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
Winter Storm Warning Issued for Berkshires
Another snowstorm is expected to move through the region overnight on Friday, bringing 5 to 8 inches of snow. This is updated from Thursday's winter weather advisory.
The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., has posted a winter storm warning for all of Berkshire County and parts of eastern New York State beginning Friday at 4 p.m. through Saturday at 1 p.m.
The region could see heavy to moderate snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour overnight, tapering off Saturday morning to flurries.
Drivers should exercise caution on Friday night and Saturday morning, as travel conditions may be hazardous.
Saturday night should be clear and calm, but warming temperatures means freezing rain Sunday night and rain through Monday with highs in the 40s. The forecast isn't much better through the week as temperatures dip back into the teens with New Year's Eve looking cloudy and frigid.
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
