If rain washed away the original renovation plans of Pine Bush Little League’s Field 6, the stifling heat of seven days later wouldn’t dare. Just feet from the concession stand, the site of celebratory hot dogs for all ages, the field was given a full renovation courtesy of the Hudson Valley Renegades and Heritage Financial Credit Union (HFCU).

For three years, the Renegades’ Youth Field Betterment Program has donated time, supplies, and employees to improve a field within a local baseball or softball organization. On June 25, Pine Bush Little League became the first organization outside of Dutchess County to receive the grant. Dedicated in 1989, the Lee Sheeley Field was in use well before the Renegades came to the Hudson Valley. A greeting on the fist base dugout, the sign points to a legacy continued for decades.

For league vice president Chrissy Tobin, there is no better feeling than knowing the league can better serve families through such a gift. Parents and community sponsors otherwise contribute when league funds don’t cover full costs. This grant signifies thousands of dollars Pine Bush Little League won’t spend on field renovation. They can share it with the families. Equipment, concessions and other needs for the entire league, t-ball to seniors.

In a league where umpires canvass neighborhoods, baseball in hand, for prospective players, the community plays a massive role in the growth of its young people.

Each business that appears on outfield fences has donated something to Pine Bush Little League, said Tobin, whether time, equipment, or funds. From the teens who volunteer to local business owners who mow lawns and donate baseballs, the league runs on giving back. It means the league can continue providing an outlet for athletes to grow, to thrive on the diamond. To build friendships, leadership qualities, and lasting relationships.
“We created a really positive culture here in Pine Bush, where it’s competitive, but you want to see your friends win,” said Tobin.

Pine Bush Little League that offers scholarships for families who can’t afford the fees. A place that takes pride in dozens of players who return to volunteer at the close of their playing days. Others volunteer while actively participating in senior leagues. Umpires donate their time. Coaches, too. Many are alumni of the league, or hold a lifetime connection to the organization. Others have seen their children move up the Little League ranks, growing in ways that that aren’t measured in hits and wins. Players are free to socialize, build sportsmanship, meet kids from other neighborhoods. Self-esteem is boosted with every at-bat and word of encouragement from teammates and parents.

“Kids get to know each other on the baseball field before they meet in school, and I think it gives them a safe space to foster those friendships,” said Tobin. “So when they go on to middle school, and it can be really scary – or even up to high school – they already know other ballplayers from being on the field.”

In stifling late June heat, Renegades grounds and operations crews and hourly team members, along with HFCU representatives, were in high spirits. With good vibes blasting from speakers to making sure one another had sunscreen on, the team was ready. It was hot, and every minute mattered. The entire day of work was worth it for each team member, according to Renegades community relations manager, Jessica Levinson.

Orange County native Levinson holds a connection to this particular campaign, one of many community partnerships the minor league baseball team orchestrates across the Hudson Valley. Community is top priority for the Renegades, and a large part of the impact happens outside the stadium. An opportunity for team members to collaborate with the larger community is just as important as the game, according to Levinson.

“Being able to step away from the game itself and bring the way we work together into the community… it’s important for us to have that quality time,” she said.

Like each sponsor placard that each of Pine Bush’s outfield fences, the Renegades are a community-first organization. They are dedicated to the ballplayers of today, the ones hanging on dugout fences and giving their best effort each day in the dirt. The kids who show up for each practice, practice and play hard, and lift each other up when they are down.

For HFCU community relations specialist Cesar Rodriguez, the impact on today’s athletes that makes the difference.

“We wanted to try and revitalize [the field] and try to give back to the youth now,” said Rodriguez. “In reality, we help the youth now, and they become the best adults they could be.”

It couldn’t come at a better time, as the Pine Bush All-Stars are set to ring in their first series. Though rain washed away the original planned date, Renegades team made the magic happen the following week. Rakes in hand, they thought of everything. From fresh dirt and sod, down to a fresh green coats of paint on the bleachers. Friends and siblings will park themselves on those forest green benches alongside the parents supporting players and their peers. In an organization where safety and self-esteem are top priority, Pine Bush Little League will return this gift tenfold to the community it serves.