With the opening of the new SRP Park approaching, the Augusta GreenJackets (Low A; Sally League) are extending their affiliation with the San Francisco Giants. As a result, their player development contract (PDC) will run through 2020.
SRP Park is currently under construction in North Augusta, SC, and is slated to open in time for the 2018 season. According to a recent update from GreenJackets president Jeff Eiseman, the upper level of the ballpark is sold out for the ballpark’s inaugural year. More from The Augusta Chronicle:
GreenJackets staff can turn much of its attention to the lower bowl, specifically the sections behind home plate, while the framework of the ballpark continues to rise next to the Savannah River in North Augusta.
“We believed given the opportunity to move into a state-of-the-art venue and having the ability to have the amenities that we’ve been lacking for 30 years would prove out that was the missing link,” Eiseman said. “We’re starting to see that now. We’re being rewarded for sticking with it and we are seeing that the public support is validating what we’ve always believed.”
In addition to the progress being made on the ballpark, the GreenJackets have also revealed their PDC extension with the Giants. The extension assures that a fairly long-running affiliation will continue.
The GreenJackets-Giants relationship dates back to 2005 and 2018 will mark the 14th season of the partnership. The GreenJackets and Giants affiliation is the longest lasting partnership with a MLB affiliate in GreenJackets franchise history.
Throughout this partnership, the GreenJackets have been the first stop for many of the Giants’ current stars on the big league club including 2014 World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner, 2012 World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval & 2016 GreenJackets Hall of Fame Inductee Roberto Kelly to name a few. Showcasing their commitment to the CSRA, the Giants and GreenJackets players and staff continue to make many appearances throughout the CSRA each season.
GreenJackets’ President, Jeff Eiseman, “The Giants have been the longest tenured affiliation in GreenJackets history and we are thrilled to continue our partnership with them. This is an exciting time in GreenJackets history and we look forward to providing a venue for the new wave of Giants prospects to pave the way to San Francisco.”
During the partnership, the GreenJackets have qualified for the South Atlantic League playoffs in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011 and 2013. In 2008, the ‘Jackets won their 4th South Atlantic League Championship and in 2009 the GreenJackets had the best overall record in the SAL South.
“We cannot be more excited to extend our partnership with the San Francisco Giants who have consistently supplied both players and coaches that have represented the GreenJackets organization well on and off the field here in the CSRA,” stated Tom Denlinger Vice President. “As we move to our new home at SRP Park we look forward to being an integral part of the next wave of Giants greats to start here in the CSRA.”
“We are excited to have the opportunity to open a new stadium and extend our PDC, to 2020 with the Augusta GreenJackets,” stated San Francisco Giants Senior Vice President and General Manager Bobby Evans. “The new ballpark, much like AT&T Park, will enhance the fan experience and be a gathering point for the surrounding communities. This energized environment will be perfect for our player’s development as they prepare to play in front of 40,000 Giants fans one day.”
Here is a look at the current affiliation status in Minor League Baseball.