The Connecticut Tigers (Short Season A; NY-Penn League) will continue to serve as an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, as the two sides have extended their agreement through 2020. The current player development contract (PDC) had been set to expire after the 2018 season.
“We take great pride in our strong working relationship with the Detroit Tigers and are extremely excited to remain a part of that family,” said Connecticut Tigers General Manager Dave Schermerhorn. “We are very fortunate to be affiliated with a Major League club with the history and tradition of the Tigers. From top to bottom they are a world-class organization and we are thrilled to be able to continue to provide Tigers baseball for the fans of Southeastern Connecticut for years to come.”
The Detroit Tigers and Connecticut Tigers have been affiliated since the 2010 season when the Oneonta Tigers relocated to Norwich and Dodd Stadium. In the eight seasons since arriving in Norwich there have been 15 former Connecticut Tigers players to make their Major League debut. The 2018 season will mark the 20th season overall under the affiliation, which began in 1999 in Oneonta, New York.
“We’re very proud to be entering into an extension of our partnership with the Connecticut Tigers through the 2020 season,” said Detroit Tigers Vice President of Player Development Dave Littlefield. “Since our Connecticut affiliation began in 2010, the CT Tigers have been a tremendous partner in providing players with their introduction to Professional Baseball. We extend our thanks to the Connecticut ownership and staff for agreeing to this extension and look forward to many more years as a part of the Connecticut Tigers family.”