PRESS RELEASE – The Boston Red Sox and Portland Sea Dogs have agreed to extend their Player Development Contract (PDC) for an additional four years. The extension keeps the Red Sox Double-A affiliation in Portland through the 2018 season. Red Sox Director of Player Development Ben Crockett and Sea Dogs’ Chairman Bill Burke made the announcement.
The Sea Dogs and Red Sox last extended the affiliation in January of 2011, when a two year extension was announced, taking the contract through the 2014 season.
“As we prepare for our 20th season of Sea Dogs baseball we are thrilled to announce this new agreement,” said Bill Burke, chairman of the Sea Dogs. “It is an honor to be associated with the Boston Red Sox, one of the greatest franchises in professional sports, and we are pleased to let our incredible fans know that this relationship will continue well into the future.”
Sally Burke McNamara, the team’s treasurer added, “We feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to continue the legacy our father created, and our partnership with the Red Sox is a cornerstone of that legacy. We thank the Red Sox for the confidence they’ve placed in us and we will continue to do everything we can to provide them with the best possible environment to develop future big leaguers. ”
Ben Crockett, the Director of Player Development for the Boston Red Sox said, “The Portland Sea Dogs and the Burke family have been tremendous partners in the development of Red Sox minor league players who have played at Hadlock Field. We are excited to extend our relationship and look forward to continued success in the future.”
The Sea Dogs originally entered into a contract with the Red Sox following the 2002 season, ending a nine year affiliation with the Florida Marlins. Upon changing affiliations the Sea Dogs changed colors from teal to red and blue. Additionally, the Sea Dogs erected a likeness of Fenway Park’s famed Green Monster in left field at Hadlock Field. The skyboxes at Hadlock Field were also renamed in honor of Red Sox legendary hitters.
The Sea Dogs have advanced to post-season play four times in ten seasons since becoming an affiliate of the Red Sox, including capturing their first Eastern League Championship in 2006. Sea Dogs alumni currently with the Boston Red Sox include Daniel Bard, Clay Buchholz, Felix Doubront, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jose Iglesias, Ryan Kalish, Ryan Lavarnway, Jon Lester, Will Middlebrooks, Dustin Pedroia, & Junichi Tazawa.
The Sea Dogs will open their 20th season on Thursday, April 4th at 6:00 PM against the Trenton Thunder (Yankees) at Hadlock Field. Book your nine inning vacation; tickets for the 2013 season are now on sale can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 and online at http://www.seadogs.com.
ballparkbiz.wordpress.com 