The Memphis Redbirds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and the St. Louis Cardinals renewed their affiliation for two more years, through the end of the 2014 season.
“We are very pleased to have extended our relationship with the Redbirds organization and the city of Memphis for an additional two years,” said John Mozeliak, Cardinals’ Senior Vice President and General Manager. “The Redbirds ballclub and the Memphis fans have been tremendous supporters of the Cardinals organization for many years. AutoZone Park is considered to be among the finest ballparks in the country and we feel that there is no better place to develop Cardinals players who are one level away from reaching St. Louis and the Major Leagues.”
Memphis has been the Triple-A affiliate for the Cardinals since their inception in 1998. In that time, Memphis has been Pacific Coast League Champions twice (2000, 2009). They began playing at their current home, AutoZone Park, in 2000. 32 members of the current Cardinals 40-man roster have spent significant time playing for the Memphis Redbirds in their career.
“We are excited to extend the affiliation agreement with the St. Louis Cardinals. Memphis has been and always will be Cardinals Country,” said John Pontius, Memphis Redbirds Foundation Treasurer. “We look forward to continue watching the future stars of the franchise come through AutoZone Park before their Major League careers begin.”
The deal leaves only two Triple-A teams without an affiliation: the Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and the Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League). Two MLB also lack an affiliation — the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Mets — and the Blue Jays have reportedly interested in a new deal with the Bisons.
Here’s a look at the current affiliate status.
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