The Los Angeles Angels have enjoyed a partnership with the California League for almost as long as they have been a team. On Thursday, they extended that long affiliation.
The Angels and Inland Empire 66ers agreed to a 2-year player development contract, assuring the Angels of their continued presence in the Class A Advanced California League.
The Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers essentially swapped teams in the California League, with the Dodgers signing a 2-year deal with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, the team the Angels had previously been associated with.
The Inland Empires, who play out of San Bernardino and play their home games at Arrowhead Credit Union Park, were also affiliated with the Seattle Mariners for several years.
Major league players who have played with the 66ers include future Hall-of-Famer Ken Griffey Jr., Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre, Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez, Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko and former pitcher Mike Hampton.
Overall, over 100 players who have played for the 66ers have made it to the majors.
Inland Empire marks the eighth team that the Los Angeles Angels have been affiliated with in the Class-A Advanced California League. San Jose, Stockton, Salinas, Redwood, Palm Springs, Lake Elsinore and Rancho Cucamonga are the others.
“The Angel organization is excited to begin our relationship with The Inland Empire 66ers” said Abe Flores, Angels director of player development. “They have a first rate ballpark and front office as well as passionate fans that continually support the club. It is our hope to cultivate a relationship with the City of San Bernardino and embrace fans throughout the Inland Empire.”
The 66ers ranked fifth in attendance last season in the league, averaging 2.561 fans per game.
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Comments
I hope this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship between the Los Angeles Angels and The Inland Empire 66ers.
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