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Valley Blue Sox preview season and secure stadium and college contracts; team seeks more Holyoke host families
Summary
The Valley Blue Sox previewed the 2025 season to the DGR committee, highlighted broadcast and community outreach investments, and the committee approved the 2025 stadium lease with Parks & Rec and an Elms College contract; owner Matt Drury and incoming manager Andy Morales emphasized local ties and plans for Holyoke Millers nights.
The DGR Committee received a season preview from the Valley Blue Sox (New England Collegiate Baseball League) and approved city contracts for stadium use and a separate Elms College agreement for the 2025 season.
Owner Matt Drury described investments made for broadcast production (multi‑camera ESPN+ streaming), a mobile app and stadium backstop padding and said the organization now fields internships and community camps. Drury said the league is a top collegiate summer league and noted the Blue Sox have produced professional alumni, including seven players who reached Major League Baseball and nearly 90 professional alumni overall. Incoming head coach Andy Morales (video statement) said: “Very excited to be the next head coach for the Blue Sox. Very thrilled for the opportunity to go back to my hometown and back to an organization and a league that did so much for me.”
Drury and committee members discussed community partnerships, promotion, host families and stadium improvements. Committee members encouraged broader Holyoke civic engagement: Councilor Devine and others noted few host families are Holyoke residents and suggested outreach to Holyoke Media, the Chamber and local tourism partners to raise local participation. Drury said the club uses social media, road signs and Chamber connections to recruit host families and that most current hosts come from surrounding communities.
The committee considered two related agenda items: a proposed lease between the city (Parks & Recreation) and the Blue Sox, and a contract with Elms College for use of McKenzie Stadium. Late in the agenda the committee voted to approve both contracts and forward them for execution so the organizations can finalize plans ahead of the season. Councilors noted they intend revenues from the leases to be invested back into stadium maintenance; Parks & Recreation staff said recent repairs included dugout roof replacement and shed framing and that the city will continue to prioritize facility upgrades.
Committee members also recommended the Blue Sox continue to strengthen local marketing and to provide the city with schedules and promotional materials the city can distribute to attract visitors to Holyoke on game nights.
No formal vote was taken on sponsorships or event programming beyond contract approval; the committee recorded the contracts as approved and asked staff to finalize signatures so the season can proceed.
