Houston Astros Ink Affiliation Agreement With Lancaster JetHawks
September 22, 2008 - California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(LANCASTER, CA) - The Lancaster JetHawks have signed an agreement with the Houston Astros to be its High Class-A affiliate beginning with the 2009 season. The Astros will place an affiliate in the California League for the first time in over 40 years while the JetHawks will partner with its fourth Major League organization in its history. The two organizations have signed an initial two-year agreement to place the affiliation in Lancaster and will automatically sign a two-year extension at the conclusion of the 2009 season with the JetHawks management team that will extend the affiliation through the 2012 season.
"This is very exciting not only for the JetHawks but for the Antelope Valley, given the mutual involvement that both of our communities share in the aerospace industry," says JetHawks majority owner Peter Carfagna. "The Astros have proven to be strong partners with their other affiliates and in committing to this agreement, we have ensured continuity in our Major League relationship for several years to come as we look to build on the successes on and off the field that we have enjoyed the last several years."
The Astros, who reached the World Series in 2005, feature several players on its current Major League roster who were produced via the club's minor league system, including Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt and top prospect Hunter Pence. The organization's other Minor League affiliates are located in Round Rock, TX (AAA), Corpus Christi, TX (AA), Lexington, KY (low A), Tri-Cities, NY (short season A) and Greenville, TN (Rookie). The Astros had an affiliate in Modesto in the 1960s, the last time the organization was represented in the California League.
"We're looking forward to building a great relationship with the city of Lancaster and the Jethawks", explained Astros Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Development Ricky Bennett. "The Lancaster franchise is a first-class operation with a tremendous facility and creating a new fanbase on the West Coast over the next four years is very exciting for our players and staff."
The JetHawks have had three Major League partners in the franchise's 13-year history. The new affiliation with Houston ends a two-year partnership with the Boston Red Sox, which followed a six-year affiliation with the Arizona Diamondbacks and five-year partnership with the Seattle Mariners from 1996 - 2000. The JetHawks have sent over 80 players to the Major League level during its existence, including notables Brandon Webb, Dan Uggla and Carlos Quentin, and has reached the California League playoffs in eight of the club's 13 years, including the past season in which the club reached the California League Championship Series for the second time in five years.
Don't miss the exciting 14th season of JetHawks baseball in Lancaster. The 2009 regular season opens in early April and ticket packages starting at only $50 are available now. To order, call (661)726-5400 or for more information, check out the official website of the JetHawks at www.JetHawks.com.
California League Stories from September 22, 2008
- 66ers renew contract with Dodgers - Inland Empire 66ers
- Houston Astros Ink Affiliation Agreement With Lancaster JetHawks - Lancaster JetHawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
