Fresh off an affiliation with Round Rock, the Houston Astros have struck an affiliation deal with the Oklahoma City RedHawks (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), bringing back Astros players to the city where old Colt .45s had their original Triple-A affiliation in 1962.
“We are very excited to have our Triple A affiliation coming home to Oklahoma City,” said Astros owner Drayton McLane. “There’s a rich tradition of baseball in Oklahoma City, with strong ties to the Astros, so we expect great things in Oklahoma City.”
“Oklahoma City is a perfect fit for our Triple A affiliate and we are looking forward to working alongside our new partners at Mandalay Baseball, one of the premier owner/operators in Minor League Baseball, to bring a new level of energy and excitement to the RedHawks franchise,” said Tal Smith, Astros President of Baseball Operations added.
“We are thrilled to have the Astros returning to Oklahoma City as the RedHawks’ affiliate,” Art Matin, Mandalay Baseball Property’s CEO and President, said. “The combination of the close proximity to Houston, fan base and history of the Astros in Oklahoma City, TV coverage, other opportunities to draw a connection between the Astros and the RedHawks, and the success the Astros have enjoyed under Drayton McLane’s ownership, make the Astros the logical Major League Baseball affiliate for the RedHawks. We anticipate a long and mutually rewarding relationship between the RedHawks and the Astros.”
The Astros were the original Major League Baseball affiliate of the Oklahoma City Triple-A franchise from 1962 through 1972.
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status.
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