This is more a formality than anything else, as the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Class AAA; International League) and the New York Yankees extended their PDC through 2018.
The signing extended their relationship for four more years, through the 2018 season. That is the longest extension allowed per baseball rules. This is no surprise: the Yankees are the co-owner of the team, with Mandalay Baseball Properties. This ownership situation will change before the end of the season, however, as Mandalay teams are being sold off. The Yankees reportedly have passed on a chance to own all of the RailRiders, however, but with the decision will remain in SWB no matter what.
“We love our relationship with the Yankees,” said RailRiders president/GM Rob Crain. “The signing of the PDC’s maximum extension marks the formal acknowledgment of what everyone should know — the RailRiders and the Yankees enjoy a wonderfully positive partnership that will be here for a long, long time.”
Crain and New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman put pen to paper during Saturday’s game. It was a celebratory day on multiple fronts. The only manager the team has known during its time as a Yankees affiliate, Dave Miley, was inducted into the International League’s Hall of Fame in a special pre-game ceremony on the field.
“We are excited,” said Cashman. “When we brought the franchise affiliation here in 2007, we told everyone we were here to stay and we meant business. We couldn’t be in a better place.”
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status in Minor League Baseball.
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