The Richmond Flying Squirrels (Class AA; Eastern League) and the San Francisco Giants extended their player-development contract (PDC) through the 2020 season.
“Richmond has been an important part of the success of the Giants farm system over the past six seasons. Thirty four Flying Squirrels have contributed to the Major League club and many of them played key roles in the Giants World Series championships,” said Giants Senior Vice President and General Manager Bobby Evans. “The Flying Squirrels’ front office is a true partner to our business, player development and staff needs. Their consistent communication and professionalism is refreshing, and they maintain a faithful commitment to our staff and players. We look forward to the completion of plans for building a new stadium and are confident that the Flying Squirrels will continue to make Richmond and its fans proud.”
The affiliation began in 2003 between the Giants and the Norwich Navigators. The Navigators were rebranded as the Connecticut Defenders in 2006, and continued the affiliation through 2009, when the Defenders were relocated to Richmond. The constant through the 14-year relationship has been Flying Squirrels’ President & Managing Partner, Lou DiBella.
“The Giants have been my only affiliate as an owner in minor league baseball,” DiBella said. “The class and dignity with which they go about their business makes them a pleasure to work with and we look forward to continuing our great relationship with San Francisco. The Giants requesting our first four year agreement speaks to their faith in the Flying Squirrel organization and their confidence that we will resolve the ballpark situation with our home town.”
“On a day-to-day basis it is an honor to work closely with everyone from the San Francisco Giants organization. Its an absolute honor,” said Flying Squirrels’ Vice President & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “I personally am excited for all of us that this storybook relationship will continue.”