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Barons, White Sox extend affiliation deal

Birmingham BaronsThe Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) and parent Chicago White Sox have extended their player-development contract (PDC) through the 2020 season.

The 2016 season will mark the team’s 30th year as the Double-A Affiliate of the White Sox, the longest tenured partnership in the Southern League and one of the longest in all of Minor League Baseball. Over the first 29 years of the affiliation, the Barons have won five Southern League Championships (1987, 1989, 1993, 2002, 2013) and made the playoffs 15 times, including a franchise record and Southern League record tying six-straight appearances from 2000-05. In addition, the White Sox captured the 2005 World Series Championship with a roster featuring eight former Barons.

“The White Sox and Barons have enjoyed an excellent relationship for nearly 30 years, bringing multiple championships to the city of Birmingham, and we’re excited to extend our partnership through the 2020 season,” said Rick Hahn, White Sox Senior Vice President/General Manager. “Regions Field has earned a well-deserved reputation as the one of the top ballparks in the minor leagues, and the fans have responded by helping the Barons lead the Southern League in attendance three straight years.”

Since moving to Regions Field in 2013, the list of Barons to make their Major League debut with the White Sox includes Erik Johnson, Daniel Webb, Frankie Montas, Chris Bassitt, Chris Beck, Jake Petricka, Micah Johnson, Tyler Saladino, Marcus Semien, Andy Wilkins and Trayce Thompson. Previously names such as Frank Thomas, Mike Cameron, Mark Buehrle, and Bobby Jenks have donned the Barons uniform before making it directly to Chicago.

“The Barons are thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship with the Chicago White Sox,” said Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson. “This agreement will carry us through 34 seasons as an affiliate of the White Sox, which speaks to the incredible relationship between the two clubs. We look forward to a prosperous partnership for many years to come,” Nelson added.

You can view the current state of affiliations and player-development contracts here.

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