After missing last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hudson Valley Renegades have returned to Dutchess Stadium to play baseball with fans in the stands.

“We’ve waited a long time for this night," said Steve Gliner, the president of the Renegades.

Only 615 days. But who's counting?

Gliner and his staff have worked hard to make this opening day a reality. They've implemented social distancing in the stadium, sanitized surfaces, and seated just 25% of their capacity, or 1,000 people.

“Seeing the fans here, this is what we’ve worked so hard for, is to get these people back in the building," Gliner said.

And fans agree.

“It is surreal, almost, having watched so many pro sports in empty arenas and empty fields," said Dave Canning, a fan who’s been coming to see the team for more than 20 years. "Just to be back around people out here in public, it’s great to be back again.”

New this season: The Renegades are an official High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees after Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball eliminated 40 minor-league teams. And fans of the minor league team are able to rep their favorite pro squad at the same time, with Yankees gear as far as the eye can see.

But for many, the night was about more than just the game.

“My son; my brother; my dad’s up from Florida. We’re all having a good time together," said Jimmy Moravito, a fan from LaGrange.

They love baseball, and as Moravito's son, a little leaguer and aspiring Renegade, says: “And the food is great!”