A HOME RUN!

Catholic Charities partners with ValleyCats; team will donate $30 for every victory this season

Sister Betsy Van Deusen, Catholic Charities CEO, throws out the first pitch - yes it was a strike! - before a Tri-City ValleyCats game on June 26 after announcing a partnership with the team. (Photo provided)

ALBANY – Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, one of the largest, private, social service agencies in the region, is partnering with the Tri-City ValleyCats professional baseball team throughout the 2025 season to raise support and awareness for the underserved population within the Capital Region and beyond.

The ValleyCats will donate $30 to Catholic Charities for each win they secure during their 2025 campaign, which will help to strike out homelessness, hunger and so much more within the 14 counties served by Catholic Charities.

“Catholic Charities is thrilled to partner with one of the most successful professional sports franchises in the Capital Region as a meaningful way to continue our mission of serving those in need in our own backyard,” Catholic Charities CEO Sister Betsy Van Deusen said. “The ValleyCats’ impact within the local community is invaluable and guarantees that this partnership is the ultimate home run.”

Prior to the start of the June 26 matchup featuring the ValleyCats against the Ottawa Titans, Sister Betsy tossed out the ceremonial first pitch, while Catholic Charities collected donations on the concourse at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.

Volunteers and representatives of Catholic Charities will return to the stadium on Friday, July 25, for a second tabling event on the concourse when the ValleyCats host Quebec, which will feature a fireworks extravaganza following the conclusion of the game.

“For more than two decades, the Tri-City ValleyCats have brought professional baseball, thrilling entertainment, and significant community support to the Capital Region,” Tri-City ValleyCats President Rick Murphy said. “We are proud to partner with Catholic Charities by helping to raise awareness and by contributing financially to their important work with each victory by the ValleyCats this season.”

Founded in 2002 and located in nearby Troy, the Tri-City ValleyCats are currently members of the Frontier League, which has served as an MLB Partner League since 2020.

Established in 1917 as a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Albany, Catholic Charities helps an estimated 80,000 people each year across the 14 local counties that it serves, with the majority of these individuals receiving multiple services with a total reach of services going well beyond 80,000. The 501c3 agency offers a wide spectrum of services, from addressing basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter; to more specialized support for the most vulnerable in the community, including individuals with developmental disabilities, pregnant and parenting teens, the unemployed, victims of domestic violence, and the homeless.