EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Squirrels, Giants Extend Player Development Contract

Published on September 2, 2010 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Flying Squirrels are pleased to announce an extension of their Player Development Contract (PDC) with the San Francisco Giants. Under the new two-year agreement, the Flying Squirrels will remain the Eastern League Double-A affiliate of the Giants through the 2012 season. Former Giants left-hander and American League Cy Young Award winner and MVP Vida Blue will be in attendance to help commemorate the affiliation extension as part of a special pre-game ceremony on Friday.

"Bill Neukom and the Giants officials along with coaches and players are excited and enthused about what we are doing and the city that they are in," said Flying Squirrels President and Managing General Partner Lou DiBella. "We've had a great relationship with them and are happy to continue that relationship and are excited about what the future holds."

The Giants will continue to supply the players that will make up the Flying Squirrels' roster for the next two seasons. The extension of the PDC will continue a relationship between the Eastern League franchise and the Giants that began in 2003. At the time, the franchise was known as the Norwich Navigators and the affiliation continued through the franchise's rebranding as the Connecticut Defenders and eventual relocation to Richmond. DiBella assumed the role of President and Managing General Partner of the franchise in 2005.

"The Giants have enjoyed our first season working with the extremely experienced and committed front office of the Flying Squirrels," said Giants Vice President of Baseball Operations Bobby Evans. "The players and our staff have appreciated their hard work and the support of the fans and the city of Richmond."

The Giants have one of the most successful developmental systems in baseball, boasting the highest minor league combined winning percentage amongst all 30 Major League clubs in 2009. On Wednesday, outfielder Darren Ford became the first Flying Squirrel to be promoted to the Major Leagues with San Francisco as he was recalled by Giants.

As part of Friday's festivities to help celebrate the affiliation extension between the Flying Squirrels and Giants, 1971 American League Cy Young Award winner and MVP Vida Blue will be in attendance to take part in a special pre-game ceremony and throw out a ceremonial first pitch. He will also be available to sign autographs for fans at the AAA Ultimate Family Entertainment Zone Main Stage from the first through fourth innings.

The 61-year-old spent 17 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Oakland A's, Giants, and Kansas City Royals. He was a six-time All-Star selection in his career including being named a National League All-Star three times in six seasons with the Giants. The Mansfield, La. native made his Major League debut with the A's in 1969 and won three consecutive World Series titles with Oakland from 1972-1974. He was part of two no-hitters during his tenure with the A's, throwing a complete-game no-hitter against the Minnesota Twins September 21, 1970, and also combining with three relievers to throw a no-hitter against the California Angels September 28, 1975.

The left-hander finished his playing career with the Giants in 1986 and posted a career 209-161 record and 3.27 ERA in 502 Major League games including 473 starts. On September 23, 2008, he was part of the inaugural induction class into the Giants Wall of Fame at AT&T Park in San Francisco.

Blue, along with Flying Squirrels' Vice President & COO Todd "Parney" Parnell, will be available for comment on Friday evening from 5:45 to 6:00 PM on the field behind home plate.

There are only four home dates remaining in the Flying Squirrels' inaugural season at The Diamond. Tickets are available for the remaining four home dates and can be purchased by visiting the Squirrels' Ticket Office at The Diamond, calling (804) 359-FUNN (3866) or by logging on to SquirrelsBaseball.com.

Season tickets for the 2011 season of Flying Squirrels are now available and can be purchased by calling (804) 359-FUNN (3866).

Check out the Richmond Flying Squirrels Statistics

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Eastern League Stories from September 2, 2010


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