Back With the D-Backs
Published on August 26, 2008 under California League (CalL1)
Visalia Rawhide News Release
VISALIA, CA-The Arizona Diamondbacks and Visalia Oaks agreed to renew their Player Development Contract yesterday, ensuring that Visalia will remain the D-Backs' Class A-Advanced affiliate through 2010. The agreement, which hinged on the City of Visalia's pledge to continue to bring Oaks Ballpark into compliance with MLB facility standards, represents a major victory for baseball in Visalia. "We are happy to have developed a good relationship in Visalia as a central part of our development system," said A.J. Hinch, Director of Player Development for the Diamondbacks. "We are encouraged about the renovation project, and we look forward to our future in Visalia." Ballpark Renovation Paying Dividends The Oaks have worked with City officials and Diamondbacks personnel for several months in efforts to bring historic Recreation Park closer to compliance with Professional Baseball facility standards. The future renovations will continue a period of sustained improvement, which have included the new home clubhouse (2006), renovated visitors' clubhouse (2007), new fog-misted party areas down the left field line (2003-2008), new bullpens and improved lighting (2008), and, of course, the major expansion down the right field line which will be completed later this year. Arizona's renewal is proof that the city's commitment has already paid dividends; previous affiliates (Oakland, 2002, Colorado, 2004, and Tampa Bay, 2006) each chose not to renew at the end of their contracts due to substandard facilities. Location, Location, Location Oaks President Tom Seidler was ecstatic about the renewal, and named geography as one of the primary reasons. "We are thrilled to continue as part of the Diamondbacks family," he said. "First, they're a class organization with a stated and practiced commitment to their farm system. Second, they're the best fit geographically; the fact that their Spring Training and Major League facilities are in Arizona, along with their frequent visits to the West Coast to face NL West rivals, allows fans in the Central Valley to stay connected with Oaks past, present & future." Visalia also figures to benefit from more rehab appearances by Major Leaguers over the coming years. The past two seasons have seen visits from Randy Johnson, Jeff DeVanon, Eric Byrnes, and Chris Snyder; with Arizona's AAA farm club moving from Tucson to Reno in 2009, Visalia will become a more convenient rehab location and will likely see an even larger annual stream of D-backs players.
California League Stories from August 26, 2008
- Back With the D-Backs - Visalia Rawhide
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- JetHawks Win Streak Stopped at Nine - Lancaster JetHawks
- San Jose Giants' Kevin Pucetas Named 2008 California League Pitcher of the Year - San Jose Giants
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