros Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Development Ricky Bennett. "Bill Gladstone, Rick Murphy and their staff do a great job creating an environment that's conducive to developing winning ballplayers."

"On behalf of Rick Murphy and myself, we are delighted to renew our affiliation with the Houston Astros," said ValleyCats President Bill Gladstone. "Our new Player Development Agreement, which runs until the end of the 2010 season, will bring our outstanding relationship with the Astros to ten rewarding years."

In honor of the two year extension with the Astros, the ValleyCats will don Houston Astros jerseys tonight as they face the Boston Red Sox affiliate Lowell Spinners. The game-worn jerseys will then be autographed by each respective player and be auctioned throughout Saturday evening's game. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.