Hudson Valley Renegades Unveil "Big Apples" Alternate Identity

The Hudson Valley Renegades, in a bid to celebrate the core aspects of their home state, have introduced a new alternate identity called the "Big Apples." This exciting unveiling took place at a gala event on Friday morning and marks a significant nod to both the region's rich apple heritage and the iconic Big Apple, New York City.

The Significance of Big Apples
New York state ranks as the second-largest producer of apples in the United States, with the Hudson Valley region being a hub of apple orchards. This new identity, therefore, complements the Renegades' previous local food-themed identity, the Cider Donuts. Additionally, the Big Apples name pays homage to New York City, approximately 100 miles south of the Hudson Valley. The Renegades' affiliation with the Yankees since 2021 further solidifies this connection.

Design and Inspiration
The Renegades will debut their Big Apples uniforms on three occasions in 2025: July 26, August 15, and September 4. These logos and uniforms, designed by San Diego-based Brandiose, feature the primary logo character named Empire. Empire references both New York's nickname and a variety of apples first cultivated in the state. Empire is depicted holding the Statue of Liberty's torch in his left hand and wearing a giant foam finger on his right. The design incorporates a blue and gold color scheme inspired by the New York state flag.

Historical Tie-Ins and Celebration
"We were really intentional about when we wanted the first [Big Apples] game to be," said Vasile. "July 26 coincides with the date in 1788 when New York signed the Constitution and officially became a state. The New York ratifying convention took place in Poughkeepsie at the Dutchess County courthouse, just 25 miles north of the ballpark."

The unveiling event at Heritage Financial Park featured representatives from apple orchards throughout the region. The Renegades also announced the continuation of their partnership with Hudson North Cider, which had previously collaborated with the team on a Cider Donuts-inspired beverage. This partnership will now extend to a special Big Apple cider using apples from New Paltz, a nearby town.

Merchandise and Fan Engagement
Big Apples merchandise is now available both at the ballpark and online. While the Renegades gained notoriety for their scented Cider Donuts merchandise, the Big Apples offerings are currently aroma-free. "We talked about it, but couldn't figure out what we wanted the smell to be," said Vasile. "Apple-scented would probably be too close to what we had with Cider Donuts, and then it's, well, what kind of smell would make it smell like New York?"

​The introduction of the Big Apples identity is a celebration of the Hudson Valley Renegades' local roots and their connection to New York's rich cultural and agricultural heritage. Fans can look forward to seeing the team don their new uniforms in 2025, bringing a fresh and exciting element to the game.