River Cats & A's Extend PDC
Published on November 2, 2004 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Sacramento River Cats and Oakland Athletics today announced they will extend their player development contract through the 2006 season. The Oakland A's have been the River Cats' affiliate during each of the team's five seasons in Sacramento.
The teams agreed to a two-year extension of their current contract, which expired after last season. The franchises first linked up in 1999, prior to the Vancouver Canadians' relocation to Sacramento. During their five seasons in Sacramento, the River Cats have won two PCL Championships (2003-04) and four PCL South Division titles (2000-01, 2003-04). They have gone a combined 402-318 (.558), the best record of any PCL team over the last five seasons. Sacramento has had just one losing season, while reaching the 90-win plateau twice.
"We are proud to continue the relationship between the River Cats and Oakland Athletics," River Cats President & Chief Operating Officer Alan Ledford said. "We are fortunate to work with such a quality major league affiliate and to be in one of the best baseball towns in America. Our fans are knowledgeable and enjoy our winning tradition."
During the River Cats' five seasons in Sacramento, they have sent more than 80 players to the major leagues -- more than 25 of whom held a spot on a major league roster for the majority of the 2004 season. Notable alumni include LHP Barry Zito (A's), LHP Mark Mulder (A's), 3B Eric Hinske (Blue Jays), RHP Rich Harden (A's), RHP Aaron Harang (Reds), SS Bobby Crosby (A's), OF Eric Byrnes (A's) and 2B Mark Bellhorn (Red Sox). Zito won the American League Cy Young Award in 2002, the same year Hinske was named the American League Rookie of the Year. Crosby is among the favorites for this season's American League Rookie of the Year Award.
"We have had some outstanding young players during our five seasons in Sacramento," River Cats Senior VP & General Manager Gary Arthur said. "[Vice President & General Manager] Billy Beane, [Director of Player Development] Keith Lieppman, [Director of Minor League Operations] Ted Polakowski and the entire baseball group with the A's do such a great job of drafting and developing talent. Not only have our fans had the opportunity to call two PCL Most Valuable Players their own, they have also got to watch as an unprecedented number of young stars hone their skills en route to major league careers."
The Oakland Athletics have had success at the Triple-A level, dating back to 1996. During that span, Oakland's Triple-A affiliate has won five of nine PCL Championships. The River Cats have won PCL Championships during each of their last two seasons. In 1999, the Vancouver Canadians (A's) won the PCL then went on to win the Triple-A World Series. While affiliated with the A's, the Edmonton Trappers won back-to-back PCL Championships in 1996 and 1997.
"The Oakland A's understand the importance of winning at the minor league level," Arthur said. "They want their players to be accustomed to success by the time they reach the major leagues."
The River Cats will begin their 2005 season on April 7, when they host the Portland Beavers at Raley Field. Season and group tickets for the upcoming season are available now by calling 916-371-HITS. Fans interested in being placed on the priority seating list for Fun Packs (partial season tickets) can do so immediately by calling 916-371-HITS. Season ticket and Fun Pack holders will be guaranteed the opportunity to obtain tickets to the 2005 Triple-A All-Star Game (July 13) at Raley Field before a very limited amount of tickets are made available to the public.
Pacific Coast League Stories from November 2, 2004
- River Cats & A's Extend PDC - Sacramento River Cats
- Royals announce home game times for 2005 season - Omaha Storm Chasers
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.
