The Omaha Storm Chasers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and Kansas City Royals have extended their player development contract, carrying it through the 2022 season. The extension, announced prior to Monday’s exhibition between the Storm Chasers and visiting Royals, continues the longest active Triple-A affiliation in Minor League Baseball.
“We are excited to announce another extension of our 50-plus year affiliation with the Royals,” said Storm Chasers President and General Manager Martie Cordaro. “We enjoy the longest and one of the strongest relationships in all of Triple-A Baseball. The future is bright for both organizations and we will to continue to provide an environment for which the Royals can develop championship caliber players and community leaders.”
“Omaha has been a great affiliate of the Kansas City Royals for many years and we are proud to be extending with the Storm Chasers through 2022,” said Kansas City Royals Vice President/Assistant General Manager of Player Development J.J. Picollo. “Our relationship with the Storm Chasers ownership group, front office and fan base creates the perfect environment for us. We are thankful for all Omaha does and how our players are embraced within the community.”
The Omaha and Kansas City franchises have been aligned since both began play in 1969. An impressive number of talented players have played in Omaha en route to becoming Major Leaguers, including Hall of Famer George Brett. In addition, ten inductees of the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame wore an Omaha uniform at some point in their career.
Dating back to 1969, the Omaha franchise has posted a 3,556-3,519 record, adding 16 Division titles, seven League Championships, as well as three Triple-A Championships, including Back-To-Back Triple-A Championships during the 2013 and 2014 campaigns.
The Omaha-Kansas City affiliation is one of the longest enduring partnerships in Minor League Baseball, including the longest active affiliation at the Triple-A level, and third longest active overall behind the Reading Fightin’ Phils and Lakeland Flying Tigers, who have been aligned with the Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers, respectively, since 1967. Entering the 2019 campaign, over 900 ballplayers have gone on to play Major League Baseball after wearing an Omaha uniform, including more than 150 with the Royals since 2011.