Renegade Sense of Humor

Things are slow, so a little humor from the 'official' press release: "FISHKILL, N.Y. -- As a sign of support for maligned New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury, the Hudson Valley Renegades of the New York-Penn League are refusing to play any games in the month of May 2009. "We're just showing our support for bench players everywhere. If Stephon doesn't want to play we'll support that by not playing ourselves," said Renegades General Manager Eben Yager.

The short-season ballclub will resume play on June 19, 2009 versus the Aberdeen IronBirds. The following night on June 20, the Renegades will host a Tribute to Benchwarmers in an effort to show continued support for our favorite substitutes.

The first 1,500 fans will receive an opportunity to "grab some pine" upon entrance with their very own wooden seat cushion. A ceremony will honor famous bench players throughout all major sports, and between innings contests will include a Mark Madsen Dance-off and Over-the-Head Towel Twirling among others.

"Everybody has a soft spot in their heart for the guy at the end of the bench," said Yager. "I remember growing up a Detroit Pistons fan and seeing how everyone loved guys like Scott Hastings who never played but were important glue-guys for their teams. In light of recent events, we'd like to take the opportunity to pay homage to these players, and this seemed the best way for us to do so."

During the 2009 baseball season, the Renegades will also debut the Starbury Seats, a single bench seat at field level which is available for one fan per game. Purchase of the Starbury Seats includes two hot dogs, a bag of peanuts, popcorn a large soda and a bottled water along with a complimentary Renegades t-shirt which reads, "I Rode the Pine at The Dutch.""