On October 1, 2000 the team known as the Pittsfield Mets became the Pittsfield Astros. On September 13, 2000, National Pastime Corporation, which has the New York-Penn League franchise in Pittsfield, MA, and the Houston Astros entered into a player development agreement that officially began October 1, 2000. The team will play the 2001 baseball season in Pittsfield and then move, in 2002, to a new stadium to be constructed at Hudson Valley Community College in Rensselaer County, Troy, New York.
“We are delighted to become associated with the Astros,†said National Pastime Corporation President Bill Gladstone. “I have known Houston Astros General Manager Gerry Husicker for many years and know how he and his entire organization stand for quality and winning baseball.â€
“The Astros have had championship minor league teams at virtually every level over the past three years†said Rick Murphy, Vice-President and General Manager of the National Pastime Corporation franchise. “Their minor league operations led by Tim Purpura have been a model for the relationship between a major league club and a minor league affiliate.â€
The Pittsfield team’s agreement with the New York Mets expires on September 30, 2000. The new affiliate will be known as the Pittsfield Astros. When the team moves to Troy in 2002 a new name will be selected with input from the fans in the New York Capital Region.
“We are thrilled with our new affiliation,†added Houston Astros General Manager Gerry Hunsicker. “I know from my tenure with the Mets that Bill Gladstone has the highest integrity, runs a very professional operation and is in this business for the right reasons. This will be a winning combination.â€
“We are excited to be adding the Pittsfield Astros to our player development program,†said Tim Purpura, Houston Astros Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Development. “We feel that the Pittsfield organization has the best interest of our players and staff in mind and we look forward to working with them in Pittsfield next year and in Troy, NY in 2002. The Houston Astros have high standards for the type of Minor League affiliates that we have, and we are confident that the Pittsfield Astros will meet those high standards.â€
In twelve seasons in the New York-Penn League, 36 Pittsfield Mets made it to the Major Leagues. Currently, there are 20 former Pittsfield Mets playing in the majors (photos of all 20 appear below).
For the last 19 years, the Astros New York-Penn League affiliate was in Auburn, NY. The Auburn Astros, and more recently Doubledays, have had success getting players to the majors as well. Some of the more notable names are perennial all-star Kenny Lofton, all-star Luis Gonzalez, 1999 Rolaids Reliever of the Year Billy Wagner, Shane Reynolds, and budding stars Julio Lugo, Wade Miller, Chris Holt and Chris Truby.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
click for more
