The Renegades and Rays Extend PDC Through 2012
The Renegades have been the only short-season A team for Tampa. The Renegades partnership began in 1996 with a split development agreement between the Rays and Texas Rangers.
Throughout the last 14 years the Rays have provided the Hudson Valley with countless future major league players in a string of talented clubs. Dutchess Stadium played home to a New York-Penn League Championship in 1999, witnessed major league All-Star Josh Hamilton wearing a Renegades jersey (twice, 1999 and 2006), and was the first stop for Rays All-Star Evan Longoria (2006).
Throughout the Renegades 16 year history (14 of those years with Tampa Bay) fans have seen numerous ex-Renegades grace major league ballparks. Besides the two players mentioned above, other standout names that have made it to the big leagues are Kevin Brown (the first Renegade to make it to the big leagues), Scott Posednik (the only ex-Renegade to win a World Series), Wade Davis, James Shields, Andy Sonnanstine, Dan Wheeler, Jared Sandberg (current Renegades Manager) and Doug Waechter.
"The Rays have built one of the best minor league systems in all of baseball," said General Manager Eben Yager. "We are extremely proud and excited to be affiliated with a class organization the caliber of the Tampa Bay Rays."
The Rays, based primarily on their stellar development skills, have elevated to a perennial contender in the Major Leagues. In 2008 the Rays took home their first American League Championship and first World Series birth on talent that was cultivated in their minor leagues.
The Renegades are proud to once again affiliate with the Tampa Rays, and wish them luck in their pursuit of a World Championship.