It's back to the diamond for the Tri-City ValleyCats, as the 2019 season opens Friday.

The ValleyCats start their defense of the New York-Penn League championship on the road against the Vermont Lake Monsters, but they hold their home opener Sunday evening at 6 p.m. against the Staten Island Yankees.

Last season, the ValleyCats, who are the short-season single-A affiliate of MLB's Houston Astros, defeated the Hudson Valley Renegades to claim the league crown. To celebrate, the team will give away replica championship rings at Monday's game at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.

Tickets are still available and affordable, with single-game, mini-plan and group ticket options available. Promotions this season include postgame fireworks, Hall of Fame Night (June 21), Field of Dreams Night (July 11) and Summer of Love Night with a Jimi Hendrix bobblehead giveaway (Aug. 14).