We should see a lot of these this weekend: the Williamsport Crosscutters (Short Season A; NY-Penn League) and the Philadelphia Phillies extended their player development contract (PDC) through the 2018 season.
“For the past decade, the Phillies have been an outstanding partner for us in Williamsport with tremendous organizational support from top to bottom, said Cutters Principal Owner Peter Freund. “We are thrilled to have been given the opportunity to remain part of the Phillies family and look forward to continuing our success together both on and off the field.”
The announcement of the extension took place at BB&T Ballpark prior to the Cutters August 26 game.
“We are extremely excited to extend our working relationship with the Crosscutters organization,” said Joe Jordon, Phillies Director of Player Development. “The ownership group, front office and city of Williamsport continue to be extremely important in the development of our young players.”
Williamsport has been an affiliate of the Phillies since 2007. In that time, 30 players have made their Major League debut after spending part of their minor league development in Williamsport including current Phillies; LHP Adam Morgan, RHP Hector Neris, RHP Edubray Ramos, C Cameron Rupp, 3B Maikel Franco, INF Freddy Galvis, INF Cesar Hernandez, OF Cody Asche, 1B Darin Ruf & OF Aaron Altherr.
Williamsport was also affiliated with the Phillies during the 1958-1962 seasons.
Earlier this year, the Crosscutters signed a new four-year lease with the City of Williamsport for the continued use of BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field, the second oldest minor league ballpark in the country, through the 2020 season.
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status in Minor League Baseball.