SUNS SHINE IN DC AS HAGERSTOWN SET
TO BECOME NATIONALS SINGLE-A AFFILIATETwo-Year Player Development Agreement to Begin with 2007 Season
LINK:
http://www.hagerstownsuns.com/cgi-bin/dist/news.cgi?id=1The Washington Nationals and the Hagerstown Suns have executed a two-year Player Development Agreement. The new partnership will offer fans throughout the entire region an enhanced relationship with current and future stars as players move through the Nationals system on their way to RFK Stadium.
Under terms of the agreement announced today by the Nationals and Suns? owners Mandalay Baseball Properties, the Suns will serve as the South Atlantic League affiliate of the Nationals through the 2008 season. The Suns were an affiliate of the New York Mets for the past two seasons.
?We are absolutely thrilled to become a member of the Nationals minor league system,? said Suns President and General Manager Kurt Landes. ?It will be a treat for our fans to follow player?s careers from Hagerstown to the big league club just a short drive away. We are a great match for each other in many ways and we are looking forward to the beginning of a long relationship.?
The Nationals were previously affiliated with the Savannah Sand Gnats of the South Atlantic League. Other local Nationals affiliates include the Double-A Harrisburg (PA) Senators and the Single-A Potomac (VA) Cannons.
?We could not be happier to join forces with not only the Suns, but the town of Hagerstown, MD,? said Nationals President Stan Kasten. ?Municipal Stadium is less than 70 miles from Washington, and this partnership will provide our fans with another first-hand view as we continue with our stated commitment to player development. At the same time, Hagerstown?s proximity to Washington allows our home-grown talent to see, hear and taste what is happening with the Nationals, and realize that they are but a few steps removed from reaching the big leagues.?
The New York Mets will have the opportunity to sign a Player Development Agreement with other Minor League Clubs through September 30. The Suns were affiliated with the Baltimore Orioles from 1981 to 1992, the Toronto Blue Jays from 1993-2000 and with the San Francisco Giants from 2001-2004 before affiliating with the Mets the past two seasons.
The Suns are owned by Mandalay Baseball Properties of Los Angeles, California. Ticket plans and sponsorships are available by contacting the Suns at 301.791.6266.