Characters of the Dutch: The Hanson Sisters

There are many unique characters that go to Dutchess Stadium.

 Perhaps the most prominent characters of the Dutch are the Hanson Sisters. The Hanson sisters are actually the Rosati sisters from Hopewell Junction, NY. Diane is a 56 year old special education teacher and Vivian is a 49 year old cashier at a nearby Stop & Shop. They earned the nickname the Hanson Sisters from the hockey movie “Slap Shot”. In the movie there were three big and gnarly hockey playing brothers and they were known as the Hanson Brothers. Rick Zolzer Renegades PA Announcer took the movie reference and gave the Rosati sisters the nickname the Hanson sisters. 

Zolzer gave them the nickname because of their size and enthusiasm for the game of baseball was similar to that of the Hanson Brothers in the movie. The nickname has stuck ever since.

The Hanson Sisters have been season ticket holders since the team was first brought to Wappingers Falls in 1994. They have three seats in the third row of section 105. The third seat is used to hold all of the Renegades gear that they bring to Dutchess Stadium. 

They are known for wearing Raccoon puppets on their hands. They also have raccoon-tail rally sticks that they bang together with perfect precision. They also are known for getting up and doing the chicken dance each time it is played at the Dutch. As well as being involved in every cheer and dance that goes on. 

“They are the cheerleaders of the Renegades they are the heart and soul of the fan base” said Joe Delia a longtime Renegades fan. The Hanson Sisters come to most of the games they only miss one or two games a season. On the nights they are not there season ticket holder Wayne Delia said “ the game just ain’t right without the Hanson Sisters”.

The Hanson Sisters bring a lot of energy to the Dutch and are entertaining to watch. "Lots of fun, lots of energy, you have to see them waving those raccoons, they are icons here" said Dan Lazenka a retired engineer and currently an usher who mostly works the third base seats.  They are the most passionate fans that I have ever seen. The time and dedication that they put in is remarkable it is something you do not see very often.

           

To this day you still see the Hanson Sisters at every game rooting for their Renegades. The players and coaches may come and go each year. But the Hanson Sisters remain a lasting image of Dutchess Stadium.