As expected, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) and Toronto Blue Jays extended their PDC through 2014, as hopes of a Jays Double-A team in Ottawa fade to black.
Toronto has been New Hampshire’s Major League parent club since the Fisher Cats began play in Manchester in 2004.
“We are very pleased to continue our relationship with the Blue Jays,” said Art Solomon, Fisher Cats owner. “Toronto continues to be a top-notch organization that consistently supplies us with high-character players and competitive teams on a yearly basis. We look forward to contending for additional Eastern League titles in the years to come.”
Ottawa officials and Beacon Sports had been working to put together a deal to bring an Eastern League team — though not the Fisher Cats — to Ottawa Stadium for the 2013 season, and part of that plan was luring the Blue Jays as a parent team. Without Toronto as a parent, it’s pretty clear that Ottawa efforts will fade away; the chances for a team had been diminishing anyway (no one was stepping up to buy the Binghamton Mets and move the team), and this is the final nail in the coffin.
“The Blue Jays are very pleased to be extending our working agreement with the Fisher Cats,” said Blue Jays Director of Minor League Operations Charlie Wilson. “The Fisher Cats represent the best of Minor League Baseball with state-of-the-art ballpark and facilities, passionate baseball fans, and a great front office led by Art and Rick. This is a great arrangement for us for another two years.”
“Working with the Blue Jays has been a pleasure for our team,” added Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner. “The players provide our fans with excitement on the field while representing the Blue Jays, the Fisher Cats, and themselves with class in the community. We look forward to two more great years with Toronto.”
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status.
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