Rider University To Host Trenton Thunder This Season

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Rider University announced Monday it will host the Trenton Thunder for the 2021 season, as the team competes in the Major League Baseball Draft League.

“We are very proud to partner with Major League Baseball and the Trenton Thunder and serve as the team’s host for the inaugural MLB Draft League season,” said Mike Reca, Rider Vice President for Facilities and University Operations.

“Fans are going to have a great opportunity to see these top prospects compete up close while visiting our beautiful campus in Lawrenceville.”

The new MLB Draft League is the first league in the country focused on top prospects eligible to be drafted by MLB clubs.

As host, Rider University will support the Thunder’s on- and off-field operations, the university said in a media release.

They will manage game-day operations, including field management, scorekeeping and concessions. Rider will also provide housing for players and some of the coaching staff.

The team will call Rider's Sonny Pittaro Field their home.

"We are very grateful to Rider University for all they are doing to welcome our Draft League team on their campus,” said Kerrick Jackson, president of the MLB Draft League.

“We truly appreciate all they have done to ensure our inaugural Draft League season goes well for our Thunder, by making several of their top-notch facilities available to our players, fans and officials."

Trenton Thunder was the New York Yankees’ affiliate from 2003 until becoming a founding member of the MLB Draft League.

The organization is also hosting the Buffalo Bisons, the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, in Trenton for the 2021 season.

"The campus and facilities at Rider University will be a great home for the Draft League players and coaches as they prepare to showcase their talents for the upcoming MLB Draft," said Jeff Hurley, Trenton Thunder General Manager and Chief Operating Officer.

The inaugural season of the MLB Draft League will consist of 68 games, 34 home and away for each club, with opening day on May 24 and the final regular-season game being played Aug. 13.

The Thunder's first game at Rider will be May 26 against the Williamsport Crosscutters.

There is no charge for attendance and no ticket is required. Seating is first-come, first-served.

For more information, including a full league schedule, visit rider.edu/draft-league.

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