3rd Annual Education Day exhibition set for June 15

TROY, NY - The Tri-City ValleyCats will host their 3rd annual Education Day game at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium on Wednesday, June 15 at 10:00 a.m.. The ValleyCats, a Class A affiliate of the Houston Astros, will host the Albany Dutchmen of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League in an exhibition match-up geared towards local schools.

The ValleyCats will use the game to demonstrate how S.T.E.M. and other academic subjects integrate with the game of baseball while also providing a platform to educate students on anti-bullying and character development. This program includes a specially created, downloadable curriculum that is currently available for local schools on the ValleyCats website. These educational initiatives will be highlighted through unique educational displays and features at the stadium throughout the day of the event.

In the past, Education Day at "The Joe" has drawn sell-out crowds, with over 30 Capital Region schools attending the ballgame.

"We are excited to host our 3rd annual Education Day as the kick off to our 15th anniversary season," said Matt Callahan, ValleyCats General Manager. "This exhibition game provides unique learning opportunities for students from all across the Capital Region, all while in a fun-filled environment."

Several local organizations have helped support these field trips for local schools over the past few years, including Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Noble Gas Solutions, Transfinder, and St. Peter's Health Partners' Sexual Assault & Crime Victims Assistance Program.

"We're excited to continue our relationship with the ValleyCats with this exhibition game," Dutchmen Vice President / General Manager Jason Brinkman said. "Last season's game was a monumental success for both clubs, and we're pleased to partner up again for a great day of baseball with students from across the Capital Region."

The program will include fun activities to educate students in areas such as mathematics, history and geography, while demonstrating their real world applications. This will include items on the geometry and dimensions of the field, player statistics and mileage charts for travel between the various cities throughout the New York-Penn League, historical ties to baseball in the Capital Region, and more.

The ValleyCats front office, along with loveable mascot SouthPaw and his friends, will create an atmosphere of inclusion, education and fun.

Schools interested in attending Education Day at "The Joe" should contact the ValleyCats front office at 518-629-CATS. Each student will receive a ticket and lunch. Individual tickets for all of the ValleyCats 2016 home games go on sale Monday, April 4 at 10:00 a.m.