The Seattle Mariners and Everett AquaSox (short season A; Northwest League) are extending their player-development contract through the 2014 season.
“We are pleased to extend our partnership with the Mariners,” said AquaSox Executive Vice President Tom Backemeyer. “We could not be affiliated with a better organization, and we are excited that future Mariners will continue to get their start here in Everett.” The AquaSox have been the short-Season affiliate of the Seattle Mariners since the 1995 season.
“It is wonderful for the Seattle Mariners organization to have a Northwest affiliate so close to Seattle,” said Mariners General Manager Jack Zduriencik. “We have a great relationship with the Everett AquaSox ownership and everyone involved with the entire operation. It is great that the AquaSox and the Mariners can share such a strong fan base in the Northwest. All of this makes for a great marriage and we look forward to working closely with the AquaSox franchise to develop Major League talent.”
The AquaSox play their home games at Everett Memorial Stadium, located in Everett, Wash. Seattle and Everett are fewer than 30 miles apart.
“We’re extremely delighted to renew our affiliation with the Everett AquaSox,” said Mariners Director of Player Development Chris Gwynn. “The city of Everett and the AquaSox fan-base have always been great supporters of our minor leaguers and the entire Mariners organization and we’re looking forward to continuing to bring a great brand of baseball to the area for years to come.”
The AquaSox have produced numerous Major Leaguers during their affiliation with the Mariners, including current M’s Félix Hernández, Tom Wilhelmsen, Stephen Pryor and Michael Saunders.
“The Mariners are a first-class organization and have been a great partner over the years,” said Backemeyer. “We are looking forward to working with them over the next two years and beyond.”
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status.
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