The Everett AquaSox and the Seattle Mariners have agreed to a two-year extension to the Player Development Contract, binding the team’s affiliation through the 2012 season. The agreement was finalized Wednesday afternoon.
“We are excited to extend our great partnership with the Mariners,” said AquaSox Executive Vice President Tom Backemeyer. “It’s a perfect fit on all levels, and we are thrilled that AquaSox fans will get to continue to see future Mariners here in Everett.”
The AquaSox have been the Short-Season Single-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners since 1995.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the Everett AquaSox on an extension of our player development agreement,” said Mariners Director of Minor League Operations Pedro Grifol. “Everett is a great fit for the Mariners. The AquaSox ownership has been great to work with, the players get a first-class environment and get to play in front of great fans.”
The AquaSox play their home games at Everett Memorial Stadium, located in Everett, Wash. Seattle and Everett are less than 30 miles apart.
“It’s convenient for us to see the players and staff,” said Grifol, “but more importantly, fans from around the area can see our kids from the very beginning of their career.”
The AquaSox have produced numerous Major Leaguers in the 15-year affiliation with the Mariners, including current M’s Félix Hernández, José López, Adam Moore, Doug Fister, Matt Tuiasosopo and Michael Saunders.
“The Mariners are a first-class organization and have been a great partner,” said Backemeyer. “We look forward to working with them over the next two years and beyond.”
The AquaSox underwent a creative overhaul last offseason, which included a brand extension to include new logos. The “Trident-E” logo, primarily displayed on the road hats, is designed to celebrate the partnership with the Mariners by playing off the old Seattle Mariners “Trident-M’ logos of the 1970’s and 80’s.
“The ‘Trident-E’ logo, along with the team lettering, is a new and unique way to display our strong affiliation with the Mariners,” said Backemeyer. The AquaSox are the first Minor League Baseball team to build their identity based on their affiliate’s throwback logos.
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status.
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